rigor

::: i begin each elementary english class with a short segment called "feelings"...

...i flash various cards that depict different human feelings...for example, when i raise the "happy" card (showing a boy with a smiling face and yes, the ubiquitous japanese "peace" sign), the youngsters reply in unison, "i am happy!"...in turn, i ask them, "are you happy today?" to which they usually respond with glee, "yes, i'm happy!!!!"

...today, this is how my students (all ages 6-10) responded when i raised the "tired" card:

students: "i am tired"

me: "are you tired today?"

students (deflated): "yes, i am tired today"

me: "why are you tired today?"

students: "we have so much homework every day and lots of pressure at school"

...as early as 6 years old, youngsters are coping with the rigors of the education system...

:::