"Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future."~Robert F. Kennedy~
Robert F. Kennedy stated that kids are the most valuable resources because they will eventually run the world one day. Why not prepare a child to excel at young age? The critical years of learning for a child begins between birth and 5 years and if a child isn't encourage or exposed at a young age then it is difficult to inspire children the farther along in school. How can you inspire a child? Exposure is the greatest inspiration ever! For example, allowing a child to learn through experimentation but only with safe experimentation. I currently teach preschoolers, in our class we have a science area/center that is extremely popular because there are microscopes, live plants, and even a fish tank where the kids can watch fish swim. It is amazing to me how many kids like this area and the different conversation among the children because of the items found in this area.
My love for learning was sparked by the man in the picture above because he always found ways to teach me things or spark my interests in various ways. I believe that if every child had a father like mine, that didn't mind exposing their children to various subjects or topics that the world be a better place. I can remember when I was younger asking questions about how things worked and having the opportunity to experiment (safely with various items) to learn the outcomes for myself. In my classroom, I try to expose my children to lessons that they might not get at home but to make them fun so that they develop a love for learning. I also try to provide resources or community links so that my parents can foster this love for learning at home.
The theme for our school this year is "Oh, The Places You'll Go" which is also the name of my favorite book by Dr. Seuss published in 1990. I really love this book because it is inspirational and motivates children to keep going despite the trials and tribulations that come up in life. If children have a love for learning then they will succeed no matter the situation. I share this book with my preschoolers at least once a week so that we don't forget our goal of learning something new everyday. This book can also be used to inspire adults to contine to meet their goals (especially teachers) that feel stuck in a rut or feel like their ideas are not just as effective as they were in the past. As I close this entry, please keep in mind the Dr. Seuss (1990) quote below:
Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
References
Seuss, Dr. (1990). Oh! the places you'll go! New York City, NY: Random House.
I love the picture. I had a wonderful father and mother. My mother was a teacher for 30+ years before she retired. My father was a stay at home dad for most of my early childhood. I agree with the importance of having supportive parents and especially fathers in a child’s life. Sometimes fathers really don't understand that they too have a very important role in raising their child or children.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alison!That is my favorite picture of spending time with my father. I agree completely that fathers play an important role in the lives of children. I was blessed to have supportive parents that encouraged me to read and learn in various ways. My father loved to cook but I can remember spending time with him in the kitchen and counting out the egg or whatever ingredient he made need for the recipe, learning or building a new skill without even knowing that I was learning.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading the post!