POWER

What does the word POWER mean to you?

Dear Readers,

It seems as though the concept of "power" is entering my world at every turn lately......discussions with students, curriculum writing, reading and interactions with others. 

Power....

• Is a theme rooted deep within our Language & Literature units. 
• Is something that people can use in a positive or negative way. 
• Can be obvious or subtle. 
• Can be used to make people feel empowered or dismissed.
• Is standing up for what you believe in.
• Is having a voice for those who are unable to.
• Is maintaining your identity when others try to take it away.
• Is having an open mind and being non-judgemental.
• Is forgiveness.
• Is living your life with grace.
• Is reading.
• Is writing.
• Is speaking.
• Is listening. 

I asked myself today........ 

Does power=control?

Some might think so.

For instance:

• People think if they have the last word, they have control over a situation. Power is the ability to have the second to last word.
• People think if they twist words around, they can manipulate and take advantage. Power is knowing what you believe to be true and believing in your words and actions.
• People think they can say whatever they want and call it being "transparent". Power is knowing the different between "transparency" and "bullying".

I am heading into a unit where POWER will surface as a main theme. 

Students will have to decide who has power and who doesn't, who seeks it and who resists it. (concept from TCRWP Dystopian Book Clubs Reading Units of Study Grades 6-8)

Students will have to decide what roles characters play in society such as upstander, bystander, perpetrator or victim. (vocabulary from Upstanders)

As humans we encounter POWER on a daily basis. How often do we reflect and look in the mirror. How often do we ask ourselves.....

What does POWER mean to me?

Warmly,

Teresa