Brothers Grimm

Yesterday, I had an interesting conversation with the junior classes. I was talking about fairy tales and the Hero's Journey. The blank stares told me this was unfamiliar territory - which begs the question: what DO they teach in schools these days? So we did a quick activity about archetypes. I revealed the darker endings of traditional fairy stories. The students were much intrigued to learn that Cinderella doesn't sleep in a tower, and the Little Mermaid doesn't end up with the prince. They were all engaged, and the discussion about whether we should "Disney-fy" our stories was one of the best so far. Kids that usually sleep through class were offering opinions.

Except for one kid, who sat in the back of the class. He had his headphones on, and he was surfing on the 'net.

Rider was visiting our class. She saw this student clicking away, and she told me later that she figured he was playing solitaire or something. She didn't say anything to him, but as the bell rang, she got up and walked by the table to see what the kid was up to.

He was googling Brothers Grimm fairy tales.

For every question that I have, for every doubt about my teaching skills, I get moments like that. Confirmation that I can teach -- and not only that, but I'm meant to. This student caught me at lunch and shyly handed me a list of fairy tales and their revamped endings.

I could have hugged him, but the principal was watching. God, I can't wait to get my own classroom! I am going to have so much fun rocking their world!