What Should We Talk About?
My favorite part of teaching was sharing evocative passages, affecting scenes, meaningful lyrics and innovative ideas with my students. We’d read, watch and listen to them, then think, talk and write about them. It kept me from the curriculum. But then I’d think, Why isn’t this the curriculum? This is what kids need to learn!
For example, after watching the scene where Tom Hanks scolds Geena Davis in A League of Their Own,“It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great!” I’d share it with students and explain why I showed it to them. And now I’m sharing passages, scenes, lyrics and ideas with you with the goal of getting a thought-provoking, life-enhancing conversations started.

How Bob Marley, Anastasia, Shaun and Christine tamed my strange stress

Five years in a liminal space.

A goal for our love - from The Beach Boys’ “Darlin’ ”

Do you live in the same zip code where your parents live?

An econ lesson I never taught

What's the lesson? Your thoughts?

Stevie Wonder's "Loves in Need of Love Today" - more relevant than ever - was almost never written

How to Be Happy (Or at Least Feel Better) Listen to These Lyrics! -- Heather Nova's "London

How to Be Happy (Or at Least Feel Better) Listen to These Lyrics! - Coldplay

How to Be Happy (Or at Least Feel Better) Listen to These Lyrics! - Hanson's "MMMBop"

How Maroon Five’s “Sugar” Video Teaches Students Why They Are In School
