Reflective Activity #4

All I Really Need to Know (About Creative Thinking)
 I Learned (By Studying How Children Learn in Kindergarten)

Quote:

"Some of the most creative artists and inventors of the 20th century credit their kindergarten experience with laying the foundation for their later success."

I was surprised that kindergarten could make such an impact on anyone's life.  I thought kindergarten was a step in a child's life to prepare him for grade school;  learning to get up early, taking turns, and being away from home. 

Taking this class I have discovered that creating, and using your imagination is essential to learning. 

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up". — Pablo Picasso

Quote:

"In my mind, play, and learning can and should be intimately linked."

I agree; I can remember songs about the 50 states I learned in 3rd grade.  When school was boring I could not keep my focus.  I would start to daydream; I was not learning anything.  Schools should encourage more games, plays, music, and art; ways that students can use their creative energy.

Just the little time I have spent in the classroom this semester I could tell when I lost a student; when they weren't listening.   I want my class to be engaging, and a fun place to be; actually I do not like to be bored either, it makes a long day.

"I think a photography class should be a requirement in all educational programs because it makes you see the world rather than just look at it." — Author Unknown

Quote:

"Or they boast that you will have so much fun using their products that you won't even realize that you are learning - as if learning were the most unpleasant experience in the world."

It is apparent to me that the creators of the educational products did not have fun in school.  Today, most students do not associate school with fun.  It is so simple, if we want our students to learn teachers must have the flexibility in their classroom to teach, and allow their students the flexibility to create and learn.

"I don’t think anybody anywhere can talk about the future of their people or of an organization without talking about education. Whoever controls the education of our children controls our future."  Wilma Mankiller (1945-2010)

Policymic

Why the Current Education System is Failing Future Generations: A Note From a Teacher

http://www.policymic.com/articles/9744/why-the-current-education-system-is-failing-future-generations-a-note-from-a-teacher

75 Hour Clinic - Student Interviews

Both male students and are in the 5th grade  (11 years old).

Student #1:
 C average  student
Missed 3 or 4 days of school this year
Only Child
Likes to draw, and study wars, play his X-box, Rock Music
Favorite TV show:  Cartoon Network
Would like to have more projects in school so he can create.
Came to current school last year
Plays sports?  No
Plays Instrument? No
Wants to be a mechanic


Student# 2
A average student
Missed one week(5 days) of school this year
4 children in family
Likes math, Biographies of President
Favorite TV show:  Big Bang Theory
Would like to have more projects in school
Has been in current school since kindergarten
Plays sports? Yes, Soccer League
Plays Instrument? No
Wants to be a Coach, Prison Guard, or SWAT police

The students desire to have more projects; they like to create.  The A student did not mention liking to play videos, but enjoyed soccer.  The C student spends a lot of time in front of the television, either playing video games, or just watching the Cartoon Network.   At this time neither student wants to attend college; both students want a job like their dad.
Just an assumption, but since the C student does not have siblings, no one at home to play with, where as the A student is one of four children in the home, this child does not have much time alone.
The C student possibly is more of a kinesthetic learner.  He likes to draw; he may not be getting enough material tailored to his learning needs; could be one of the reasons he is a C student.