Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 09:46 AM

A lot of professional musician, jazz & pop, seemed to have got started in Art Schools. I wonder how many visual artists went to Music Colleges??

RtS
(retired librarian and full-time layabout)

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: synbyn
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 02:56 PM

Relief...

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: GUEST,Teachers pest
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 06:50 PM

Teachers feel safe in the safe world of folk and jazz.They also like to dress in big jumpers,grow beards and rekindle the hippie theme.They are performers in their job and in the little world of folk clubs.If you have a problem with the teachers you had at school,go to a folk club and ask him or her all the questions you ever wanted answering.

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Alec
Date: 17 Feb 07 - 03:58 PM

Thinking back to the number of 60'S Graduate teachers involved in Folk made me think abot Toni Arthur,
She was not a Teacher by occupation (Her training was an intriguing combination of acting,music & Nursing)but was heavily involved in educational Television for the very young (most particularly "Playschool"). In addition to this she had a significant presence as a Folk singer & Musician in her own right.
She was by no means atypical of her generation in respect of any of the above & I have always thought of her as a "good type".
Anybody know what she's doing these days?

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Rasener
Date: 17 Feb 07 - 04:11 PM

Do you mean this one

http://www.goldilox.co.uk/engfolk/frames/dave_and_toni_arthur.htm

and this

http://www.toniarthur-hay.com/home.html

and this

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toni_Arthur

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Alec
Date: 17 Feb 07 - 04:21 PM

That's the splendid chapess to whom I referred Villan.
And I was just looking at a seperate part of the Goldilox site yesterday.
It would seem that pretty much everything she's done in the past 30 years or so has gone completely beneath my RADAR.
Ah well, I'm pleased she's still out there doing good stuff.

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Rasener
Date: 17 Feb 07 - 04:45 PM

And this on Dave Arthur

http://www.davearthur.net/biog.html

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: DeeRod
Date: 17 Feb 07 - 04:47 PM

Remember, in the sixties (and a little before in my case),folk music and political activism were very largely property of the liberal arts crowd. An engineer in f m was a rarity and (hooray) compu geeks didn't exist (a computer was a thing that took up the third floor of the engineering building and only profs were allowed to touch it)

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: bubblyrat
Date: 17 Feb 07 - 04:56 PM

When it comes to Scotch, why does Teachers attract so many folkies ??

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Tim theTwangler
Date: 17 Feb 07 - 05:52 PM

Cos its cheap?

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Rasener
Date: 17 Feb 07 - 05:56 PM

he he

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Muttley
Date: 17 Feb 07 - 07:53 PM

BUBBLYRAT - that was woeful: Besides which, Teachers Whisky is rubbish; I prefer a nice Glenfiddich, Tomatin or even the odd Dalwhinnie or Talisker (can't get Tomatin over here so I have to wait for someone going to Britain to bring one back with them).

Anyone migrating soon???

CAPT. GINGER - no perjorative was implied as far as I could see and no offence taken, I was just curious as to why you felt Aspies might be attracted - I cab see your point is well made and I probably DO have a bit of an obsession with folk (like I need another one) but I guess I'm not familiar enough with the folk scene with regard to clubs and festivals to apply a valid counter observation - so you could well be correct.

However, as opposed to folk as a tradition or music style which attracts Aspies; I do have a couple of (possibly) more valid observations as to why we are attracted to folk MUSIC, as such.

ONE - it's generally low-key and relaxing with soothing sounds and these are things a lot of Aspies enjoy; sudden loud noises tend to rattle us or even alarm and agitate us. Though I love rock music and especially Heavy Metal, I probably learned to love it because that's what a lot of people were listening to when I was a teen and I started doing so because it looked like a way to gain acceptance to a social grouping I didn't understand or relate to well. Generally an Aspie will unreasoningly despise a new music form until he or she sees a lot of people enjoying it and will then listen to it and 'pretend' to like it until they actually DO - it happened to me with an Australian Glam Rock group ca;;ed 'Skyhooks' - hated them at first, listened to them because others liked them (trying to fit in) and then ended up obsessing about them - went to 11 of their concerts in Melbourne over the course of about 3 or 4 years.

