A major league baseball bat begins as a chunk of wood. Imagine if the players used this unrefined piece of wood as a bat. Not only would it be cumbersome, it would be ineffective. Instead, the chunk of wood is cut down to a blank then placed on a lathe where a craftsman shaves and smoothes the wood into the shape of a bat. Now it’s smooth, agile and ready for action.

You can nail down your curricula by applying a similar refinement process. Cut, shave and sand away all the unnecessary elements. Create more space for teens to process and own the information–and ultimately connect with their educators in a meaningful way.

Consider the following thought experiment: Imagine you forgot all your materials for a presentation (not that this has ever happened to you), and class starts in five minutes. How will you determine what to cover with students? Statistics and other minor details would not rush to the forefront of your mind. Your brain would go through a rapid process to recall the three-to-five main points of the curriculum. These would become your focus for the day.

Now imagine applying this whittling process to your entire curricula. Look at the outline, then the main headings. These are the elements the author considers most important to the fidelity of the curricula. You may even wish to create your own outline of those points you consider most important. With your main points at hand, consider accepting this challenge:

Present only on the major headings of your curriculum. Students will provide most of the details. Feel free to lend a hand, but only after students have exhausted their ideas.

Instead of telling students what you think they should know, ask questions. You will discover that students will contribute the remaining curriculum content.

If you muster the courage to accept this challenge, let me know. I’d love to hear about it!   Also, write me if you’d like further suggestions. Just remember to trust the process.

It’s great to be working with you to promote positive change in the lives of young people.

Best,

Andrew