Looking from the inside to see why we present as we do on the outside is a fruitful exercise. In my class where emotions run high and behaviors can be explosive, we are doing just that. The students are loving taking apart broken video cameras, computers, and other machines to examine what is inside and how each component works together. Relating this to how we function on the inside mechanically with our various systems as well as our emotions has been amazing.
Similarities exist between a video camera and a tape recorder but each is also unique. The experiences and hurts that each of us has lived through may be similar but how we react and present can be very different. Next week, we are doing a prediction of how various balls are different on the inside to be able to perform differently for different games and sports. They will then get to see the insides of these balls we have cut in half. These special students are learning about machines and anatomy as well as predicting and comparing and contrasting. It is a joy to watch kiddos who have a hard time interacting doing just that. The table is full of parts, miniature screw and such. 7 kids are taking turns with tools, overcoming frustrations when some screw won't budge, and engaging with each other to get the demolition completed.
As we break down, tear apart and analyze various machines we are breaking down walls, tearing down and analyzing how and why each of us reacts the way we do. It has been more a more powerful experience than I could have imagined. Looking up schematics on the internet gives us a road map to each particular piece. But finding the map that will improve each of us as we discover ourselves is the real reward.
Before school started we were concerned pencils and scissors could be used as weapons. Now these kids are using screwdrivers, wire cutters, and hammers with no incidents. The thought of violence is the last thing on their mind and not even a concern. Progress the inside out way!
In Him,
Joyful
9-1-11
Similarities exist between a video camera and a tape recorder but each is also unique. The experiences and hurts that each of us has lived through may be similar but how we react and present can be very different. Next week, we are doing a prediction of how various balls are different on the inside to be able to perform differently for different games and sports. They will then get to see the insides of these balls we have cut in half. These special students are learning about machines and anatomy as well as predicting and comparing and contrasting. It is a joy to watch kiddos who have a hard time interacting doing just that. The table is full of parts, miniature screw and such. 7 kids are taking turns with tools, overcoming frustrations when some screw won't budge, and engaging with each other to get the demolition completed.
As we break down, tear apart and analyze various machines we are breaking down walls, tearing down and analyzing how and why each of us reacts the way we do. It has been more a more powerful experience than I could have imagined. Looking up schematics on the internet gives us a road map to each particular piece. But finding the map that will improve each of us as we discover ourselves is the real reward.
Before school started we were concerned pencils and scissors could be used as weapons. Now these kids are using screwdrivers, wire cutters, and hammers with no incidents. The thought of violence is the last thing on their mind and not even a concern. Progress the inside out way!
In Him,
Joyful
9-1-11
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