TWO - word play.   Aspies, in the main, tend to love word play, puns, word puzzles, language variation, old word usage etc. It fascinates many of us. The use of old language - especially really old English tends to excite me no end; especially in cases like the Steeleye Span song 'Gaudete'; absolutely thrills me. Another is the song that goes:
"I had four brothers across the sea
Peri, Meri, Dixi, Dominie
And each they sent a present to me
Peri, Meri, Dixi, Domini . . . . .

and the chorus

Petrum, Partrum, Paradisi, Tempore,
Peri, Meri, Dixi, Domini

The flow of these words is like honey and just soothes me every time I hear them (anyone know the name of the song / have the lyrics / have the chords ????)

So. In essence - word play might attract them.

Lastly, the observation about 'tics' - Aspies don't display them. What you are seeing is hand "flapping" or "flutterin". Aspies tend to odd arm and especially hand movements that don't appear connected to what they are doing. You'll see them most often when they are alone (which is MOST of the time - most other people don't want us around) and especially if talking to themselves - imagination talk; reliving conversations or (more likely) rebuttals - but these are not 'tics' as such.

If an Aspie actually displays a 'tic' it's asymptomatic of their condition and probably one they have picked up like any "normal" would. Actual 'tics' are usually associated with Torettes; (or Huntington's Chorea - where the "tics" tend to be "whole body extreme" and more like convulsive movements.

Muttley

Good observation, otherwise - might have to investigate it in my own growing understanding of my "condition".

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: mg
Date: 17 Feb 07 - 08:00 PM

I haven't noticed that at all. There are a fair number in the engineering and computer professions it seems. mg

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: melodeonboy
Date: 17 Feb 07 - 08:47 PM

"Generally an Aspie will unreasoningly despise a new music form until he or she sees a lot of people enjoying it and will then listen to it and 'pretend' to like it until they actually DO" said Muttley.

Sorry to be cynical: I thought most people were like that!

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: GeoffLawes
Date: 17 Feb 07 - 09:19 PM

There are many accute observations here about this connection particularly yours Litte Hawk. Historically teachers were an important part of the early twentieth century folk revival.Cecil Sharp saw teachers as essential agents for the re-establishment of Britain's traditional national music. "Folk Songs for Schools" was another strand of his project to counteract what was seen as the undermining influence of German and Italian music upon the British national spirit. When I was at school in the fifties and sixties this influence of Cecil Sharp was still very much in evidence.

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Muttley
Date: 17 Feb 07 - 10:39 PM

Dear mg - if you are referring to Aspies in engineeing and computers you are right.
If you consider those two professions you can see why. The mathematics and physics associated don't change suddenly: once a law is set it generally stays there and that kind of stbility in dealing with something is perfectly suited to the Aspie psyche.

In fact it was the high number of computer geeks in Silicone Valley that were observed and noted to have Asperger-like qualities that led to them being investigated and actually found to be just that - a high (disproportionate) number of Silicone Valley workers WERE Aspies! It was Silicone Valley that highlighted the fact that Aspergers (identified in the 30's and 40's) was alive and kicking and led to more studies about the condition.

Finally - again, think about it: when all you have to deal with is a computer program or an engineering problem, the steps are logical and one doesn't have to try to make sense of complex human personalities and interactions - its a perfect world for an Aspie there. No confusion and a computer can't reject you because you are "socially inept".

BTW - were you aware that the world's richest man is also an Asperger? Bill Gates - if you want to see a classic vision of Aspie confusion, watch the video clip of him being "cream pied". He looks stunned as opposed to outraged or humiliated - he simply cannot understand why someone has done this because he cannot comprehend the motives behind the "attack" is it a joke, is it malign - what???

Also; Newton, Beethoven and Mozart were also most probably Aspies.

Muttley

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 18 Feb 07 - 02:58 PM

Cos being the centre of attention is all they know

Sal

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Rowan
Date: 18 Feb 07 - 04:45 PM

As was pointed out earlier, in Oz, Teachers' Colleges played a major part in the formation of folk festivals. From 1967 to 1992 the National was peripatetic between major cities (usually capitals) and the usual venue was some sort of educational institution.

While I've been a teacher for many years I'd have to say my singing/dancing/etc started well before I became a teacher. From earlier posting it's clear there are lots of quite different vocations represented amongst folkies, which reminds me of an event at Nariel in (from memory) 1980.

The local forestry officer got his knickers in a knot about the fact that all these disreputable folkies skinnydipped in the creek; an amendment to the Health Act gave him absolute powers over camping within the metric equivalent of half a mile of any watercourse so he started throwing his weight around. He commented to a very cleancut member of our group (a lawyer in the Army Reserve) that folkies were

"just a mob of unemployed layabout yobbos, and the further up the creek you go the worse they get!"

