Yesterday I was inspired to write this post after an intense Twitter Chat with some dynamic educators.
I tweeted, " I like to teach my students positive defiance. I embrace & celebrate the "why" everyday. Without questioning, no change can happen!"
Well my Twitter account was flooded with questions asking about positive defiance. People were wanting me to explain what I meant and that they didn't understand it.
Post:
My students ask me, "why" all of the time! It honestly doesn't bother me...I guess it doesn't because I understand that they REALLY want to know the WHY of everything that we do in class, in society and the world. As a teacher, why would I ever want to silence the "WHY"....I should be the one embracing and encouraging the WHY...Right? So I do and it is AWESOME!
So many of young people don't understand why their parents, teachers, administrators, or any other adults become offended when they ask, why? I gave them some examples of what happened when we asked why as children. Here are some typical responses:
"Because I said so"
"I am the adult"
"Children are to be seen, not heard"
"Stop being a smart ass"
"Just do it, no questions"
For those of you who have children or are teachers, you have realized that those responses to our youth no longer works with the 21st century students. It worked for me because I didn't really have any interest in finding out the why, I just would ask to get on my mom's nerves or to try to get my teacher distracted or out of work. Kids today are different, they really DO want to understand WHY, and what it the purpose. Moral of the story, when our young people ask WHY, please enlighten them:)
So after days of conversations with my students about how they are misunderstood and feel that they can't have a different outlook or opinion than an adult, I devised a plan of action. I came up with teaching them POSITIVE DEFIANCE. Some people (especially parents) may disagree completely with me on this part of my post. I am really sorry.
So, positive defiance to me and my students is simple. When something doesn't settle right with you or you think something needs to change, find a respectful way to approach the situation. If you don't understand the purpose of something and want to know what the purpose is, learn how to be sincere when asking. If they don't like the processed, cardboard cafeteria food, how can they try and change it. This way they are not sitting around complaining, but searching for a solution.
People throughout our history have used defiance to be the change in the world that we needed. We as educators need to model that for our students and encourage them to use their voices, because THEY are our future. We want dynamic leaders that strive to make the world a better place, not shy conformist that are scared of their own shadow. We must empower our students to be risk-takers and be the brave and courageous leaders of our future.
Next time that you want to know, "why"......just ask someone, they might enjoy it!
All about the LOVE today,
Leigh M. Ragsdale
