As she's been sleeping, I've been contemplating to what degree I want to incorporate the terrorist attacks from this past weekend into my upcoming lesson plans. With my current class text, my students and I have been discussing how beautiful imagery is used to convey terrible messages. Outpourings of support for France following attacks illustrate (literally) the point.
So I'm left wondering: how do I go about teaching the value of the arts and literature and the humanities to not only classrooms full of teenagers, but also to my wonderfully innocent little girl? When the news is overflowing with headlines in varying degrees of tragedy and heartache, can I -- in good conscience -- espouse the importance of creativity and imagination, seemingly insignificant in the grand scheme of things, as a way to develop empathy and compassion?
For once, the answer is simple: of course. I would rationalize that thinking with my own experiences, but this time, I'm going to share the burden of that response with others who agree.
Yes, the world is a scary place full of dragons (and much worse)...but we can overcome the fear. We must overcome the fear.
We just need to listen.
I've said before, and I'll say again, that stories are the strongest thread that bind us together. Stories - real, imagined, or a colorful hybrid of both - provide shared experiences even if we're literally alone. Stories remind us that we're human, and to be human is our greatest common denominator. When my beautiful girl wakes from her sleep, and when my world-weary students trudge through the classroom doors, I will continue to not only share stories with them, but I will tell my own stories while giving them an audience for their tales. Because that's what I do.
Because that's what we do.❤️
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