Am Not Coping

@utopia A few years ago we had one afternoon a week where every child could choose a special activity to do for the afternoon. It usually ran for about three weeks at a time. Each teacher offered something different. Of course I offered art/craft activities. The first time we ran these activities I had 56 kids wanting to do our activity (out of a school of 200 with 11 activities offered). I ended up with 52 of those kids - in one room - with no extra help. What an afternoon that was. The next time I asked for a cap on the numbers - could not do that many again!! We made birdhouses, jewelry, snow globes, plaster figures, tile mosaics etc. throughout the year.

For the last 7 years (apart from last year because I wasn't there) I have organised a large group of kids to participate in an event that takes months and hundreds of hours to get ready for. I can't say what it is because it would really easily identify who I am. All I can say is there are lots and lots of creations and costumes made in varying themes. That was the one thing I really missed being off work last year - and I knew the kids would be disappointed as well.

It is such a shame we can't offer art anymore. We do offer music. Music in the community is very highly valued as we have some great programs and an excellent community band which is aligned very closely with the local high school.

I firmly believe that subjects such as art and music need to be offered for children to express themselves in alternative ways. We focus so much on the more 'academic' nature of schooling and favour those who show aptitude in this area and try to increase the skills of those who don't.One of my biggest issues with the NAPLAN testing (for writing) is a good example. We expect our children to be able to write a narrative that adheres to all the relevant criteria. My problem with this is: not everyone is a writer, just as not everyone is a scientist or footballer or cleaner etc. It takes so many different people to form our world with so many different interests, skills and knowledge. How about we teach difference and diversity and it's value in the world to our children first - then let them choose!

@utopia This is my view:

The world (and the 'power brokers' of this world) trade in property, knowledge and wealth.Those who have the means to aquire property, knowledge and wealth have the power. Intelligence becomes property. It is dealt with as a financial benefit not a means to educate. Therefore society places so much more emphasis on the more academic subjects in school as the students that succeed in these areas can then be used for their knowledge in furthering the power imbalances within society.

Those who do not meet the 'socially acceptable guidelines' (provided by those in power) are deemed as misfits or failures. Their skills and 'knowledge' in more diverse areas are not recognised if they do not adhere to the expectations, and do not have an input into increasing the wealth of the power brokers, in that society.

Too heavy?????

@utopia All very well said and I think what you said to bb was spot on - she deserves so much more and all the happiness that comes her way.

I actually can't respond any more right now - something has just happened that really aligns with your very last sentence and I actually can't believe it. There is only so much hurt that one can endure before it is just too much. I think I have now reached that point.

@utopia no my friend - you did not trigger anything. It was just a coincidence that I read your post directly after something else happened. I'm really sorry but I just can't talk about it atm. I can't stand the constant hurt and just when I think it is over and I can try to let go on move on it happens again. I've had enough.

Hey @Zoe7

Sorry to hear that something at home has upset you tonight. Just remember we are all here for you.

Take care and try to do things that distract from the negative thoughts, they can really bring you down.

Hope you can get some sleep tonight.

kind regards,

Frog