This week's challenge is a picture prompt. I quite like picture prompts, they allow so many tangents.
Our classrooms are windows. Children's views are shaped by the
pictures we paint, the opportunities they envisage. We are responsible for
the window's upkeep: treat it with consistent care and attention and it will
open seamlessly to worlds that are beyond their wildest dreams; leave it
untouched and those worlds will remain forever out of reach.
The window is open
to the world to view, some outsiders simply point out what is missing from times
they spent inside. Others like to castigate and deride. Most smile knowingly,
remembering with fondness the people who opened windows for them. People like
us.
Good timing with tomorrow's strikes looming, perhaps it will put it into perspective for some people who may bemoan the inconvenience the school closures will cause.
ReplyDeleteClassrooms and by default the teachers who teach in them are of the up most importance as they play huge parts in shaping our children into the leaders of tomorrow xx
I wish I'd had teachers like you! At least my daughter had the experience of a couple who were absolutely wonderful. Your essay is very interesting.
ReplyDeleteGreat metaphor, Jim. You nailed it.
ReplyDelete"Morning class, I've come to open your windows." I like it. :)
ReplyDeleteThat is lovely. What a wonderful way to think about education.
ReplyDeleteThat is a really interesting take on the picture - and how I wish more teachers saw their role as you describe. But you are right - you never forget the good ones - either from you own days, or your kids'. Nice piece.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the comments, I think a lot of teachers do see their role in this way, I just don't think they feel confident enough to say it out loud!
ReplyDeleteLovely way of looking at education.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite teachers always kept the windows wide open.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Robin
What a great way to see education. Very cleverly done.
ReplyDeleteReally great piece; love the way you used the prompt to discuss how teachers can ignite the spark for children. Love it.
ReplyDeleteWonderful writing Jim! This is such a great description of every classroom & what we hope to achieve inside them. This is a very clever piece of writing to make a statement within the prompt! Brill!
ReplyDeleteG Sussex
ReplyDeleteA great take on the prompt!
I'm sharing this with my son...a year into his first teaching job. Teachers who inspired were his reason for pursuing this pathway..and his ambition is "to be that one teacher they remember". Here's a similar sentiment, expressed beautifully.
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