End of Summer Again
After almost 100 days without having to go to work regularly, I start again tomorrow.
Not really looking for sympathy—and certainly not expecting any from anyone with any sort of regular job—I only make note of this as a way to begin getting my head back in the game, something I’ll need to do double-time to be readyfor teaching again in a week.
It’s been a remarkable summer; the high point, of course, our trip to Europe, but lots of simple day-to-day stuff—spending more time with Mimi, riding the tandem with Jen, doing an overnight bike trip with .83, perfecting (or at least improving) my recipe for bud-butter shortbread cookies—has also been wonderful. Three months off from work is, I would argue, just about what one needs to get oneself revitalized for another venture into the fray.
Although, as usual, I have my pre-school doubts about whether or not I still know how to teach, or if I know anything about philosophy at all, I’m no doubt ready to begin doing what’s necessary to start doing my best to engage young minds in the philosophical enterprise—or at least successfully jump through this next hoop in their college careers.
I’m hoping to improve my ability to create meaningful learning experiences this year; the election this fall offers particular opportunities to help students connect what their learning to “real-life.” Of course, the challenge will be not to use my bully pulpit to indoctrinate them in the only views any reasonable person could possibly hold—mine, that is.
Naturally, there are any number of things I hope to accomplish this summer that I didn’t—I never spent any time trying to write my book about doing philosophy with kids; I didn’t ride my bike to Cle Elum; I failed in my desire to find a weekend to take the family to San Francisco. And I never really waked and baked, although I did eat space cookies before two long bike rides.
Not really looking for sympathy—and certainly not expecting any from anyone with any sort of regular job—I only make note of this as a way to begin getting my head back in the game, something I’ll need to do double-time to be readyfor teaching again in a week.
It’s been a remarkable summer; the high point, of course, our trip to Europe, but lots of simple day-to-day stuff—spending more time with Mimi, riding the tandem with Jen, doing an overnight bike trip with .83, perfecting (or at least improving) my recipe for bud-butter shortbread cookies—has also been wonderful. Three months off from work is, I would argue, just about what one needs to get oneself revitalized for another venture into the fray.
Although, as usual, I have my pre-school doubts about whether or not I still know how to teach, or if I know anything about philosophy at all, I’m no doubt ready to begin doing what’s necessary to start doing my best to engage young minds in the philosophical enterprise—or at least successfully jump through this next hoop in their college careers.
I’m hoping to improve my ability to create meaningful learning experiences this year; the election this fall offers particular opportunities to help students connect what their learning to “real-life.” Of course, the challenge will be not to use my bully pulpit to indoctrinate them in the only views any reasonable person could possibly hold—mine, that is.
Naturally, there are any number of things I hope to accomplish this summer that I didn’t—I never spent any time trying to write my book about doing philosophy with kids; I didn’t ride my bike to Cle Elum; I failed in my desire to find a weekend to take the family to San Francisco. And I never really waked and baked, although I did eat space cookies before two long bike rides.
posted by Professor Dave at 7:34 PM
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