The beginning

[Debra]

After reading about Cary Grant, I am reminded that perception is 90% of knowledge. Cary Grant was right there in front of people, and they thought he was an impressionist because they were expecting illusion...Is there a way to change kids' expectations about classroom so that they Learn with joy and enthusiasm?

Upon beginning the first chapter, I am relieved to find that not all praise of children is unhealthy, just the particular praise of a section of a child's life over which they have control, i.e., their "intelligence." It makes sense to praise effort, self-control, discernment,...because these things can be developed within a person. Praising a child for how he was designed is like criticizing a child for being Chinese (just an example-I am not anti-Chinese. :) ) Judgment cannot be handed down on the hand that was dealt. How well the hand is played can be praised. ?

[Jan]

Good way to explain this! I am going to change your quote a bit if you don't mind - "Praising a child for being how he was designed is like critizing a child for his color of skin." That way I don't offend any of my students from China. Not that you meant it that way - I know you didn't. I love your question about how to change kids' expectations about classroom so that they learn with joy and enthusiasm. One thought that comes to mind is what you taught me from the Brain book. Curiosity and exploration are natural drives in being human. How did we squelch that so quickly by the time they make it to your class?

[Debra]

I remember what you said about Olivia's learning about adding numbers (I think that was it.) She said, "I can't wait to learn more." or something like it. I heard a form of that last year with my kids. I directed them to some really good books, and they liked my tastes, so I heard "What can I read next, Mrs. Kolberg?" many times. That was fun, both for me and them. I wish I could figure out how to get them to say, "What history are we going to learn next?" Or grammar...:{

[Jan]

I don't believe kids get history because they haven't had enough life experiences yet to understand the past. I remembering being in elementary school and being puzzled about how the pilgrims became cowboys when they moved west. heehee! I wish we (as a society) expected everyone to go to school, not just minors. Wouldn't it be neat to have everyone learn history when they are old enough to care? Maybe in our 30s?