‘Cher! Mobile Apocalypse
The essay topic was “An unforgettable outdoor experience” and the picture was a picnic. To get my 10YO students thinking:
Me: What would you pack for an outing like this?
StudentA: My phone.
In a different class, Me: What kind of games can you play at a picnic?
StudentB: Phone games.
In yet another class, Me: If it rains on your picnic, what’s your backup plan?
StudentC: Go home and play mobile games.
Me: (losing it) Nobody will write about phones! You will all pack your wickerwork baskets with a red and white picnic mat, fluted champagne glasses and baguettes. And you will play badminton and bring a beach ball, so help me God.
StudentD: Cher! I never go for picnic, so how to write?
In my teaching journal, you won’t find tips on how to be a great teacher, as I’m no guru. What you can discover are the woes of real-life children grappling with a modern evil — tuition.