Finding the Silver Lining

Today marks one week of the Boston incident. My heart is out to those in Boston and to those who lost loved ones. Unfortunately, things like this happen and will happen unexpectedly. As teachers, it is our duty to provide insight and help our students look for the silver lining. Students are already reading the news through their social media accounts and engaging in opinionated and meaningful conversations so why not shift their thoughts into the classroom? Technology is already integrated in our lives, as well our students’ lives. Let’s face it, technology is expanding and becoming more and more part of our reality and education. Furthermore, teachers are always looking for ways to not only integrate technology within their lesson plans but make the lesson more meaningful. Easier said than done. Something came to mind after the Boston incident: students should write letters to the residents of Boston or to those who lost loved ones. And to make this more interesting, students would have to incorporate a piece of literature they feel represents what the residents of Boston are undergoing. This could range from a line of poetry to a fictional character they feel would sympathize with the residents. Students would enjoy this assignment because it would allow them to be themselves for once. They would want to give back as much as they can, and what better way than writing an intimate letter to someone who lost a loved one or underwent a tragic event in their life? They would gain the satisfaction of lending a hand, even if it wasn’t physically. As an aspiring teacher, I would my students to not only be a part of a safe and secure learning environment but to also have some kind of understanding of international and world issues. It is imperative that they know what is going on and want to offer their assistance, even if it is minimal.They need to critically think about these unfortunate situations and find the silver lining.