Leave the cellphone alone

Photo: Miramichi Leader

I read Peter Koritansky’s recent article in The Telegraph Journal about students returning to the classroom and what he identified as three points to consider to ensure that students get the most out of their experience while they put their best forward. 

Mr. Koritansky advocates no cell phones in school – at all. School uniforms for all, and the playing of classical music before the school day begins and between classes.

I’m a yes, yes, and a yes. 

No cell phones.  Students are working; they’re on the job.  There was a life before cell phones that did not include making phone calls to friends and family during the school day and it’s concerning that parents balk at the notion that their children should be denied access. Baloney, I say. Loudly! Their pushback is nothing more than an adult tantrum. Unless a catastrophic event, what’s so important that you need to call your child at school, interrupting the teacher and the rest of the class? That is not responsible parenting.  Bending to the will of a child is also not a good idea; the adult loses credibility the moment giving in becomes part of the parenting style. I’m not being an ‘old poop’. I’m being realistic. I’m all for negotiating terms when a child wants to do a certain thing, or buy something he’s wanted for awhile, but parents need to be respectful of the rules of the classroom in the same way that they’d expect someone to respect the protocols in their own workplace.  No cellphones improves academic performance which reaps good grades to apply to applications for a stable job with advancements. A win-win. Parents do your job so your children can do theirs. 

School uniforms. Yup, again! In schools across the country, we see economic disparity illustrated in the attire worn by students, both boys and girls. Unfortunately, dress styles elicit comments or impressions that are not always an accurate assessment of the person or personality. Lack of financial resources to do the before school year shopping is an anxiety inducing poke in the gut for so many students. That first day,  passing through the doors, knowing that they won’t measure up, with no designer duds, makes young people anxious and those first few days are a nightmare. That can be avoided with inexpensive uniformity; shirts, slacks, skirts, shoes. A school sweater and a tie also creates a camaraderie, an “I belong here” that opens opportunities for students to meet and greet others of their age who may not be of their socio-economic group; sameness of dress makes that not matter. People first engagement is taking place and that is a good thing.   Meet `n greets  devoid of comparisons based on possessions – designer this or that, is a great equalizer, paving the way for lasting friendships through subsequent years of school life. When students understand that school dress code is not a punishment but a way for everyone to feel important to school life, they begin to shift their thinking, growing into WE people. Taken out of the classroom, they’re better prepared to meet the ‘rules of the road’ as they interact with members of their community, regardless of age. Bonus points for school uniform enhancing emotional growth and future potential.

                                           

I’m an all-in proponent of introducing music to the school experience, going so far as to suggest that light classical music be played during classes as well as between classes; students are unwittingly absorbing knowledge of sound, of rhythm. In some classical music they may recognize popular music --  “I’ve heard this somewhere before.”

A famous quotation from William Congreve (1670-1629)  has a lot more truth to it than he ever realized four hundred years ago. To complete the quote: "Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast. To soften rocks, or bend the knotted oak."

From my own personal experience with regard to the benefit of music, I believe that giving students, particularly those who are challenged with components of ADHD/ADD,  an opportunity listen to a composer a day would go a long way to enhancing their learning experience. Perhaps time could be set aside at end of day for them to learn about composers. Imagine the possibilities!

Carla MacInnis Rockwell is a freelance writer and disability rights advocate living outside Fredericton, NB with Miss Lexie, a rambunctious Maltese and Mr. Malcolm, a boisterous Havanese. She can be reached via email at Carla MacInnis Rockwell