Well, we were the most upstream group, the ones who kept the locals from swimming in the town's water supply during the festival and were most offended. That evening, around the fire, we did a headcount of the 30 odd campers around our fire. I can't remember them all (there were people from Victoria, Adelaide, Sydney and Canberra) but here's what I can remember.

Victoria's only forensic toxicologist, two solicitors, two accountants, one of Victoria's three permanent school camp directors (me), a couple of nurses, two of the east coast's 20 elctronics technical writers, a few teachers, two physiotherapists; it went on and on like this and the least 'formally qualified' was a skilled cabinet maker. There was very little nonsense talked thereafter about the working class being a dominant force in current folk music.

The Victorian Premier was deluged with mail from all over Australia about this threat to Australia's longest running folk festival (I don't think he knew what had hit him; he wasn't even aware of the festival) and it's still running. But the forestry officer was moved on.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: JennyO
Date: 19 Feb 07 - 05:12 AM

And "disreputable folkies" are still happily skinny-dipping in Nariel Creek every year. That is part of its charm. It's one of the few places you can go in Oz at that time of year where you can get some relief from the summer heat. Much more comfortable than Woodford or Gulgong!

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Rowan
Date: 19 Feb 07 - 04:29 PM

And, while "disreputable folkies" are still happily skinny-dipping in Nariel Creek every year, it's largely the same ones that were doing it in the '70s; their teenaged offspring (who are every bit as adept at performing music, dance, circus etc as their parents) are much more "reputable".

Jenny, is my memory really hopeless? Have we met at Nariel? [Must be all that combining teaching and folking that's tangled the grey matter.]

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Jess A
Date: 20 Feb 07 - 05:54 AM

Muttley - for your Peri, Meri, Dixi, Dominie, see this thread thread.cfm?threadid=9589#999779

I liked the sound of it from the bit you quoted so thought I'd take a look. You never know, I might learn it at some point - thanks for that!

Jess A

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Penny S.
Date: 20 Feb 07 - 11:43 PM

Muttley, I was under the impression that the reason for there being so many Aspies in engineering, maths etc was because that was what they were skilled at, not because that was what they were comfortable in. (My interest is because I've had a number in my classes over recent years, which has presented some problems - there I am trying to stir up the others into some sort of alertness and thinking process, while that sort of performance is totally the opposite of what the Aspies need.)

It's not gold stars now, by the way, it's stickers and stamps. smiley faces, trite slogans....

Penny

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Scrump
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 10:42 AM

My point is (in the UK) most 'folkies' are involved in teaching

Is there any evidence for this statement? I know more folkies who are not involved in teaching, than those that are. Perhaps my experience doesn't reflect the national picture, though?

IME folkies come from all walks of life, which is what I find interesting.

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Scrump
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 10:50 AM

Sorry, a bit late on this thread. I was pleased to see the mentions of Toni Arthur. I played on the same bill as Dave & Toni a few times, and I remember chatting her up (behind Dave's back of course! ;-)) when she was a nurse at UCH - she was (and presumably still is) a smashing person. Haven't seen her for 30+ years, sadly.

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Alec
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 10:58 AM

I was quite keen myself Scrump.(Though I never actually met her)
Looking back upthread where I had intended to type "...made me think about Toni Arthur" I have actually typed "...made me think abot Toni Arthur" Freudian slip?
(She is a Psychologist after all.)

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: GUEST,Teachers Pet
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 01:06 PM

Scrump
What I wrote was - In any folk gathering (UK) I have attended the majority will be connected with teaching/education. Spouses, siblings, friends or working directly in education.
…………..

I will add to that ex-spouses etc. To further add to my experience which is all I can give an opinion on, (yours may be different), even on this thread, comments are :-

it was a teacher that told me it was what had encouraged her to take part in folk music

……………. despite her success, continued to go to university until she could get a teacher's licence

yes, Teachers and Social Workers, I noticed this phenomenon 30 years ago

Yeah, I know several people who started as teachers and then became folksingers.

I didn't used to teach, but now I also do (lecture).

Learnt my performing skills in folk clubs, then went on to teach in a university

Captain Swing (a teacher and ex folkie)

At my folk club we had not one, but two school heads, plus three teachers.

