Reading RC Literature in Class
We read RC literature in class. People take turns reading. They pause frequently—sometimes after every sentence—so that everyone can share their thoughts and ask questions and have mini-sessions whenever useful.
It’s a slow process, but it helps the students engage with the text and each other. It contradicts how as young people in school we were expected to read things and take in new information without pausing to notice and discharge feelings. We are also expected to do this as adults.
In an ongoing women’s RC class, we read the Draft Women’s Liberation Policy Statement. I made lots of space for feelings that came up about hard and scary things related to sexism and encouraged lots of laughter. It was useful.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Reprinted from the e-mail discussion list for RC teachers
(Present Time 207, April 2022)