Women are fragile, not like a flower but like a bomb’ - possible sources include Frida Kahlo and Ruth Bader Ginsburg
…and I’ve got a live one.
I’ve said it time and again - we have an absolute dream of a class this year. This has been such a fortunate year for us as teachers, my team and I.
Just some of the reasons why:
Our children are constantly seeking opportunities to be over-the-top kind to each other.
They’re prepared to challenge each other in a healthy, ‘that’s life’, ‘no bad blood’ sort of way.
They respect and listen to (so very nearly) every single thing we say and take pride in demonstrating my ideals.
And they’re quirky, humorous characters who question everything they see - not just perfect little academia robots.
I just can’t cope with how much I think of them sometimes.
Yet, even with a group as special as ours, they still surprise me.
One student - a talented, socially-advanced girl - has blown me away with her inspirational social conscience this week.
We’ve been learning about the Civil Rights Movement and, yesterday, wrote our own ‘I Have A Dream’ speeches based on our own ideals.
Before I show you, grammar police, know this:
Does anyone else agree with me here? We, as a nation, society or whatever, do not explicitly teach typing skills anywhere near enough considering the future these young people are facing.
Joined handwriting is still a Year 6 expectation - despite the fact that, from Year 7, it is no longer required and, from Year 10, their entire English GCSE will now comprise of typed work.
What you’re about to is the work of a really gifted writer. Not (yet) a gifted typist.
Yet.
But what we have is the work of an inspirational soul.
Just take a look at this…
This was written by a 10-year old.
All original quotes? No.
Obviously not.
She’s 10.
But to have such a connection to a cause and the social awareness strong enough to understand what she’s reading and typing…
At 10…
Absolutely phenomenal.
When I close my eyes in my dreams I see a wor(l)d where everyone is equal and no one is at a disadvantage because of their gender.
It is so sad to say that well behaved women rarely make history.
The most beautiful thing a woman can wear is confidence
Incredible ideals for such a young age, don’t you think?
I hear people everywhere moan about ‘the youth of today’ and the troubled future they’re leading us into. Mostly people who don’t spend any actual time around children in an environment that fosters their strengths.
But I’ve been saying this for years - trust them young, as much as you can, and you’ll be forever awed by what they can create.
I hope this individual goes on to be a loud, proud, powerful feminist - a risk-taker, a wall-breaker, a change-maker.
Oh, and I take no credit for this - she’s more a student of her own world than of me and I know there are some magnificent female influences who have helped shape this inspiring person.
She’s also still a child - embroiled in the usual social dynamics, climbs the treehouse, plays football and loves every second of it.
I suppose I can, at least, give her space to keep exploring these burgeoning ideals.
Cheer her on as she carves gaps in the walls she’ll face.
But, truly, this is all her.
The future’s bright, oh ye of little faith.
Shameless plug
Next week marks the (slightly delayed) release of a little side-project of mine - the Diary of a Teacher Positivity Journal.
Why have I created it?
Writing this blog has been such a valuable way to reflect on my teaching, identify where I can grow and develop a far more positive outlook on teaching than the one I had before.
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, I know - but I’m a far better practitioner and role-model for writing in this space.
And, soon, you’ll be able to follow the same structure and make the same changes to your own perspective.
If you need a boost, it’s been a game-changer for me.
Keep your eyes peeled for next week’s release.
And please do share this with anyone who you think might value my work.
Great post, her fair beliefs, and skills make us hopeful that inspired young people like her will create a good future for all.
Dream classes are the best!