Backporch Education Podcast

The Stalagmite Episode  The Poem: “Shine, Perishing Republic,” by Robinson Jeffers  Statement of the Whole: Well, we have been working up to it for the last couple of episodes, and here it finally is: one of the most famous analogies of all … Continue reading →

Poem: “Staring at the Sun” by U2  Summer stretching on the grass Summer dresses pass In the shade of a willow tree Creeps a crawling over me Over me and over you Stuck together with God’s glue It’s going to get stickier too It’s been a long hot … Continue reading →

The Analogy Episode  Poem: “Shine” by Robinson Jeffers  Statement of the Whole: Out of the darkness and shadows of the past, a clear voice can still be heard speaking about education.  That voice is Socrates, through the dialogues of Plato.  In this … Continue reading →

The “Tongue in Cheek” Episode Statement of the Whole: With our society rejoicing in that which is extraordinary, we offer numerous suggestions to the classroom teacher on how to “be the worst teacher ever.”  Only by faithfully pursuing these characteristics will a … Continue reading →

Poem: Mummy Slept Late and Daddy Fixed Breakfast, by John Ciardi  If you liked this Ciardi poem, you may enjoy his book on poetry, How Does a Poem Mean.  Statement of the Whole: How does a teacher balance careful planning with wise use of the rabbit … Continue reading →

Poem:  “The Naming of Cats” by T.S. Eliot, if you like, here Eliot reads it himself Statement of the Whole: Jerome Bruner said, “Any subject can be taught effectively in some intellectually honest form to any child at any stage … Continue reading →

Reading: “To Be, or Not to Be?” by William Shakespeare The slowly creaking door episode Statement of the Whole:  Many discussions and arguments about education seem to come from a place of fear.  Nowhere is this more obvious than with … Continue reading →

Poem:  From the Epigrams, by Martial (First Century Roman poet) You ask me why I have no verses sent? For fear you should return the compliment. The Falling Asleep in Class Podcast Episode Section 1: What is Boredom, Properly Defined? … Continue reading →

Poem:  The Oxcart Man, by Donald Hall, Statement of the Whole: When is it appropriate to tell a student they have not done well?  Are negative comments ever appropriate?  What should a student make of long flowing red rivers of … Continue reading →

“The Seminar Show” “The Seminar Show” Poem:  Jason slacks off and suggests you go and read several of these Conversation Poems from ST Coleridge.  Coleridge’s Conversation Poems – mentioned in Season 1, Episode 13, this page links you to the … Continue reading →