Reading the paper this morning, I saw a beautiful sight. It was a picture of children in a local elementary school working together to plant a tree. Apparently, 800 trees were brought in and about 300 children were expected to take part in the planting. The elementary school had been doing this for about 10 years now. So on top of these new trees, there were many trees on the property planted over the years by past students.
This school is taking an active role in truly teaching a valuable lesson to its students. Its not just telling them about how plants grow, that planting trees is good for the environment, and that it is better to get out and do things but is instead showing them. They are leading by example. These children will take away from this experience more than what they even realize at this point in time.
How many schools are truly teaching their students though? How many are just working on getting students to pass the achievement/assesment tests with certain test scores so that staff and school loook good on reports? How many are truly bothering to go the extra mile to make a deep impression on their students' minds?
These students that are being shoved through our public school system are our future. They are the people that will one day lead this country. What do you want them to take away from their schooling experience if they will be running this country when we are in the age of retirement (or getting close)?
I agree. That's why I'm excited for new leadership in America that will hopefully change schools back the way they should be... focused on education, rather than testing.
Testing doesn't have much to do with actually learning. Learning and education is about the real world, real people, and real experiences.
I can't wait until the day where schools and classrooms can have more freedom to do things like what you mentioned in your blog.
I too am hoping that thing will change and am working on helping that change in my own little way. I am an Elementary Education Major and I'll have my minor in Special Education. If ya can't beat 'em, join 'em... than overthrow their corrupted plot... haha!
Heck yes!! Good luck with your schooling. We need more good teachers with ideas like yours!
Thanks! That means alot... especially on the dyas when it doesn't seem like iI'm getting anywhere! But I keep going because I will get there and I will make a major difference... even if it means having to wear my combat boots every single day!
Dream + Effort = Reality
Don't give up - determination is just a fancy way to be stubborn!