Sweet Child O’ Mine
One of my favorite topics to talk about is school. In fact, it makes me giddy most of the time and frustrated as hell the other part. The giddiness lies in the possibility, while the frustration bristles at the question “What in the heck have we been doing?” We continue to educate in a broken system (bigger discussion for a different time) and my whole heart knows it is time to shift. As a quick aside and shout out… I know there are hundreds of brilliant teachers and schools already making these light-filled changes…thank you. THANK YOU.
When I’m in the space of “all things school,” ideas flow, hope fills my heart and I truly believe we have the power to change. Is it possible, that among the many imperative movements continuing to come to the surface (thank goodness!) that education becomes one of them? Is it possible, ever so possible, that COVID-19 and quarantine and hybrid models and remote learning and 2 days or 3 days and “nobody knows what’s going to happen?” is actually the MOST OBVIOUS invitation to CHANGE? Our hows and whys of schooling are currently going the wrong way down a one-way street (I also use this saying when a child writes a number or letter backwards. It always brings a smile) and it’s time to consider something new.
My own story working with children is long, familiar and for a good part of my life was “on track.” I made most of my money babysitting as a tween and teen, I majored in education in college, I completed my student teaching with a license in hand, I was an assistant teacher, I completed my Masters Degree and was a lead teacher and on and on (all good stuff.. and a bit of blah blah blah). I participated in the necessary “stay up to date on the latest curriculum” workshops and continued to check the boxes.
And then something happened. For me, it was something profound and life changing. It was probably the moment I would describe to answer the question “What is the most significant moment in your life?” When I was 30, Holistic Education fell into my heart and I knew it landed there for a reason.
The word “holistic” is certainly buzzing right now and has been for many, MANY years. We use it to describe various practices and events intended to connect mind, body and spirit and all spaces in between. Yet, in terms of education, I feel it is simple ~ “teaching from the heart, to the heart and back again.” Yes. Just that simple. If you are reading this, take a moment to bring awareness to your head and your mind. It’s up there…. right? It’s above. It’s higher. Now, bring awareness to your heart. It’s more centered. There is a beat happening inside, a pulsating energy… it’s warm. This is where the magic happens.
I believe in teaching the wild child. No, not wild in the sense of out of body and out of control. I am talking about teaching the child who is writing poetry under their desk during math or the one who spends their recess time casting and directing friends in a pop-up play about unicorns saving the world.
What if we made the intense focus on reading and writing and math a little less intense and time sensitive? Sometimes I hear stories or I visit schools and the overwhelming spotlight on a child’s ability to read by a certain age and at a certain speed is like a ticking time bomb! Dear me, imagine how the child feels (another conversation for another time)! What if we considered these parts of learning like the caboose (necessary for sure) and the child’s heart and passion becomes the conductor?
Now, there is always the how. How do we change? I wanted to share some simple things to consider. Just some ideas to think about
Here is my “Lightning Round” on HOW:
SLOW DOWN- Instead of covering it (whatever “it” may be) in one month…try doing it in two or three or a year? Why are we in such a rush?
Mindfulness/wellness practice for ALL teachers DURING THE SCHOOL DAY. psss… practicing mindfulness can be free
More time outside! Again, free! (do you notice a theme here?) Weather and temperature and the list of excuses can go on…. kids are RESILIENT and yes, they can handle temperatures below 20 degrees I’ve taught in many different states and the regulations are different in each one. Why is that?
More PLAY. Fourth graders NEED BLOCKS. Not free, but we can chat.
Passion projects. I once knew a student who did a whole project on DUCT TAPE. One of the coolest things I ever watched and the threads of practicing reading, writing, public speaking, researching and building was brilliant!
GOOD BYE PLASTIC POSTERS. HELLO CHILDREN’S ART. My body shivers a bit when I enter a school and the walls are covered with plastic posters instructing students on how to act kind. Why can’t the child’s own hand and heart create the same message and THAT goes on the wall instead? Yes… free! and you might even save money on the posters.
Teach TO the wild child, not away from them…
Parents ~ BREATHE. Children come into this world brilliant and creative and whole. Trust this.
Here is my “Lightning Round” on WHY:
Deepen connection
Deepen connection
Deepen connection
Discover love
Discover love
Discover love
Build healthy relationships
Build healthy relationships
Build healthy relationships
Don’t you think it’s time?
