I think that when we model the joys that come from true intellectual engagement...when we model for kids what it means to understand: the joys that come from facing an intellectual challenge and then working through it, then kids will be able to do this for themselves. I don't really think kids leave school because they are unsuccessful...they leave because they are unsuccessful and they don't see any reason or relevance in continuing the struggle! When we model that we struggle and find value in it...when we articulate for students and with students the nature of understanding which includes struggle, dwelling in ideas over time and in silence...conversing about these ideas with others, then kids see what it is they should be striving for! I only just began to teach the nature of understanding with some first and third graders last year...all of them struggling in reading...I was amazed at how quickly the fire was lit with my feeble little attempts! Apathy very quickly became engagement...off task behavior diminished because kids, I believe, in their hearts want to learn and love to understand. So often... we protect kids from struggle and they never develop self esteem because they have never had to work thing through for themselves. I think if we set up a very supportive, risk free yet rigorous environment, we would have far fewer drop outs and far stronger citizens. It IS possible...we just have to start trying these ideas out for ourselves...talking about our struggles here on the list...share ideas for setting up that environment. I think....no...I know...we can make such a difference for our students. Jennifer In a message dated 7/16/2008 9:58:58 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Some people seem to believe that students leave school because they are unsuccessful. One of Mrs. Keene's assertions seems to be that students who are intellectually challenged will enjoy school. I think these are two opposite points of view. Do you all think that Keene is saying that intellectual challenge will encourage students to love school and stay in school? What has your observation been? **************Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today. (http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr00050000000020) _______________________________________________ Understand mailing list [email protected] http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/listinfo/understand_literacyworkshop.org
