As some people know, I am in the middle of directing the school play right now. It is the first time in a very long time the school has decided to do a fall play. There were supposed to be fewer conflicts with scheduling, etc. So far, it has worked out OK, but there is a part of me that feels guilty the amount of time we ask from kids. They are being pulled in so many different directions, but then on the other side of the coin, they signed up for the commitment.
Just yesterday during our advisory practice, one of the students missed his cue because he was out in the hallway. I used my stern director voice when yelling for him. He came rushing back onto the stage, clearly flustered, and just exclaimed, "I'm sorry! There is just so much going on.." and proceeded to list about five different things he was supposed to be at during this advisory time.
This is something I struggle with as a teacher/coach/advisor. How much should we be asking of our kids? It seems like students these days are running themselves into the ground. With school, work, sports, clubs, teams, youth group, friends, dating, it just never stops for them. I don't think I remember being that busy in high school. I think I chose 2 or 3 things to really commit myself to, and then just left it at that. But it seems students these days are spreading themselves too thin. They are up late, trying to get to multiple different activities in one night, and then having to finish school work. Is it really beneficial to kids to be involved in so much? Is it hurting them more than helping?
I really have a hard time answering either way. I start to agree, and think that kids need to take a step back, and just be kids. But then I look at some of my play cast. I have football players, art club kids, choir kids, and kids who this is the only thing for them. I think it is so amazing that some of the leaders of the football team went out for the play. Or that the kid who is quiet in class and doesn't say much, wants to step out on stage and do that. How can I say no to any of those kids? How can I say that those football players being involved in the play isn't a good thing for them?
So then maybe it means we need to expect less in class. I don't think that is the answer either. I think students need to be challenged, need to have that rigor, otherwise they won't be prepared for life after high school.
So what is the happy medium? I think if we are going to encourage students to get involved in so many things, we need to be more aware of teaching them how to manage their time, and how to stay true to commitments, and most importantly, as teachers and coaches I think we need to help kids recognize when they just need to say "no" to that one more activity. We need to encourage them to take that time for themselves, and to be kids.
With that said, since I referenced the play..here's my plug..
Come see our play! Nov 7...Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon
The kids have been working SO hard and they crack me up every day in practice!
