The word divergent is defined as “tending to be different or develop in different directions.” Divergent thinking refers to the way the mind generates ideas beyond proscribed expectations and rote thinking — what is usually referred to “thinking outside the box,” and is often associated with creativity. Our ability to think divergently decreases dramatically as we become adults. The movie Divergent, adapted from the popular trilogy of novels by Veronica Roth, Is based on a dystopian future society that has been divided into five factions based on perceived virtues. Young people are forced to choose a faction as a rite of passage to becoming an adult. Tris, the story’s hero, knows that the price of choosing a faction may mean being cut off from her family and friends forever, and wonders if she truly belongs to any one faction at all. Tris feels compelled to hide who she is, and knows that her behavior and mode of thinking might put herself and family at risk. Tris also knows that the most dangerous people in this society are considered those whose thinking is unrestricted and cannot be easily categorized; those people are called divergent. As teachers it is our jobs to foster creative work and take into account what is best for our students’ spiritual well-being, humanity and ultimate sense of belonging. This week:

• Suggest the students watch the movie Divergent and discuss the content.
• Let the music play: Choose different students this week to be the class DJ and allow the difference of music and tastes to influence the atmosphere in the classroom.
• Open up your religion class to poetry, imagery and prayer.
• Empower your students interests and dreams
• Turn passion into action.