[HANASHIR:3284] Re: It doesn't always work with 11 year olds

[DurlKare <DurlKare...>]

I've taught 6th graders at the Temple for about 6 years now, and I can 
honestly say "I've been there" when it comes to lack of participation in 
singing in the classroom.  After some failed attempts at introducing music to 
the class as part of our Prayer curriculum, I had a few successes.  That is, 
I actually got the whole class singing joyfully a couple of times, actually 
on a very silly Chanukah song, and I got them to really listen to a couple of 
my slower, more meaningful songs, and I even got them to ask for music a 
couple of times!  I keep those positive experiences in my mind, knowing that 
lack of participation by preteens on a Sunday morning is not a rejection of 
me, of Jewish music, or of Judaism...it will pass, and there will be other 
good moments.  For me the lesson is, if they're not into it, let it go and 
move on to something else, rather than take it personally or get upset.  Yes, 
respect is important, and I demand it of my students, but I also have to 
respect them...it's really not easy being a teenager these days.  This 
experience has taught me to have the same patience with my own kids...the 
difficult moments WILL pass.

-Karen D.

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