Teach Them Well And Let Them Lead The Way

So many years ago Whitney led us to believe that the children our the future. Clearly, Whitney never taught elementary school. I could, in effect, write a different story every day of how a child has overwhelmed me with knowledge they shouldn't have. I am equal parts horrified and amused by the things that get brought up in class. Now, I teach drama so I get to see things from home getting aired out on stage. Sometimes, it's heartbreaking and all I can do is squeak out a "Thanks, next group" and sometimes I can't stop laughing. This week, I was working with 5th graders on the creative writing process. I hoped to inspire them to create a scene they could perform on stage. I had them write out their ideas, prompting them with ideas...Who are your characters? What is the problem? etc.

Here's one example of about 18 (similar) ones I got that day. I will translate it for you. No, not because it's in Spanish. It's in English, albeit 5th Grade gangsta' English (self-proclaimed)

Characters are: Little Wayne and Bird Man (These are apparently rappers)

What does one character want: Bird Man wants a red champagne.

Conflict: Little Wayne has the red champagne.

Resolution: Bird Man want it and he know that Little Wayne had it but he did give it to Bird Man.

By the way, this one never made it to the stage.