So we got a glimpse behind the curtain, and saw a bit how F lives. He is really happy; and likes the feeling of living on his own. His dorm has a lot of " preps" or "juniors"- the Exeter names for freshman. - and they are having a fine time. Best part was the math class where it became clear to me exactly how they teach differently here. Specifically, they don't teach at all. Not really- the whole sit around the table thing is secondary to this strange but wonderful technique of taking motivated tykes and having them teach it to themselves, and then to each other. There is only gentle direction from the teacher who is like the really smart kid who kind of asks the leading question that moves the discussion along. Ot perhaps the one that can explain it in a special way.. But she plays a supporting role only. In math the kids arrive and go to the board to write out their questions- and show how they got their answers. Then they present that to the class, and the class asks questions or if needed, point out errors. It sounds terrifying I know! But they are so not afraid; they are adorable little group of puppies that laugh and cajole and tease. F drew the short stick and had to show a tough one. Two very adorable girls then went to town with question after question; filled with honest confusion and skepticism. The teacher said nothing. I turned to Thomas and said: I think he's going down on this one.. These girls smell blood in the water. The question was; if the car is filled with 40% anti freeze and 60% water and you want to make it 50% anti freeze ( without taking it all out and starting again- Brigham style) what is the equation.
F could not easily convince them.. Back and forth it went. Teacher speaks up in quiet southern accent: Think about where the 7 -11 is.. That'll help..(I'm paraphrasing.. Who is listening at this point?)
So F beats back the adorable mob and class ends.. Then as we are saying goodbye to him, little chirps of voices from behind- Frederick! Can you explain that last X axis thing? And like in the brochure, they go off three of them to jam a little math in their break. I tell you, it is devious how it gets kids to talk about school stuff all the bloody time.
Also interesting is the kind of people who come!! One father looked like someone on Duck Dynasty..but with a shaved Mohak. With- not making this up- a baby with same shaved Mohak. I of course give them my best, guilty white liberal look like "welcome, outsiders, to Exeter.." But sure enough, while I am busy figuring out which girls are nicest to F, duck dynasty blurts out the answer to a question no kid knew... Not such a hick after all. But where do they find geniuses who give babies shaved heads ? Only at Exeter I guess.
I know all you want is the photos .. So I'll stop there. Xxx
1 comment:
Wow not my high school experience. Yea Frederick. Nana
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