Inspired by Alice's post on Nerds Beget Nerds!
Eight things people don't understand:
Elementary school children really need two recesses a day. I mean, REALLY need them. They only get one a day now, and it is evident in the way they bounce off my soft bleachers in the library and can't keep from moving the furniture around.
People who tend to be given the authority to make major decisions in education often don't have the hands-on experience in the very settings they decide to change.
There is a LOT more work to being a librarian than checking books in and out and doing read-alouds with children. A whole Masters Degree worth of work and ongoing professional development. If you give your librarian time and latitude to exercise their skills, your whole school will benefit. If you don't, well, you're wasting a great resource.
Children need less screen time, and more time learning how to tie their shoes, ask politely for needs to be met (and have them met, when they ask), and clean up after themselves. If they come to school knowing these things, there can be quite a bit more time spent on academic skills.
If children are misbehaving, it behooves the parent to pause and consider where this behavior is coming from. If it's not stemming from an unmet basic need--food, water, rest, comfort--then maybe it's time to consider who's been modeling the behavior for them. Total transparency: my children taught me a LOT about my own dysregulation.
Being an educator is like being a Broadway performer, with eight-hour shows five days a week. Is it any wonder, then, that breaks are needed for rest and rejuvenation?
Public education needs everyone's support, whether you currently have children in your care or not. Think about all the people you come into contact with in your daily life--other people in cars on the road, cashiers, hairdressers, medical office personnel, clerks in government offices, the barista making your coffee order. Aren't you glad they're literate and were capable of learning how to do their jobs? How do you think that happened?
The best wine, song, book, artwork, vacation spot, outfit, makeup look, hairstyle, meal-- is the one you like, makes you happy, brings you joy.
Chris, this line resonates with me: "If you give your librarian time and latitude to exercise their skills, your whole school will benefit." I always said as a districtwide adminiistrator that the library is the hub of the school. Books matter and the librarian is one of the promoters of literacy. I don't think you are being preachy. The thoughts you provide are ones we should all ponder.
ReplyDeletePreach it, Chris! That's the kind of sermon we need. Passion about children's health and safety and learning. Yes, like Carol said, it's a sermon that doesn't seem preachy. So good for you. Great variety of the eight truths you are sharing.
ReplyDeleteI’m glad we have two recesses. Kids really do need it!
ReplyDeleteAmen to every one of these, especially that part about those making decisions not having the k owe ir experience necessary. Several of the others would go away if the decision makers were qualified.
ReplyDeleteAs a former educator, I agree with your comments. I think all parents could benefit by taking a child development class. Maslow’s theory also adds some insight as you have stated. If children aren’t fed, clothed, loved, rested, they won’t be ready to learn. Thanks for your service and thoughts.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it is necessary to say some things out loud. More than once.
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