I was a folkie long before I was a teacher

I was a "folkie" for 20 years before training to be a teacher

I have to ask because I am a teacher, a folkie ………..

heavily involved in educational Television

While I've been a teacher for many years

My interest is because I've had a number in my classes
....................
All these comments just from posters to this thread. I have not said ALL folkies are teachers nor ALL teachers are folkies. Just 'in my experience' that teaching is predominant above other jobs/trades/professions.
I asked out of interest & have heard some very convincing theories. When discussing with friends (non-teachers) the general feeling seems to be that folk music was the 'in thing' at universities,colleges etc. in the sixties & early seventies & that is the age group in the average folk club in our area (N.E. England)
Thanks everyone for sharing your views!

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: GUEST,Teacher Pet
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 01:11 PM

Scrump - not a 'dig' at you, just an observation - it may only apply to my (limited) area.
(Altho as an engineer, I am heavily involved in training employees in certain procedures & have run I.T. classes so maybe I am 'one of them'.
TP

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: bubblyrat
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 08:12 PM

I have just remembered a colleague of mine,from my time in the aircraft-carrier HMS EAGLE in the 1960s. He was an Engine Room Artificer, and a fine banjo-player ( he had a Vega 'white lady', I recall ).Anyway, his ambition was to leave the Navy, ( What is it about ERA s that make them want to leave,-like ERA Tawney,C. ??) and become a teacher !! I often think of him, & hope that he lived his dream---He came from Suffolk, & his name was Pete Wimpenny.

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: GUEST,Frank Hamilton
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 09:00 PM

"Folk" is about history. It's a part of the education of the public as to the origins of their own heritage as a country. History tells us the facts about the times, but the songs tell how the people felt about them.

Frank Hamilton

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 08:21 AM

I was a teacher.

I can only say in my defence that I was the worst teacher imaginable - I don't think I ever taught anybody anything.

Whereas, as a musician/songwriter - my career has been been one dizzying tale of success after another - climaxing in me writing the 38th most popular football song in the history of Germany.

it makes me wonder what heights some of these other teachers and musicians have risen to.

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Scrump
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 08:35 AM

I have not said ALL folkies are teachers nor ALL teachers are folkies. Just 'in my experience' that teaching is predominant above other jobs/trades/professions.

Teacher's Pet: I didn't claim that you did say that. I simply quoted your own words

My point is (in the UK) most 'folkies' are involved in teaching

and asked: "Is there any evidence for this statement? I know more folkies who are not involved in teaching, than those that are. Perhaps my experience doesn't reflect the national picture, though?"

Thanks you for your response, but please don't attribute things to me that I never said.

It seems you are basing this conclusion on your own experience and that of others you quote above - I am simply saying that my experience is different. That's not saying you are wrong, just that it doesn't reflect my experience.

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 09:07 AM

I'm not sure I was involved in teaching, even when I was a teacher. It was more sort of .....crowd control.

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: GUEST,Teachers Pet
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 11:41 AM

Ditto Scrump!

The whole thread was based on my quote - 'any folk gathering (UK) I have attended' so I thought it obvious I was basing my opinion on my experience.

In my post to you I again quote - 'my experience which is all I can give an opinion on, (yours may be different)'.

Nowhere did I try to attribute anything to you but if you read it that way I apologise.

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Peace
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 12:20 PM

Things I've Learned....

    I've learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sing "Silent Night".......Age 6

    I've learned that our dog doesn't want to eat my broccoli either. Age 7

    I've learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back. Age 9

    I've learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes me clean it up again. Age 12

    I've learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up. Age 14

    I've learned that although it's hard to admit it, I'm secretly glad my parents are strict with me. Age 15

    I've learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice. Age 24

    I've learned that brushing my child's hair is one of life's great pleasures. Age 26

    I've learned that wherever I go, the world's worst drivers have followed me there. Age 29

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Peace
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 12:20 PM

I've learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it. Age 39

    I've learned that there are people who love you dearly but just don't know how to show it. Age 42

    I've learned that you can make some one's day by simply sending them a little note. Age 44

    I've learned that the greater a person's sense of guilt, the greater his or her need to cast blame on others. Age 46

    I've learned that children and grandparents are natural allies. Age 47

    I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. Age 48

    I've learned that singing "Amazing Grace" can lift my spirits for hours. Age 49

    I've learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone. Age 50

    I've learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. Age 52

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Peace
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 12:21 PM

I've learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills. Age 52

    I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die. Age 53

    I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life. Age 58

    I've learned that if you want to do something positive for your children, work to improve your marriage. Age 61

    I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. Age 62

    I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. Age 64

    I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you. Age 65

    I've learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision. Age 66

    I've learned that everyone can use a prayer. Age 72

    I've learned that it pays to believe in miracles. And to tell the truth, I've seen several. Age 75

    I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. Age 82

    I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch - holding hands, a warm hug or just a friendly pat on the back. Age 85

    I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. Age 92

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 12:30 PM

That Peace has been doing some learning - can't wait to see what he learns at Age 93!

