Last weekend I had the chance to do a group-led drama workshop with about twenty young people. It was the culminating project for a class called Teaching Through Drama. My group, after working for a whole week on the planning process, pulled all our ideas together and managed to form a cohesive, fun lesson.
We looked at the issue of when and when do we not speak out. The issue is rich with dramatic possibilities. We explored examples such as when you hear racist comments between strangers on the subway, when you hear someone call for help, when you see someone who looks sketchy but might be hurt. There are many examples of times in our lives when we are confused about whether or not we should speak out. Our workshop utilized some of our best drama techniques to dive into that issue.
Working with the young people was great fun as was watching my colleagues teach. At NYU, we develop such a appreciation of our peers and their individual teaching styles. I personally love watching my friends teach because I learn so much from them - not to mention how great it is to see people you love doing what they love to do. I have to take advantage of these opportunities in grad school because next year we won't be together anymore, we'll be teaching in the real world!
I've heard that the first year of teaching is rather lonely. I can totally see that. I'm so used to turning to my classmates and my CT to help me process or reflect on my teaching and next year I won't have anyone there with me to do that. I'm a little worried about that, but I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.
I hope everyone is having a good week whoever and wherever you are!