Tomorrow is the first day of the Intergenerational Tutoring class. As the instigator of this class, I am worried, nervous, doing my usual St Anxious Dance tonight.
The Principal of Amelia Earhart Continuation School is coming to talk about the North Hollywood at-risk high school students. His name is John Berns, and he is just plain kind. Kind, smart, good with kids, immensely likable. I met the other teachers at his school, which is small, and marvelled at how down-to-earth, honest, and unafraid they were. I could feel that they liked the idea of the older adults bonding with "the kids." They had lots of cool reasons. They told stories about, for example, the introverted kid who visited a nursing home and made many friends there, thus overcoming his shyness. Another teacher said that hanging out with older people gave him a perspective on what happens to you in life, and how to take care of yourself better.
Valley Village Senior Apts is an interesting place to teach. Lots of former entertainment industry pros live there. There are also different languages and cultures. Armenians and Russians. We had a little communication problem and the flyers are going up late. I phoned students I thought might be fascinated with Principal Berns, and might build up their confidence to tutor-mentor.
I am a little scared though, and I spent more than I thought I would on buying stuff for their lunch. $30 bucks.
Will anyone show up tomorrow at 10am? Will we be able to pull of intergenerational tutoring and mentoring?
It feels lonely out here. We don't even know if the Older Adults Program will survive the budget cuts. Many in the LAUSD seem to be on a bummer.
Well, I am a happy survivor so far. And as Spiderman said, "With power comes great responsibility."
Here's to tomorrow. Hope they like the bologna sandwiches. Hope the other bits of bologna go down well, too.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Welcome to Wisdom: First Day of School
The Valley Storefront is small, bright, with its own gift shop, intimate dining hall, and gym, not to mention a small classroom with a whiteboard, and chairs perfect for classes in the round.
Adult education takes place here, and thank God it still does.
I am learning a thing or two. And I am supposed to be the" teacher."
Today at the "Mental Fitness" class, a wise student piped up, "Can't we just call it 'Memory Class?' What you have written down there is so depressing!"
If you can bear that moment of silence, the one that comes after you ask a question, you might be rewarded.
Older adult students are righteous. They are truth-seekers. They don't just believe in life-learning learning. They get out of bed, dress elegantly, and show up with their questions, humour, skepticism, their don't-you-dare-pity-me charm, their chutzpah.
"What are you gonna do for us?" they ask. "Why don't you have the tables set up?"
Their former teacher used to bring puzzles and games and handouts.
I explain that I need to listen to them.
"What do you need to know about? What interests you? What do you want to know about me?" I ask.
And after the moment of silence, they do start asking me things. Where I got my education. How I found my way to LA. What books I recommend on Memory.
The questions lead the way. Better than bread crumbs.
They do remind me that I am not out in this wilderness alone.
In fact, that idea of the teacher being the Fearless Know-It-All has got to go. Since when did I ever know it all? Those people in that room been around. They know things. They just got old before me. Education is a conversation. Not a monologue.
So,first, teacher, be quiet. Listen. The wisest do. And I was with wise people today. Bless 'em.
More adventures to come.
Adult education takes place here, and thank God it still does.
I am learning a thing or two. And I am supposed to be the" teacher."
Today at the "Mental Fitness" class, a wise student piped up, "Can't we just call it 'Memory Class?' What you have written down there is so depressing!"
If you can bear that moment of silence, the one that comes after you ask a question, you might be rewarded.
Older adult students are righteous. They are truth-seekers. They don't just believe in life-learning learning. They get out of bed, dress elegantly, and show up with their questions, humour, skepticism, their don't-you-dare-pity-me charm, their chutzpah.
"What are you gonna do for us?" they ask. "Why don't you have the tables set up?"
Their former teacher used to bring puzzles and games and handouts.
I explain that I need to listen to them.
"What do you need to know about? What interests you? What do you want to know about me?" I ask.
And after the moment of silence, they do start asking me things. Where I got my education. How I found my way to LA. What books I recommend on Memory.
The questions lead the way. Better than bread crumbs.
They do remind me that I am not out in this wilderness alone.
In fact, that idea of the teacher being the Fearless Know-It-All has got to go. Since when did I ever know it all? Those people in that room been around. They know things. They just got old before me. Education is a conversation. Not a monologue.
So,first, teacher, be quiet. Listen. The wisest do. And I was with wise people today. Bless 'em.
More adventures to come.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Finally, Thursdays
Intergenerational Tutoring is being piloted by North Hollywood Poly ECC and offered at
VALLEY VILLAGE SENIOR APTS
12111 Chandler Blvd. at Laurel Canyon
Thursdays, starting September 10th at 10am.
We will be partnering with At-risk students and forming strategies to help these kids pass their exit exams. There will also be an online component to the class.
This is your chance to be of service and to bond with others who similarly feel the need to pitch in and help out the new generation!
If you want to come this Thursday at 10am, we will be having a special guest speaker: John Berns, Principal at Earhart Continuation High School. Lunch will follow. Get in touch if you want to come, so we can make you a sandwich!
Cheers!
Fiera
VALLEY VILLAGE SENIOR APTS
12111 Chandler Blvd. at Laurel Canyon
Thursdays, starting September 10th at 10am.
We will be partnering with At-risk students and forming strategies to help these kids pass their exit exams. There will also be an online component to the class.
This is your chance to be of service and to bond with others who similarly feel the need to pitch in and help out the new generation!
