Last week (yes during spring break) we started another approach to constant improvement, our teachers began a “book club.”
We each chose a book of our interest (yes, the value of having choice and voice applies to learners of all ages) to read and share insights with one another so that we can all grow and improve.
Books on “Choosing to Learn” an approach to guiding student motivation, “Teach Like Finland” a guide to joyful classrooms, and a book to help us understand better strategies to help our students with dyslexia were among the choices.
We chose the books based on our interests, but also based on the students that we have in front of us. As usual, it starts and ends with them but we are also flexibly adjusting based on their (and our) current needs.
Which brings me to another current book that may be on the radar for some parents. Sir Ken Robinson’s, “You, Your Child, and School: Navigating your Way to the Best Education.”
While a few of us were drawn to it as we’re Robinson fans, we decided against reading it as it wasn’t what we needed as teachers because we thankfully have already asked the questions that he addresses and are already acting with the solutions.
However, as parents during this high stress time of high stakes testing and uncertainty with guns on school campuses, it may be the right time for you to consider what is really important for your child. And more importantly, to understand that you have options.
Only you will be able to make the determination if a change is necessary. But, if you are interested in making a change for your child for next year, please connect with us soon. Our enrollment period is over at the end of this month.
As we were meeting with another community member and sharing just how many facets of the entire education process we are approaching differently, we mentioned how fortunate we are to be working with families who not only understand — but are acting inline with — so many of the ideas Robinson questions towards the whole process.
This comment seemed to summarize our mindsets perfectly:
“…childhood isn’t a rehearsal. Your children are living their lives now with their own feelings, thoughts, and relationships. Education has to engage with them in the here and now, just as you do as a parent. Who your children become and what they go on to do in the future has everything to do with the experiences they have in the present. If you children have a narrow education, they may not discover the talents and interests that could enrich their lives in the present and inspire their futures beyond school.” -Sir Ken Robinson