By chance, I found The Parting Glass, which takes place in 1830s NYC and involves some forbidden loves (across class and gender lines) mixed with some politics and a bit of other stuff. The narrator is in her early twenties and had to leave Ireland (with her twin brother) after being caught having an affair with a maid. They find work in a rich widow's home, him in the stable, she as the daughter's maid. More drama ensues. Pretty good.
Teaching When The World Is On Fire is a collection about teaching students in our troubled times (sections of politics, safety, race, gender/sex ed -- too short -- climate and culture matters). I think it is bit too race focused (the race section -- other chapters also involve race -- is about a quarter of the book; the gender/sex ed is less than half as long), but it has some good material. I read about half the chapters, skimmed over the rest. The book does invite that. A good chapter is a later one where a scientist who decides to teach has problems with climate deniers.
The essays start with a chapter by Bill Ayers, who is an education specialist now, but has a controversial past (that many readers probably are not familiar with) given his 1960s activism. He has four lessons: each student is a three dimension human being, we need to learn how to live together (via an environment guided by honesty, dialogue, critical questioning, fairness and recognition, not monologue, management, control, or punishment), wherever racism exists we resist and "in everything we undertake we foreground the arts of liberty -- imagination and creativity, initiative and courage, compassion, ingenuity, and enterprise -- as we work to expand the agency of students, and generate transformative possibilities for all of us."
T. Elijah Hawkes taught a restorative justice class, working with students to improve the school disciplinary system and school-to-prison pipeline. He set up some basic rules. (1) Make the extra-curricular curricular. [School day as whole.] (2) Ask a big question [to welcome more people, cover broad topics -- moral, ethical, personal and/or political questions]. (3) Involve people with positional power. (4) Establish trust. [One mic, let people talk; avoid absolutes; use "I" statements & acknowledge others who do] (5) Engage in inquiry. (6) Connect with cops and community. (7) Become informed and qualified. (8) Value the faculty's perspective. (9) See the unconventional success.
Mica Pollock has a chapter on "Standing Up Against Hate." She starts with three responsibilities for educators: stand up against hate and intimidation, so schools are safe for learning; engage the facts and protect the right to learn. H. Richard Milner IV offers ten tips to help race and politics be discussed in the classroom. A basic rule is to have diverse perspectives and views (including understanding your own) which involves the students drawing from a range of sources in researching as well. The teacher can use current events as launching points and be able to address the concerns and needs of the students. And, talking and collaborating with parents, community members and school administrators. Dale Weiss joined with two students to address gender/trans issues. And so on.
A book on books was not interesting. I will continue with a couple more, if they turn out to be interesting.
[Okay] Lady Tigers In The Concrete Jungle is a good book -- it's about a softball team in a struggling school in the South Bronx. Some details on changed for privacy, but these people have some tough shit (the language at times is blunt) to handle, both the coach and his players. The book suggests the value of sports and other group opportunities as a matter of teamwork, believing in one's self, a goal that can further other ones (want to play? do your schoolwork) and just something to do (life at home was not great for many of the girls). Some are not a big fan of sports but it's best to look at them in a wider sense.
The events took around four years ago but (with some pictures so people know who they are) we learn some intimate stuff about these girls. The success of the team and the empathy of those involved in a "concrete jungle" is reassuring in these times. Enough real life too to give it that Bronx seal of reality. Be curious to learn more on how she got the material especially all the detail. Overall, you have a sort of can't miss story with some bite and good writing and detail. Plus, "Dibs" is a great sports writer name.
Teaching When The World Is On Fire is a collection about teaching students in our troubled times (sections of politics, safety, race, gender/sex ed -- too short -- climate and culture matters). I think it is bit too race focused (the race section -- other chapters also involve race -- is about a quarter of the book; the gender/sex ed is less than half as long), but it has some good material. I read about half the chapters, skimmed over the rest. The book does invite that. A good chapter is a later one where a scientist who decides to teach has problems with climate deniers.
The essays start with a chapter by Bill Ayers, who is an education specialist now, but has a controversial past (that many readers probably are not familiar with) given his 1960s activism. He has four lessons: each student is a three dimension human being, we need to learn how to live together (via an environment guided by honesty, dialogue, critical questioning, fairness and recognition, not monologue, management, control, or punishment), wherever racism exists we resist and "in everything we undertake we foreground the arts of liberty -- imagination and creativity, initiative and courage, compassion, ingenuity, and enterprise -- as we work to expand the agency of students, and generate transformative possibilities for all of us."
T. Elijah Hawkes taught a restorative justice class, working with students to improve the school disciplinary system and school-to-prison pipeline. He set up some basic rules. (1) Make the extra-curricular curricular. [School day as whole.] (2) Ask a big question [to welcome more people, cover broad topics -- moral, ethical, personal and/or political questions]. (3) Involve people with positional power. (4) Establish trust. [One mic, let people talk; avoid absolutes; use "I" statements & acknowledge others who do] (5) Engage in inquiry. (6) Connect with cops and community. (7) Become informed and qualified. (8) Value the faculty's perspective. (9) See the unconventional success.
Mica Pollock has a chapter on "Standing Up Against Hate." She starts with three responsibilities for educators: stand up against hate and intimidation, so schools are safe for learning; engage the facts and protect the right to learn. H. Richard Milner IV offers ten tips to help race and politics be discussed in the classroom. A basic rule is to have diverse perspectives and views (including understanding your own) which involves the students drawing from a range of sources in researching as well. The teacher can use current events as launching points and be able to address the concerns and needs of the students. And, talking and collaborating with parents, community members and school administrators. Dale Weiss joined with two students to address gender/trans issues. And so on.
A book on books was not interesting. I will continue with a couple more, if they turn out to be interesting.
[Okay] Lady Tigers In The Concrete Jungle is a good book -- it's about a softball team in a struggling school in the South Bronx. Some details on changed for privacy, but these people have some tough shit (the language at times is blunt) to handle, both the coach and his players. The book suggests the value of sports and other group opportunities as a matter of teamwork, believing in one's self, a goal that can further other ones (want to play? do your schoolwork) and just something to do (life at home was not great for many of the girls). Some are not a big fan of sports but it's best to look at them in a wider sense.
The events took around four years ago but (with some pictures so people know who they are) we learn some intimate stuff about these girls. The success of the team and the empathy of those involved in a "concrete jungle" is reassuring in these times. Enough real life too to give it that Bronx seal of reality. Be curious to learn more on how she got the material especially all the detail. Overall, you have a sort of can't miss story with some bite and good writing and detail. Plus, "Dibs" is a great sports writer name.
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