Early in February, after undergoing a routine medical procedure, I experienced a life-threatening medical event. Immediately I sought to make sense out of what happened. Certainly such a close call would lead me to make life changes but I didn't know what I needed to change. I lead a healthy life, have low blood pressure, low cholesterol, don’t smoke, enjoy a sweet family and was happily dedicated to my job. What was wrong with this picture? I wanted immediate answers. None were forthcoming. I went home from the hospital more worried about my work than I was about my health.
My first stop on the day I was released from the hospital was Kepler’s Bookstore. A doctor-ordered medical leave gave me lots of time to make progress on my To Read and To Re-Read lists. I bought David Elkind’s new book, The Power of Play; Alfie Kohn’s, The Homework Myth; some Jane Austen and, to, replace my hardback loaned to a teacher, a paperback copy of The House At Pooh Corner.
Reading and re-reading several books, numerous articles and many blogs about learning and creativity was energizing and agonizing. I realized how much I missed working with people who share my beliefs about learning and schools. I remembered the heartache I felt on one of my last visits to my school's kindergarten. On that gloomy day I retreated to my office and bit my lip after noticing that a page from a workbook was the teacher's only resource for teaching fractions to five year olds. The room was missing many of the most of the important tools for reaching young minds- water table, workbench, cooking center, puzzles, hollow blocks.
After much reading and thinking I uncovered my biggest problem- my work was no longer connected to my heart. That is very unhealthy! I must return to a school that values the pace of childhood and authentically teaches to the whole child. I am looking for a place in such a school- I may just launch one.
Christian Long's "The Future of Learning" Manifesto" inspired me to create my own manifesto- The School All Children Deserve:
Children deserve schools that are beautiful, filled with art, interesting colors, shapes and textures.
Children deserve schools that are balanced; where creativity and literacy have equal status and wonder is treasured.
Children deserve schools that are comfortable; with cozy spots for solitude and welcoming spaces where groups can gather.
Children deserve schools that are responsive to their questions, ideas and concerns.
Children deserve schools that are flexible; free of rigid schedules and the one-size fits all curriculum.
Children deserve schools that are open; that invite learners to explore the world beyond the classroom walls and welcome non-traditional teachers who share wisdom and expertise.
Children deserve schools that are respectful of the individual; where personal best is emphasized rather than competitive comparisons.
Children deserve schools that are inclusive of learners with diverse backgrounds and abilities.
Children deserve schools that are sustainable; where simplicity and service to others are embedded in daily life.
I have taught in, worked with, learned of and visited schools that embody these principles. I will use this blog to share examples of such schools. I will also write about the theories and beliefs that are the foundation for my manifesto. Along the way I will probably post about other subjects too- after life is boring when it lacks serendipity. Look at me- I wound up in the ER and re-discovered my calling!
Great post. My daughters are fortunately in a public school here in an Francisco that has many of those things. We fell so blessed and are always looking for opportunities to affirm our teachers and administration as i know it is not the norm.
Posted by: Reyes-Chow | April 24, 2007 at 10:22 PM