I'm going to go way back when I was little and this show used to come on. I want to be Eliza from the cartoon show The Wild Thornberrys. Eliza would be a great teacher role to play. She's kind hearted and loves to help those in need. She travels the world and help animals solve problems that they need help solving. At the same time she is helping them she is also learning so much about them. Like Eliza I will meet students from all over the world (maybe; or all over the state/city) and help them with problems they might have with Math. Eliza will teach Math with so much enthusiasm and a positive outlook. She will find unique ways to get to the outcome. Eliza might lead her students through some obstacles looking for the right answer but with her students help they can reach the solution.
Week 9 What character do YOU play? (Bonus)
This week Arcadia is on Spring Break. I am posting a fun optional task. If you missed tasks before, this will count for any.
In any group of kids, I always find at least one dreamer or actor. A girl who keeps "spy gear" in her pockets and insists you call her Kim Possible at all times. A boy who draws an invisible - but definitely blue, and don't you forget it - lightsaber every time he sees injustice. This task is for us to try roleplaying, ourselves. It relates to our discussions of storytelling and games.
TASK
- What fictional character would you roleplay - as a teacher?
- After you pick the character, look closer. What are some qualities that make that character (or that archetype) a good teacher role model for you?
- How would your character teach math?
Some kids never get out of character, and others roleplay only when a book or a movie impresses them deeply. As a teacher, I play along - and often have my own characters to play. This creates deep rapport with students, helps me understand them, makes the group a safe and fun place, and allows me to teach math in contexts dear to kids.
As a related resource, here is a recent paper by our class participant, Laura Haeberle. She analyzes teachers as characters in cartoons. I found it interesting to read, and it helped me think the second question in this task. I use Scribd to share papers, because I like its embed tools http://www.scribd.com/doc/85331338/Teachers-In-Cartoons-by-Laura-Haeberle
My answers to the task
- My teacher role model is Gandalf.
- Now that I picked Gandalf - why? Let's see... Gandalf works behind the scenes, setting up epic adventures for others. They have incredible character development as a result. He is powerful enough to save the day, but he only acts the hero in very rare circumstances. Most of the time, the real heroes of the story don't even remember Gandalf exists, fully focusing on the tasks. Last but not least, he keeps learning and developing - from Grey to White, with changes in his role and his power.
- When I design Math Trek games, I give kids quests and they take off! Here is a short video about it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVA1jTAuA68