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The Kefi Foundation
Passages are the resonating lines, compelling lyrics, riveting scenes, and enchanting images that deepen our lives.
E.B. White
“Why did you do this for me?” he asked. “I don’t deserve it. I’ve never done anything for you.”
“You have been my friend,” replied Charlotte. “That in itself is a tremendous thing. I wove my webs for you because I liked you. After all, what’s a life, anyway? We’re born, we live a little while, we die. A spider’s life can’t help being something of a mess, with all this trapping and eating flies. By helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. Heaven knows anyone’s life can stand a little of that.”
Lesson #1: Empty Your Cup!
No matter what grade or subject I teach, on our first day, my first lesson will always be “Empty Your Cup!” I want my students to know that if they’re not open to learning, I can’t teach them. I swear, Socrates, Confucius, Siddhartha (Buddha), Jesus, or Muhammad couldn’t teach a bunch of reluctant, rebellious adolescents.
To drive the point home, before explaining any of this, I’ll take the whole class outside (so I don’t make a mess), and then, with no explanation, pour water into an already full cup.
After letting it overflow for a few seconds, I’d simply ask, “Everybody gets it, right?”
Of course, no one would. So we’d go back into class and I’d explain what “Empty Your Cup” is all about.