Presentation/Assigment

1. Classmates

I enjoy reading memoirs, one of my favorites being Girl Interrupted, by Susanna Kaysen.  This story follows Susanna as she enters a psychiatric hospital.  Susanna details the interactions that she has with other patients as she is on her road to recovery.  I was a teeneager when I first read this book and it made me feel that I was not alone in my own struggles with mental health.  It helped me step outside of my own life and see that others are struggling too.   I believe that it is important for children to read or listen to books from a different perspective.  In order to learn empathy and kindness children need to understand that everyone has their own experience in this world.  At a young age, children are egotistical, which is developmentally appropriate.  They see the world through their own eyes and at times have a difficult time understanding why others might think a different way.  One way that parents and educators can help children develop empathy is by giving them experiences where they interact with a variety of people.  This can be done by reading stories as well.  We can ask children pointed questions, such as “How would have you reacted” or “Why do you think the character responded that way”.  When we give children opportunities to see the world through someone else’s eyes, we are setting up a foundation for caring for others even if they are different from us.  

Questions:  

1. How do you help students in your classroom develop empathy?

2. Have you ever had an experience with another person that changed the way you view the world?

3. Do you think some children naturally have more empathy or do you think that it is a learned skill?

2. Classmates

My story is about the famous novel by Paulo Coelho, "The Alchemist."  As a teenager, this book helped me become much more confident in myself and my thoughts about the future. The essence of the main thought of the writer: whoever seeks, he will always find his treasure. The book "Alchemist" does not just provide an opportunity to reflect. However, it directly states the main idea: “If you want something, the whole Universe will contribute to making your desire come true”  (Alchemist, 1988). Most teenagers are not decisive and, at some point, stand at a crossroads in life. Someone is afraid to go toward their goal or have doubts, and the main thing is not to miss this moment. Each person must follow his destiny, his Path. When you go to your dream, there can be many obstacles, but the one who can overcome them will find himself.

Moreover, it is essential to help a teenager understand that life gives us signs to which we need to learn to listen;  And what happens does not just happen. Moreover, perhaps it is worth dreaming and striving for your dream. Of course, parents cannot realize all the dreams of their children. Not everyone can indulge in an expensive thing or a trip "to the moon."  However, do not immediately remove these fantasies from the child and talk about unrealizability. It is worth giving the dreamer hope. This is not to deceive the child, but only to form in him the inner willpower for personal achievements, not to be afraid to try what gives inner pleasure in life. Small things always add up to big things.

Reference:

 Coelho, P. (1988)  Alchemist

Questions:

1. What is the importance of stories in children's literature?

2. How important do you think dreams are for a child or is it just nonsense?