One of the lessons I have learned from observing children, just over the first part of this semester, has been that children know a lot more than I thought they would know. When I initially considered becoming a teacher, I was more interested in the high school level because I expected that I would be able to relate better to students who were closer to my age. I have been very pleasantly surprised by the amount of intelligent conversations I have seen people hold with elementary school age students.
Ralph Fletcher seems continually impressed by the students he works with and points out several brilliant pieces of writing throughout the first part of his book. While the writing itself may not be refined, both Mr. Fletcher and the reader are excited at the creativity these children are able to use in communicating their thoughts.
Another lesson we can learn from the book “Walking Trees” is that children often have a better sense of humor than adults. Adults are often influenced by their agendas, but children are more innocent and unaffected by them. This is particularly evident in Steve Meyers’s classroom, where seemingly no topic is off limits. There was one instance in which Mr. Meyers poked fun at one of his students’ accents, and the student laughed and reacted warmly to him as he rubbed the back of her neck in a fatherly sort of way. The classroom seemed an environment where people could laugh at themselves and each other, but in a very positive way. The students did not need to be ashamed of being different, nor did they feel the need to be indignant about it.
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2 comments:
Hi Bill,
I think you raise a great point about children knowing more than you expected. Children are always observing the people around them and learning from them. In my other class, we actually are discussing how children learn to read and write through parents scaffolding. By using strategies, such as expansion or extension sentences children’s language development is enhanced. It is amazing what children learn from watching and copying.
I agree that children have a better sense of humor. It is refreshing to know that some teachers don’t take things so seriously. I can appreciate Mr. Meyer’s light-hearted attitude.
I couldn't agree with you more Bill! It is fascinating to see how much children do understand, even at a very young age. Children are amazing people with a lot of their own opinions that are readily forming. Even on complicated topics, young students are more than willing to step up and give you their opinion.
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