Critical ELT Materials

January 16, 2025

Emotional Violence

As I reflect on my journey of crafting this lesson plan, I am reminded of Carl Gustav Jung’s profound insight: “The essence of life is hidden in the roots beneath the earth, just as a flower draws its sustenance from the unseen.” For us, as human beings, our essence often lies concealed within our traumas, experiences, and memories. Education, for me, has been the water that nourishes these hidden roots, transforming my past into the strength and purpose of teaching.

At 22, as I embarked on this teaching journey, I discovered a newfound power within myself—the power of transformation. This realization came with the understanding that we are all, at various points, the agents, victims, and witnesses of emotional violence. My students, too, have inhabited these roles, often without the language to articulate their experiences. This lesson became a beacon of empowerment, offering a space where my students and I could confront and raise our awareness about emotional violence.

Through dialogue and the exploration of real-life scenarios, we collectively navigated the complexities of emotional violence, finding not just understanding but also solutions. This process was transformative, not just for my students but for me as well. It reinforced the belief that while the bricks of violence may be deeply entrenched in our society, individuals who cultivate awareness and empathy can paint these harsh realities with the colors of healing and hope.

In this journey of acceptance and transformation, I feel a deep sense of honor and purpose. My name may not be significant, much like the pebbles on a path or the trees on a mountain, but existence is not about seeking recognition. It is about finding and holding a space within the vast tapestry of life. It is about contributing to the whole.

I am proud to share this lesson plan with you, not as a testament to my name, but as a small yet meaningful part of a larger movement towards understanding and transformation. I hope it brings you as much insight and growth as it has brought me.

– Merve Duraklar