Classroom of Tall Tales

by David Benson, Educational Technology Consultant ()

As some of you have concluded from reading my articles over the last two years, I am a lover of stories (I also love kites, but that was a previous article). I like African tales and Native American tales, Gaelic and Scandinavian tales and any manner of tall tales. They're fantastic and funny and many of them have a lesson to teach. I enjoy reading tales and telling tales (to which anyone I work with will attest).

Now as you know, this newsletter is devoted to technology in the classroom and the lead article is supposed to be philosophical or thought-provoking. As I was doing a web search (that's the technology part) for sites on tall tales I came across a site simply titled "Tall Tales" that gives a brief description as to how tall tales got started and what elements are common to all tall tales (this is the thought-provoking part).

It was the list of features that got me thinking. As I read through that list I chuckled and thought to myself, "What better setting for a tall tale than a classroom?" To illustrate my thinking, here are the features found in tall tales:

1. A larger-than-life, or superhuman, main character with a specific job.

2. A problem that is solved in a funny way.

3. Exaggerated details that describe things as greater than they really are.

4. Characters who use everyday language.

Feature #1: Who can deny that teachers are superhuman, and that some days it takes a superhuman, larger-than-life effort in the classroom?

Feature #2: I think every teacher can come up with funny stories on how they solved certain problems.

Feature #3: Everyone knows at least one student who exaggerates details so things appear greater than they are.

Feature #4: I think this speaks for itself. I believe one of the greatest attributes a teacher possesses is his/her ability to communicate to students in a way no one else can.

A tall tale is really nothing more than a lesson and a reflection of life. I guess that's why I think the classroom can be looked upon as another tall tale.

If you'd like to look more at tall tales, check out my web picks inside this newsletter.