Mr. Kangaroo and Mr. Emu

Well folks, I did it. I managed to complete my entire undergraduate coursework with a 4.0. It feels pretty good, and I'd say its a pretty redemptive experience because of the 3.96 I graduated high school with. (Yeah... one B... and it was in Driver's Ed.)

In just a few short weeks, my entire life will change drastically. This hot-off-the-press 21 year old Spanish teacher will be stepping into the three story building that houses the largest and most diverse population of students in Wichita (name omitted purposely) to student teach. There are issues with gangs, daily fights, and large numbers of students that don't graduate. This terrifies me.

Or, at least I guess it would. But, for the most part, I won't be dealing with those students. I'll be with the "advanced" students. These students are set apart from the rest of the school. They have a different schedule and different expectations. Part of me wants the real experience that I will surely have in the near future as a full-time teacher, part of me is excited to really push the students to grow and explore the language. I've promised myself to give this experience everything that I've got, and today, I've been dreaming.

My friend Megan recently told me of her wish to get an emu tattooed on her arm. I had no idea why anyone would want that horribly ugly bird permanently implanted into their skin, but after her explanation, I got it.

You see, the emu cannot walk backwards.

Fascinating isn't it?

With a little googleizing, I discovered that the kangaroo also has difficulty moving backwards.

This has sparked an idea in my head. The mascot of my classroom will be either and emu or a kangaroo.

It sounds stupid, but I think that the students will really take to the idea. As of now, I'm leaning towards the kangaroo for a couple of reasons. First, there are several species of kangaroos, from the giant leaping ones that are featured in movies to tiny ones that fit in your palm. Second, mother kangaroos house their "joeys" in their pouches until they are ready to face the world. Third, kangaroos are so apt to adapt that they have been known to live in the desert, near the icy peaks of mountains, and even on golf courses. Fourth, a large group of kangaroos is called a "mob." Fifth, much like cows, kangaroos have several stomach chambers that allow them to digest large amounts of food. And finally,like I mentioned, kangaroos do not move backwards easily. In fact, they can leap fantastic distances at high speeds.

The amount of species represents the diversity of the classroom. Each student in the room has a history. Each student is different. Each has struggled in some way or another to get to where they are now. However different they are, they are still kangaroos. And in the long run, they'll always be accepted as so.

The fact that mothers house their young in their pouch represents the family environment that I will promote in the classroom. My students will look out for each other, and when they feel they're ready, they will be free to step out on their own.

Third, the kangaroo's ability to adapt represents the flexibility that I will require of my students. The best way to reach each student is by making each week, each day, each lesson so drastically different from the last one that they are engaged and on their toes. My students will need to be flexible and willing to adapt to my teaching style.

Fourth, the name of the large group, a "mob", symbolizes the unity that I expect between my students. I wish to instill a sense of pride in them. I want them to be proud of their work and of their efforts. I want them to encourage the efforts of the rest of the "mob" and rally around them when they most need it.

Fifth, the kangaroo's stomach, as one could anticipate, represents the amount of work that students will successfully "digest." I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the majority of students desire to learn. My goal is to make learning so enjoyable that the students don't even realize that they are learning and digesting large amounts of information.

And finally, the kangaroo's inability to move backwards personifies the continual forward motion that will be characteristic of my classroom. I believe that a student should not only grow a student in knowledge, but that they should also help a student discover their true selves and pursue their passions. Yes, I expect my students to leap like kangaroos in knowledge, but more than that, I hope that they make huge gains as an individual and global citizen.

I don't know about you, but I definitely want to be a kangaroo.

( I sketched these today. It says, "The mascot of our classroom will be either a kangaroo or emu because they do not move backwards.")