Lists

I don’t feel like writing today, but since I love lists, here are my goals for my students this year. I also love dashes.

Students will
–speak and write like human beings and communicate like humans should
–question everything
–sell me this pen (even if they don’t believe their argument, they should still recognize the other side and “sell it”)
–try new things
–own their rock (just like Sisyphus)
–understand their audience and adapt accordingly
–consider their brand and present it favorably

I know, you probably wanted me to write that they should synthesize, analyze, annotate, imply/infer, write an essay with a thesis statement that drives the action and builds tension. I want that, too; but teachers have been wanting that from students since they were in elementary school. Of course we’re going to tackle everything that is English, but this is their THIRTEENTH year in English (most of them, at least).

Because, really, in the grand scheme of things, what are your goals for your kids?