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May you live in interesting times

Submitted by sgrainger on

The world has changed a great deal over the last three years.

It is a most “interesting” time to work in education. And, if you are in education, isn’t the discovery of “interesting” topics at the foundation of stimulating conversation? Motivation? Creativity? Change? Debate? Dialogue? Wonder? If something is interesting it might also be controversial. It might generate emotions and feelings. And, thus, create opportunities to learn and better understand the past, the present and the future.

For a student, in particular, finding something interesting could be the spark that lights a fire that fuels a lifetime pursuit. An interest in stars can lead to a study of astronomy; rocks, geology. Hearing the sounds of a marimba for the first time might fuel an interest in music and musical pursuit. “Interesting” can prompt an endless number of options and opportunities.

Think of the necessary, important social justice issues that we are far more aware of in the last few years, and that our children are growing up reading and learning about. And considering, debating, discussing, etc. This is what schools should be about. Not just providing content and answers.

Kids need to be critical thinkers; they need to learn how to think. Discovering and exploring by themselves and with others, to learn more about themselves and others. And to learn how and why the world works as it does. Then, maybe, they can lead the continued evolution of thought and action on the planet – and make it a better place.  

So, when I see some of the following titles, on a wide variety of interesting and important topics, in journals, online articles, newspapers and in books, I say, “bring it!” Below, is a small selection of some of the literature that I have read and that has stuck with me over the last few years. Take a look: you might want to read and talk about some of these with your kids.

Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?” by Jean M. Twenge, The Atlantic, September 2017

Is Discussion of the Queen Problematic? Let’s Talk About It” by Martin Regg Cohn, Toronto Star, September 16, 2022

Why Schools Need to Teach Critical Thinking as a Dedicated Class” by Roy van den Brink-Budgen, LinkedIn, April 18, 2016

Why do the Boy Scouts Want to Include Girls? ” by Taylor Hosking, The Atlantic, October 12, 2017

A National Crime: The Canadian Government and the Residential School System by John S. Milloy, May 17, 1999

Inclusion on Purpose: An Intersectional Approach to Creating a Culture of Belonging at Work by Ruchika Tulshyan, March 1, 2022

Deep Diversity: A compassionate, scientific approach to achieving racial justice by Shakil Choudhury, September 28, 2021

Grit: The power of passion and perseverance by Angela Duckworth, May 3, 2016

Oh, and don’t be surprised if your kids think a little bit differently than you do. Let us remember that schools have a responsibility to provide the resources, people and support to help kids develop their own approach to forming informed and thoughtful perspectives. Being surrounded by like-motivated kids and caring adults is crucial to the development of critical thinkers and good people – particularly during these most insightful, important and interesting times.