Light stand out because it is different from its surrounding environment. Even in the darkest of nights, the smallest light creates change. A spark is the beginning of something bigger and greater. Do we allow those flickers in our children to shine, or do we smother the match before it can ignite anything? As long as I can remember, I've always walked to the beat of my own drum. I don’t fit nicely into anyone’s box. I never have. I laugh as I see my nieces grow up, because clearly it’s a family thing…LOL! I’m not sure if it’s in the DNA, or if it is because of how we have been raised. While I understand and appreciate the power of unity, I can never disregard the beauty that comes with individuality. What happens when we make all of our students move at the exact same pace and stifle them from moving ahead? What happens to their creativity when they are discouraged from being independent thinkers, and force them to do everything the same? What happens to the excitement when they are not able to share the ideas, thoughts, and processes that are bouncing around in their head?
I’m sure you have to recall a time when you were excited because you grasped a concept and you wanted to practice, but your teacher said wait until the entire class is done? Oh yeah…and in the meantime just sit there quietly. What types of flames were extinguished with that request? I’m sure the teacher was just staying organized and meant no harm, but how far did the effect go?
I’m sure you have to recall a time when you were excited because you grasped a concept and you wanted to practice, but your teacher said wait until the entire class is done? Oh yeah…and in the meantime just sit there quietly. What types of flames were extinguished with that request? I’m sure the teacher was just staying organized and meant no harm, but how far did the effect go?