Of Illness, Hobbits, and Adventure

An Unexpected Journey:

When I was in seventh grade, I came down with one of those childhood illnesses that in all probability is practically eliminated by now.  I was in bed for several weeks, and to pass time began reading The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.  I wasn’t quite to the end of the third book of Lord of the Rings by the time I was feeling better and had to fake continued illness to finish Return of the King.

Once I was in high school, our librarian (before the time of media specialists) found out about my interest in Tolkien and started throwing books my way, as did my high school English teachers.  From them, I learned about Asimov, Clarke, Heinlein, Lewis, Le Guin, Brooks, and Herbert.  I spent extended time in Earthsea, Majipoor, Shannara, Narnia, and Dune—and became hooked as a reader.

There is no question in my mind that these authors and those educators at Hesston High School made a significant impact on the courses I took in college and my eventual major and profession.

This also explains why over the break I was in line with family in tow to see the film version of The Hobbit—twice to be exact.  I have also downloaded the book to my iPad and am reading it with my sixth grader.  Together we are anticipating Peter Jackson’s release of the second episode.

You may have a similar story to tell.  When you start talking to educators, they often point to a significant teacher or school experience that hooked them and started them on the path into education.  In fact, many of you can quote almost verbatim what one of your teachers said to you and remember well how you were encouraged by those words.  Or you can remember an assignment that for some reason caught your interest and started you on your journey in your content area.

A Challenge to Start the Adventure:

We should recognize the influence we have as teachers and become intentional about “hooking” our students.  They may not all become teachers, but unquestionably we can help them with their first steps down the road in our content areas.  Bilbo Baggins says to Frodo:  “It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door.  You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.”

Don’t be afraid of this dangerous business we are in.  Keep sweeping your students off down the road to the world they are currently creating.  Rather than walking out of the Hobbit Hole like Bilbo does, the first steps of this adventure might be an especially interesting or meaningful assignment or as simple as a few extra words of encouragement to a student.  Gandalf says, “There are no safe paths in this part of the world.  Remember you are over the edge of the Wild now, and in for all sorts of fun wherever you go.” 

This week, find a time to give a student who needs it a few words of encouragement.  There is no telling where it may take him or her.

A Hobbit Blessing:

Have an interesting week, Southeastern.  Make something unexpected happen, and to quote Gandalf, “May the hair on your toes never fall out.” 

Phil