I Love School! Do you?

I've spent most of my non-working mussing time this summer listening, not writing. I have felt for some time that I was missing the mark with my writing, so I quit for a while to listen. I've listened to some great books, read many great blogs, but the best lessons I've had came from the children.  Now I want to share a couple of their stories with you.

We had our eight-year-old grandson a good deal of the summer, and one day he went to the office with me. It is in an old school building. After using the boy's room, he washed at the Kindergarten sink there in the hallway, and noted that after using a paper towel, his hands weren't dry yet.
"So," I said, "Get another one."
"Is it OK to do that?" he asked, quite seriously.
"Yes, why do you ask?"
Rowan, matter of fact as ever, explained that at his school, taking more than one paper towel resulted in pulling a card, the standard disciplinary device of many elementary schools. That short casual conversation told me why after just finishing second grade, my grandson already dislikes school.

Another charming young five-year-old I know just started Kindergarten at another school. On his third day, the music teacher pulled a card for him. Why? T. is a shy child, and he didn't want to dance but sat scared with his arms crossed, afraid to dance in front of his new classmates. Another child already disliking something about school, on his third day. He's usually obedient and he will likely never cross that music teacher again, so if obedience is what she is after, she will get that. But will she instill a love and joy in music in this child? Maybe not. T. won't forget being embarrassed.

I go from one school to another, every day a different location. The one universal difference I see? Between those schools and those educators that sow a love for learning across the way, and those that sow obstacles to that love for learning.

Which one will you be?

I love this video, which came from the ISTE 2011 Conference. Hope you do, too!