Opportunities in Education

I know of a little boy in preschool. His name is Daniel and he has known for awhile how to print his name. The other day, he was being “cute” and wrote his name as ida. His teacher responded by pointing out that she knew he was capable of writing his name correctly. He replied that he wanted to be called Ida today.

Teacher has a choice, doesn’t she? She can declare he has done it wrong and make him try again until he gets it right. That, I think, is the approach under today’s methodology of how we teach kids. (sort of like how we taught kids 60 years ago)

Or, she can accept his creativity and call him Ida that day, all day. That was her choice that day.

On the way home, Daniel told his Daddy what had transpired and said, “let’s see how many other names we can make from the letters in my name.”

No need to elaborate much. One approach is indoctrination, drill and practice and calling attention to failings. The other is a learning opportunity, a creative experience and a celebration of what a child does well.

Which one best encourages a kid’s love of learning?