What Did You Learn in School Today?

Have you ever asked this question:

What did you learn in school today?

What answer did you get? If memory serves me, my kids didn’t always jump back with any particular answer. The old joke is that, more often that not, kids say, “Nothing.”

When I was in high school I took a deep dive into my older sister’s record collection and became fascinated by sixties folk singer Phil Ochs. I was creating a radio play for an AP US History project and Ochs’ music and lyrics hit me like a ton of bricks. One song (written by Tom Paxton and popularized by Pete Seeger) nudged me to think hard about my years of education to date.

“What Did You Learn in School Today?” Song by Tom Paxton, Performed by Pete Seeger*

How old were you when you realized that not everything you learned in school was true? How did you feel? What did you do about it?

Life is full of opportunities to learn new things. As an adult you may discover new artists and musicians, learn about recent scientific discoveries or newly-unearthed facts about historical figures. In most cases those experiences bring with them exhilaration or the joy of discovery. They are the fruits of a curious mind.

Unlearning is harder.

Are policeman always our friends? Does justice never end? Do murderers always die for their crimes? Is war not so bad and do we always win?

Or, in the same vein, does talking about race create racism? Do our children all receive equal treatment at school? Is the best curriculum one that is devised primarily by white people? Do police treat all people with equal respect?

This Saturday our community is invited to come and unlearn together at the Unlearn University Annual Conference. The Conference is an initiative of the Anti Racist Education Alliance.

Welcome to UnLearn University Annual Conference!

Join us for a day filled with insightful talks, engaging workshops, and networking opportunities. Our event brings together thought leaders, educators, activists, advocates and students eager to unlearn and reframe what they've been taught by society and conventional curricula.

At UnLearn University, we believe in challenging conventional wisdom and embracing new ideas. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a curious learner, our conference offers something for everyone.

Don't miss this chance to expand your knowledge, connect with like-minded individuals, and gain fresh insights. Come prepared to unlearn, relearn, and grow with us!

Lunch and childcare will be provided on site.

The event is free. Register here.

It can be hard to unlearn. Sometimes it is uncomfortable. It is also deeply rewarding. Unlearning is not a one and done, any more than learning is. It is a process. Wherever you are on that path this workshop (and other events by AREA) will welcome you and support your journey.

Have you ever needed to unlearn something? What was it like?

Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.

- - Maya Angelou 

Village Green/Town² Comments 

*What did you learn in school today,

Dear little boy of mine?

What did you learn in school today,

Dear little boy of mine?

I learned that Washington never told a lie,

I learned that soldiers seldom die,

I learned that everybody's free,

And that's what the teacher said to me,

And that's what I learned in school today,

that's what I learned in school.

What did you learn in school today,

Dear little boy of mine?

What did you learn in school today,

Dear little boy of mine?

I learned the policemen are my friends,

I learned that justice never ends,

I learned that murderers pay for their crimes,

Even if we make a mistake sometimes,

And that's what I learned in school today,

That's what I learned in school

What did you learn in school today,

Dear little boy of mine?

What did you learn in school today,

Dear little boy of mine?

I learned that war is not so bad,

I learned about the great once we had had.

We fought in Germany and in France

And some day I might get my chance.

And that's what I learned in school today,

That's what I learned in school

What did you learn in school today,

Dear little boy of mine?

What did you learn in school today,

Dear little boy of mine?

I learned our government must be strong;

It's always right and never wrong!

Our leaders are the finest men

And we elect them again and again,

And that's what I learned in school today,

That's what I learned in school