Thinking more deeply about simple quotes, pt 2

Do you remember my first article, where students had to comment on famous quotes? I was curious about their opinions when I asked them to comment on some quotes and how they could relate them to their lives. Now I’m wondering how the faculty would answer the same question: how would teachers relate these quotes to their lives, their classes, and how they teach? For that reason, I decided to choose five quotes and ask some teachers to comment on them.

"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." Walt Disney

Coach C: I think many of us spend a lot of time hoping or wishing for circumstances or things we’d like, but the only way to get there is to start moving, one step at a time.

Sr. B.: Walt knows what he’s talking about. For language learners, I would change it to: Quit waiting and start talking.

"Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." John Lennon

Coach C: Well, the answer I think is the same as above. It’s important

to live moments as life presents them rather than always looking ahead to different experiences.

Sr. B.: Interestingly, John Lennon wasn’t the first to say this. Apparently, it first appeared in Reader’s Digest in 1957.

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Eleanor Roosevelt

Coach C: Without a goal, there is no compass, and it’s hard to navigate to your dreams.

Sr. B.: Call me crazy, but quotes with “dream” or “dreams” rarely seem to move me.

I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious. Albert Einstein

Coach C: Yes! Curiosity increases the possibility that we will discover what our special talents might be.

Dr. Kogan: I mean, I agree with this sentiment, for sure, but Einstein offers a masterclass in the humblebrag here.

Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly. John F. Kennedy

Coach C.: I agree. Nothing worthwhile was ever gained by staying comfortable. A child would never walk if it stopped trying the first time that it fell trying.

Sr. B.: This fits nicely into language learning. You’ve got to put yourself out there, be willing to make mistakes, not overthink things and sometimes even look foolish. Reminds me of a similar and more succinct quote from esteemed scholar and educator Valerie Frizzle: “Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!”

I really found it interesting how the teachers’ comments are different from the students’. In this article we can see how a comment might be brief but clear and straight to the main point. On the other hand, students’ expanded on their answers, and I think it was really great, but maybe it could be difficult if you are looking for something “quick to read.” Also, teachers’ didn’t only comment, they also critique or find fault with the quotes, where students were more likely to celebrate them. However, both results were really satisfying and I appreciated that people found time to respond to these quotes because I can definitely say that, due to their response to these quotes, I know some people better and how they think.