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Reading Rockets' children's literature expert, Maria Salvadore, brings you into her world as she explores the best ways to use kids' books both inside — and outside — of the classroom.
Learning to like learning?
My sister works in a school in South Florida that gets a lot of Title I support. I was talking to her earlier today and she told me that they skipped Read Across America last school year; it conflicted with the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, better known as the FCATs. It wouldn't surprise me if the staff and children were enervated by the rigor — and the impact — of the tests.
Earlier in the week, I visited a lab school at a nearby university, where 3- to 5-year-old children are truly excited about learning in an environment where teachers are equally excited about teaching.
This school is filled with books, and books are linked to art and virtually all activities — even Winnie the hamster has books nearby. Children's art and writing are displayed on walls everywhere. It's an exciting place to be. (The excitement is contagious and reminded me of Miss Bindergarten's class.)
I understand that a lab school has a different mission than a public elementary school. But the broader question for me is how to get all kids and teachers excited about learning? How can we intensify the spark that is often ignited in early childhood education not just throughout the primary grades but throughout all the grades?
I don't know — maybe someone else would like to weigh in — but I do know that it sure doesn't happen when standardized tests take priority over the pleasure of books.
It seems like we are getting to the point now where even when a teacher does come up with something more exciting than an overhead projector and a worksheet, students are tuning out. The educator is losing credibility as a caring adult who inspires and becoming someone to be ignored and avoided.
Posted by: Rebecca | November 05, 2007 01:49 PM
Comments
I'm glad that someone recognizes the fact that learning has become less fun and more and stressful for the students and teachers alike! Reading is fun -- learning is fun -- when did accountability take the place of joy in learning???
Posted by: Judy | October 10, 2007 02:14 PM