Sometimes we feel such pressure from outside sources that we start to feel inferior to other people. Even though we are prepared to stand up to life's challenges - some tiny and some quite large - our confidence can leave us feeling unprepared.
Next week, our class will join others in taking the state test in Communication and Math. We are prepared. You have been getting ready for this test since you were born, and you are prepared. Still, like most of the new things we face, you haven't seen this test before. It is unknown - mysterious - and it's looming over you like a boogeyman. In the clip below, Ron Clark (played by Matthew Perry) makes some very interesting points with his class - a bunch of disadvantaged, disenfranchised, and disheartened kids in the inner city.
Next week, our class will join others in taking the state test in Communication and Math. We are prepared. You have been getting ready for this test since you were born, and you are prepared. Still, like most of the new things we face, you haven't seen this test before. It is unknown - mysterious - and it's looming over you like a boogeyman. In the clip below, Ron Clark (played by Matthew Perry) makes some very interesting points with his class - a bunch of disadvantaged, disenfranchised, and disheartened kids in the inner city.
Take three minutes to watch this video.
Now for some questions:
- What is your favorite line from this clip?
- What does Mr. Clark mean when he says they have learned far more valuable things than they can get from some book?
- Have you ever felt like you were going to "choke" - even though you were well prepared? What can you do to get rid of that feeling?
- Why do the kids in the video feel inferior?
- What are the most important skills/lessons we have learned in our class this year?
- How prepared do you feel for taking the state test, next week?
- What roles do trust, courage, and confidence have in taking high-pressure tests?
- What advice do you have for next year's class?
