And They’re Off

Pollywogs inevitably become frogs, and my two are no exception. Bryan and Tyler are going to kindergarten, a major benchmark for all five-year-olds. I only hope that their teachers are ready.

These two know their letters and numbers, pertinent contact information, colors and shapes, and how to write their names (as well as each other’s name.) They can also describe several science experiments, perform magic tricks, drive and tie up a boat, find their gate at the Atlanta airport, and sit in the correct seat on the airplane. They can deftly escape from any situation and are kind to animals. They both have passports and aren’t afraid to use them.

I know what to expect from two little boys who are excited about the world and ask a hundred questions a day. Unfortunately, I don’t know what to expect from their teachers.

Classrooms that celebrate learning produce students who excel. Unfortunately, too many teachers think they shouldn’t even smile before Christmas in order to maintain discipline. By Christmas the excitement has been stomped out of every last one—students as well as teachers.

Several years ago Tim asked me to define “school” for his faculty. This sums up the kind of education that I want for my pollywogs.

School is the best part of childhood. It is
Singing the ABCs
Shooting spit wads
Recess
Leap frog
Learning to read
Spelling bees
Science experiments
Popcorn with movies
Field trips
Mummifying chickens
Edible maps
Squirrels named Shakespeare
Working at the supply store
Being a patrol boy
Talking to friends between classes
Journal writing
Memorizing poems
Dances
Field day
Debates
Skits
Mastering something new
Fall carnivals
Awards night
Cleaning the board
Giggling in the bathroom
Football during PE
Office aide
Working on the yearbook
Writing for the newspaper
Assemblies
Announcements
Starting the morning with the Pledge of Allegiance
Making the team
Baccalaureate
Graduation

School is about nurturing children. While we may disagree about many of the details, there should never be any argument about the primary mission of a school district. When educators take their eyes off the faces of the children, they are no longer educators. They are just ordinary people doing an ordinary job. Children deserve the extraordinary. Teachers are either beige or neon. God help the children who get stuck with beige.

August 5, 2010