(Seriously though - good stuff, Peace).

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Peace
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 12:33 PM

Thanks, memyself. It was first sent to me by Georgiansilver about a year ago. He gets his hands on some beautiful stuff and is more than willing to spread the word. I had to go locate the site. There are s'more like it out there.

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 03:31 PM

He's a ggod guy to have on your side when the going gets tough, is old GS.

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Peace
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 03:33 PM

Ain't THAT the truth. Talk about a guy with a beautiful heart. Chances are yer talking about him or someone just like him.

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Scrump
Date: 23 Feb 07 - 06:38 AM

No problem Teachers Pet - glad we can remain amicable :-)

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Scrump
Date: 23 Feb 07 - 06:40 AM

Hey, Peace - what happened between age 85 and 92? Were you idling then? :-)

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 23 Feb 07 - 07:04 AM

Let's face it, there's only so much out there to learn. By age 85, he had uncovered everything of general interest; since then he's been nosing around for the obscure, forgotten arcana; you can't expect him to keep producing knowledge at the same rate ... And what he does produce will probably be of interest only to the true enthusiast.

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Peace
Date: 23 Feb 07 - 11:13 AM

Peanut butter sticks to the roof of the mouth.

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 23 Feb 07 - 11:19 AM

Well! There's just no slowing this guy down! I was thinking we'd have to wait at least till age 95 or so - course, maybe he is 95 ...

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Peace
Date: 23 Feb 07 - 11:23 AM

Listen up, pal, I don't look a day over 123.

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Joybell
Date: 23 Feb 07 - 07:15 PM

Rowan we must have met at Nariel too!

Here in Aus. I've always noticed the large numbers of teachers among the "Folkies" -- and also a fairly large number of people connected with the medical profession. During the 60s and 70s in Melbourne several hospitals had "folk music clubs".
Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Rowan
Date: 23 Feb 07 - 08:07 PM

When I camp for a while in one place I take my 'cooking toolbox' with enough cutlery to cope with about a dozen and some basic gear; on another thread I've mentioned my preferences for 'sharp' knives to be sharp and the ones in the box are wrapped in a teatowel to keep them that way. Of course, I take this to Nariel.

Two or three years ago I was sitting reading when I was asked for something from my box, which was on the ground beside my chair. Without looking I just reached down into the box for it. Someone had left the chopper unguarded with its blade up and I took a deep cut just distal to the middle joint of the middle finger of my left hand.

"Bother!" I said, when I noticed it. I clamped the cut shut (with my other hand) before it started bleeding and asked the group around me for a first aid kit. In that group were;
two theatre nurses from Adelaide,
a hospital social worker from Canberra,
a volunteer rural ambulance officer from Marysville,
sundry first aiders from all over the place, and
me, from New England.

Mine was the only equipped first aid kit available, although Dave had the neat surgical tape that did the trick.

It was the paddlepop splint that made playing the concer a bit tricky but we managed OK.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Muttley
Date: 24 Feb 07 - 02:59 AM

Mrs Lemon: was that observation about Aspies wanting to be the centre of attention? If so - you are WAAAYYYY off track. The one place we DON'T want to be is in the middle of things because we stand out so much more. We generally prefer single-minded activities on the fringes.

Jess A: I have already checked that thread but couldn't find chords - found them somewhere else on the 'net eventually - but thanks anyway

Penny S: Correct - they ARE skilled at that, but their Aspergers has to 'lean' in that direction. I know several who can't add the same column of figures three times and come up with the same answer twice - but they are BRILLIANT writers. I know others (including myself) who are computer morons - but excel at other things. If you are trying to stir up Aspies to get excited about your programs - forget it, unless their interests / obsessions lie in that direction you just won't engage them. Try hooking into their own personal obsession and linking THAT with whatever you are doing in the classroom.

"It's not gold stars now, by the way, it's stickers and stamps. smiley faces, trite slogans...."

Absolutely - and the kids see through it as well.

Muttley

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 24 Feb 07 - 03:32 AM

100 - got to get up earlier, Leadfingers!