Its official, learning should be fun (I’ve even included a reference at the bottom of this post). The question is how do we achieve this?
The thing the men in grey suits have come up with is attire. For the first time on the course we went into a school this week, and were given a short “rules of engagement” lecture before hand. And it does rather feel like we’re going to war.
Rule one is about attire. For guys, wear a tie. I can only assume the rationale behind this is to give something for children to poke fun at us about. Not only do we look (and feel) out of place, but it highlights that we’re not real teachers. Its like walking around with a big target slung around your neck.
The rules for the women are more comprehensive. Firstly watch your cleavage (easy for me, I’ve been doing that for years). Secondly, no short skirts. Number three, shoes must be comfortable, i.e. no high heels. No. 4, earrings are allowed, but any other body piercings, and tattoos, must be removed or covered up. Lastly, no g-strings or thongs. I did think about asking what the difference was, but thought I’d keep shtum. But I am wondering if I can help make a few quid on the side as some kind of compliance officer.
Whilst I can see where they are coming from, I don’t see that it’s going to help school be any fun. I would have thought, if we were serious about cutting truancy, and attracting more men into the profession, these would be mandatory.
Making school fun is a challenge. Especially some lessons, for example maths. In our college maths seminar we were given some maths games to play, and we played them pretty enthusiastically, but they were limited. We were also asked if there were any that we could think of. When the group were told about the dress code, most of the women decided that they had to immediately go shopping (it requires only a little logical deduction, do the maths), so I was tempted to suggest strip sudoku. Again, I managed to desist.
One idea that does appear to have a lot of support, is using music to teach maths. The possibilities are endless, and not least for playing with parents minds. I can imagine sending notes home saying things like “Maths tomorrow, so please bring a trombone”.
The trick is going to be actually tying it into teaching music. Almost all of the music I’ve found for the purpose is sung with an American accent, and is pretty dumb. If I used it, I could probably put the children off music and maths.
But I’m not downhearted. I can think of a few tracks that we could use, with a few tweaks. How about
Simon and Garfunkel – Are you going to double or square?
Bob Marley – No woman, no pi
Prince – Sine of the times
All good starts, but rap has to be the way forward. I can start a new trend “Mathsta rap”, walk into class with ghetto blaster on my shoulder, and perhaps throw in a bit of body popping. It may even be a way round the dress code.
I think this thing about music making maths fun may have something in it, at least for the teacher.
Excellence and enjoyment: A strategy for primary schools
http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/primary/publications/literacy/63553/
