This is a short extract from Chapter 6. I think it has resonance for all walks of life.:
The best training we had was a great exercise that really summed up the way we human beings interact with each other.
It concerned a magical land far far away. A wizard came into the land with a big bag. When he met anyone he put his hand in his bag and gave them a little furry creature. As soon as they held it and stroked the animal it sent a great feeling of pleasure and happiness flooding through them. The wizard had an endless supply and soon everyone was carrying a bag around full of ‘warm fuzzies’ and passing them around to everyone they met. The kingdom became a beautiful place full of happy people.
The wizard left and another wizard appeared. He too had a bag but inside his bag were cold spiky little creatures. Everyone he met he gave one of these creatures to. The ‘icy pricklies’ ate ‘warm fuzzies’ and sent a feeling of fear and hatred through the person. Soon the kingdom was transformed into gloom and misery.
So what do we all pass on to others that we meet?
I wanted a school that ran on ‘warm fuzzies’. ‘icy pricklies’ were banned. Whatever bad stuff had happened to you outside you left it at the school gates. I accentuated the positive. I tried to get everyone to recognise all the good qualities in each other. I wanted the kingdom inside to be warm and nurturing.
I think I achieved that.
If you would like to purchase any of my books:
In the UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Opher-Goodwin/e/B00MSHUX6Y/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1479815710&sr=1-2-ent
If you would like to read my story – with no holds barred:-
https://www.amazon.co.uk/passion-Education-story-Headteacher-ebook/dp/B00NRC66E2/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
I remember that book! I used them in group work and 1:1 sessions. In fact, I think I still have that book somewhere.
I didn’t know there was a book. What is the title Raili. I’d love to get hold of it.
It was just a little paperback probably 0.5cm thick and the size of a postcard. I don’t seem to have it anymore but I found this on the net. I’m pretty sure it was this or at least a version of it – used in TA which was very in at the time I came across it. http://www.claudesteiner.com/fuzzy.htm
Thanks Raili. That looks a bit like it!
Reblogged this on Opher's World and commented:
In the wake of the slowly unfurling Tory education disaster I thought I needed to release a few education posts. The regimentation of teaching continues apace with teachers being forced to teach to a set pattern, driving all creativity out of the window. The curriculum continues to narrow with the arts, drama and student creativity thrown aside. What we now have is a back to the 50s memory test in an ever reducing range of subjects as students are processed through the exam factories as fodder for industry. What a tragic state of affairs!! Our best teachers are leaving in droves.