Originally posted by auntpolly
And like I've said a hundred times, I know it's not always possible or practical, but what I'm saying is wouldn't it be great to <i>try</i>....but some of you just keep saying "nope, nope nope, they've gotta learn" and the fact is that the kids I'm thinking about will never learn it that way. You're right, life isn't fair. I'm just saying that I wish schools could look at rules and make sure there is a <i>good</i> reason for them. I'm sure there hare many instances of kids' lives being changed when teachers bend the rules just a little. I remember seeing a story on Oprah about a kid who wasn't good at anything except in art and the school wouldn't bend rules to keep him interested in school by encouraging his art - so he dropped out of school and has nothing. Like Dr. Phil says, did they want to be right or did they want to make it better?
Yup it would be great, but you know what? We live in a society that fly's planes into buildings because they claim Ala told them to do it, a world that kills for being different, strings people to fences left to die for being different. We are not all white, or black, or yellow, or red...we are many shades, and for that we need to understand that, and move on. Life is about choices. There is truly something for everyone, you just need to find it, and maybe sacrifice a bit. I may never be a millionaire, because I chose to make a difference by teaching in a small private school, but that is life. Kids are wonderful creatures that when treated properly, can be molded into the models of society. Nobody is casting them aside here, nobody is saying stop playing your instrument, or stop playing your sport. Bend the rules, no absolutley not. I grew up with rules as I am sure you did too, and I am dog gone proud of how I turned out, and to that I thank the hundreds of people that have touched my life in some small or large way. The guy that drove the equipement truck three quarters of the way across the country so I could dare to dream of winning a championship, or the woman who spent many hot days cooking over a hot stove in a small canteen truck so when me and the 127 of my closest friends were done practicing in the hundred degree heat for 8 hours, we would have something good to eat, and something cold to drink. They made choices too. My friends played basball all summer, but I chose to step on a field, and practice in 100+ temps in Alton Ill, Yippslanti Michigan, Louisville Kentucky, Marion Ohio, Great Bend Kansas, Pueblo Colorado. All places I may never have seen had I not made this choice. Was it for everyone? No. My dad spent many hours driving me an hour and a half each way to drum corps practice, sometimes 7 days out of the week. That was his choice. My point is If this young lady had no alternative in performing, then perhaps I could see your point, but seems to me the problem is because of the extra practices, and how it would inconvenience her parents. Oh well, we reap what we sow, right? You put out that extra mile for your child, you are rewarded many times over. I recently told my dad how proud I am of him for doing all he did for me when I was growing up, and I just hope I am so lucky to see my son reach for the stars one day soon in the stadium of champions. There was one particular night I remember the gleem in his eye as we won my last competion against a very huge opponent. It is those things that mean something, not when he dragged me off at age 8 to go to rehersals, when at that time I wanted to play in the dirt with my friends at home. His rule was simple, you made a commitment, now you will stick by it. I love him for that. Dedication, that's what it takes to be successful, and our childeren need to be taught that somwhere.
Ok, I will get off my soapbox, sorry for the rant, but it's so hot here.
I have to go do some work out of my office. I can see that many teachers could never understand those kids who aren't your average, typical, mainstream kids. Just know that you can keep your principles - but you'll lose kids in the process. They just will never learn the lesson you want them to learn and I just don't think it's worth it.
