Young Men's Club - 4/10/08

Today I continued my attempts to be a kinder and gentler teaching artist. My day started with a staff meeting in the morning. I usually enjoy those because I get to commiserate with fellow teaching artists about the trials and tribulations of after school students. It reassures me that I'm not alone in this wacky world. Also, it reminded me that I have to use "processing" more. This is a technique used by the company that I work for that allows for dialogue with the students about the various experiences during the club. So for instance, if two kids get into an argument, I would "process" that by starting and continuing a dialogue on the issue using open-ended questions. Needless to say it is very difficult and the kids hate it. The last thing they want to do is talk. However, I do feel it is important and I try to take time with it whenever I can. Today, I made more of an effort. Strangely enough, it was pretty helpful in many ways. At the very least for me because I ended up processing some things for myself. In one case, the kids were having a really hard time listening. So I posed the question, "Who likes drumming?" They all raised their hands. I then proceeded to ask them what they needed to do in order to become skilled drummers. I really stuck with the "processing" and they seemed to have a glimmer of understanding about the importance of listening and hard work in order to acquire skill. They really make you work in this job. I'm constantly having to adapt to what the kids are doing and feeling. I'm constantly trying to use different techniques in order to get them to pay attention. I try and mix it up with incentives and punishments. I just have to keep in mind that the whole endeavor is a very slow process. I think the one thing that keeps me sane is that we do have a group goal. There is a Spring show at the end of the year and they will all participate. It provides that main path that we can get back to when they inevitably veer off of it.