In such a damaged and dangerous public sphere, it is essential that educators train kids (and people of all ages, really) to think critically and independently, recognize disinformation when they see it, and be truthful themselves.
Unfortunately, we are seeing a concerted effort by the rightwing crowd to hobble the ability of educators to teach the truth, especially about America.
I agree. I think one way to help kids think for themselves is to introduce them to more art, poetry especially. Poetry is a place where people are encouraged to have multiple opinions, to break rules, to try new things with language, and to really understand language, look at it closely, and learn how to read or make an argument.
Yes, reading poetry and challenging prose is always good exercise for the mind! I was dismayed but not surprised to read in the Atlantic today that fewer and fewer students are being asked to read full books in school—even in elite colleges.
“At elite colleges like Columbia, many students are showing up unprepared to read full books. It’s not that they don’t want to, @rosehorowitch writes. Middle and high schools have stopped teaching them how:
I agree. I think one way to help kids think for themselves is to introduce them to more art, poetry especially. Poetry is a place where people are encouraged to have multiple opinions, to break rules, to try new things with language, and to really understand language, look at it closely, and learn how to read or make an argument.
Yes, reading poetry and challenging prose is always good exercise for the mind! I was dismayed but not surprised to read in the Atlantic today that fewer and fewer students are being asked to read full books in school—even in elite colleges.
“At elite colleges like Columbia, many students are showing up unprepared to read full books. It’s not that they don’t want to, @rosehorowitch writes. Middle and high schools have stopped teaching them how:
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/11/the-elite-college-students-who-cant-read-books/679945/?gift=veDfr3Ywf7wXLNYvMRhvViIeovUjxLafWOPaNqVpnuA
This is a brilliant piece! thank you