Q/A: What Really Matters in Life
I like to begin class with a Q/A. A Q/A is a question or an idea to be explored. Here is an example:
Q/A: What do you really enjoy in life and what gives it meaning? Write 5 examples. In short, what really matters (and what doesn’t matter).
Write the student examples on the board. Compare them with the thoughts (below) of children who were nearing the end of the time on earth.
Teacher Note
Dr Alastair McAlpine is palliative care physician. His job is to ease the pain of children dying of cancer. There is no cure for these children. His job is to make them comfortable and provide them the most joyful, dignified death possible for them.
He asked some of his terminal pediatric palliative care patients what they had enjoyed in life, and what gave their life meaning. Their answers:
- Nobody mentions spending more time online, or watching more TV.
- None said they enjoyed fighting or being angry with others.
- Many said their pets made their lives better.
- They loved their parents. Many expressed worry or concern about how their parents will be after they die.
- All of them loved Ice Cream
- All of them loved books and being told stories, especially by their parents. The books inspired them.
- It’s a waste of time worrying about what others think about you. “A real friend won’t care if I’m bald”.
- Everyone loved the beach.
- ALL of them VALUED KINDNESS above most other virtues.
- Almost all of them loved people who made them laugh. Happy people make the world a better place. Laughter is the best medicine; it distracts from pain.
- Kids love their toys and their superheroes.
- Finally, they ALL valued time with their family. Nothing was more important.
These were thoughts conveyed by children who were nearing the end of their time on earth. Compare them with what your students convey.
Inspired by the article about terminally Ill Kids, what Really matters in Life.
How I use the Q/A:
- A way to get the students in their seats, on task and thinking.
- Time for me to complete tasks necessary for each class-roll etc.
- An activity that is a smooth transition into the day’s lesson or a review of previous material.
- It’s 10% of their final grade. They write down the question and their answer. On Friday they turn it in for a weekly grade.