If you want to come this Thursday at 10am, we will be having a special guest speaker: John Berns, Principal at Earhart Continuation High School. Lunch will follow. Get in touch if you want to come, so we can make you a sandwich!
Cheers!
Fiera
Weds Fitness Classes
Here are two Wednesday Classes I am newly teaching.
Both take place at THE VALLEY STOREFRONT which is on Victory Boulevard just east of Coldwater on the North side.
Class fees: $20 for the entire semester! You just can't beat prices like that!
HOLISTIC FITNESS: 9am - 10:30 A beautful opportunity, especially on Hump Day, to breathe, stretch, meditate, and tone. We will be also focusing on Energy Work, as it applies to staying young and vital!
BRAIN FITNESS: 10:30 -11:30 When you are done with your workout, join us for some fun. Puzzles, quizzes, and health information to keep your brain as active as your body!
Both take place at THE VALLEY STOREFRONT which is on Victory Boulevard just east of Coldwater on the North side.
Class fees: $20 for the entire semester! You just can't beat prices like that!
HOLISTIC FITNESS: 9am - 10:30 A beautful opportunity, especially on Hump Day, to breathe, stretch, meditate, and tone. We will be also focusing on Energy Work, as it applies to staying young and vital!
BRAIN FITNESS: 10:30 -11:30 When you are done with your workout, join us for some fun. Puzzles, quizzes, and health information to keep your brain as active as your body!
MORE FALL CLASSES
Hi Everyone! Let me finish giving you the CLASS LIST FOR FALL
TUESDAYS:
10-12noon BRAIN FITNESS at The Piedmont, in the Theater
6750 Whitsett at VanOwen in North Hollywood, 91605
Brain workout based on Dr. Gary Small's (UCLA)
"MEMORY BIBLE" Get good at those Will Shorts puzzles!
3 -5 pm POPULAR MUSIC APPRECIATION: Valley Village Senior Apts, 12111 Chandler Blvd at Laurel Canyon, Valley Village, 91607. And you want to hit this class, if you'd like to learn about songwriting, from Tin Pan Alley and on.
5pm THE PIEDMONT MUSICAL ENSEMBLE: at The Piedmont, Theater (see above)
If you ever wanted to sing, play a rhythm instrument, learn songs, even perform, you want to be at the Piedmont for PME. A good musical workout and sometimes we even grab dinner after!
TUESDAYS:
10-12noon BRAIN FITNESS at The Piedmont, in the Theater
6750 Whitsett at VanOwen in North Hollywood, 91605
Brain workout based on Dr. Gary Small's (UCLA)
"MEMORY BIBLE" Get good at those Will Shorts puzzles!
3 -5 pm POPULAR MUSIC APPRECIATION: Valley Village Senior Apts, 12111 Chandler Blvd at Laurel Canyon, Valley Village, 91607. And you want to hit this class, if you'd like to learn about songwriting, from Tin Pan Alley and on.
5pm THE PIEDMONT MUSICAL ENSEMBLE: at The Piedmont, Theater (see above)
If you ever wanted to sing, play a rhythm instrument, learn songs, even perform, you want to be at the Piedmont for PME. A good musical workout and sometimes we even grab dinner after!
Welcome to Classes Week ONE starting September 9, 2009!
This is a BLOG for my older adult students!
Here you will find a schedule of the classes I am teaching this FALL through the Programs for Older Adults, LAUSD, North Hollywood Polytechnic Education Career Center.
You can also write with questions and comments!
This will be my personal blog, with information on each class, its location and times, and activities!
How much more exciting can it get?
This Fall I will be teaching these classes: (more info in next post!)
MONDAYS:
PROFESSIONAL WRITING CLASS (called "Tea and Tales") Learn to write everything from a letter of complaint to an editorial to a memory to a poem to comedy!
This class is held at the Valley Village Senior Apts on the 2nd Floor, in the Card Room.
12111 Chandler Boulevard, Valley Village, CA 91607
Starting Monday, September 14th and running from 1-3pm.
Course Fee is $20.00 Whatta deal!
CLASSICAL MUSIC APPRECIATION: We have Gustavo Dudamel coming to the LA Phil so now is your time to learn how to listen to Classical Music. We start with the basics. What is an orchestra? What are its components? what are the structures of a symphony? A sonata? You will listen differently. You will be glad you did.
Here you will find a schedule of the classes I am teaching this FALL through the Programs for Older Adults, LAUSD, North Hollywood Polytechnic Education Career Center.
You can also write with questions and comments!
This will be my personal blog, with information on each class, its location and times, and activities!
How much more exciting can it get?
This Fall I will be teaching these classes: (more info in next post!)
MONDAYS:
PROFESSIONAL WRITING CLASS (called "Tea and Tales") Learn to write everything from a letter of complaint to an editorial to a memory to a poem to comedy!
This class is held at the Valley Village Senior Apts on the 2nd Floor, in the Card Room.
12111 Chandler Boulevard, Valley Village, CA 91607
Starting Monday, September 14th and running from 1-3pm.
Course Fee is $20.00 Whatta deal!
CLASSICAL MUSIC APPRECIATION: We have Gustavo Dudamel coming to the LA Phil so now is your time to learn how to listen to Classical Music. We start with the basics. What is an orchestra? What are its components? what are the structures of a symphony? A sonata? You will listen differently. You will be glad you did.
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