Share A Fascinating Fact...

This is a repost of an article I wrote over a year ago...now that I have some more friends and connections at Gather, I'd love to hear more fascinating facts! Read on...

While I have been teaching in a high school for the past twelve years, I've discovered that many times the kids in my classes don't really know each other that well--if at all. It seems nearly impossible in a relatively smaller high school, but so often the students sit near each other for years, yet know nothing of their neighbors. So I instituted "Fascinating Facts," which I use throughout the year (not just in the beginning) as a way to break the ice and also to foster communication between everyone. When called upon, the student shares three fascinating facts with the group--and I stress "Fascinating." Not "I play soccer" but "While I played elementary school soccer, I broke my collarbone and wearing a tie is still uncomfortable." Often the facts are humorous and the levity is not at the expense of the person, but works to create a sense of community.

So, in the spirit of my classroom, I want to extend to you a welcome & and an invitation to share a fascinating fact about yourself. The only stipulation is that is must be fascinating--typically, the more random, the better. If you are into it, you are welcome to share three, as my students do! I look forward to reading about all of you :)

Here's my fascinating fact: I had a brain abscess when I was thirteen years-old that affected my right side. I recovered but continue to suffer from (what I suppose is) nerve damage in my right hand that doesn't permit me to feel texures. The ridged edge of a quarter? I can't feel it! This was a real pain in the booty back in the day when I didn't have an EZ Pass and I had to dig change out of a cup holder to pay a toll. :)

What's your fascinating fact?