Here’s something I don’t think happens enough:
Helping our kids see how their dreams fit in the world.
That word see is important. Many schools have forgotten how important.
It’s the seeing that happens in the imagination that I’m talking about here. The kind that fires dreams and drives ambition.
Sure, schools think they connect with this. But, it’s all very contrived and tied up with socially approved messaging.
That’s why we get so many 16 and 17 year olds aiming to be lawyers.
(Aiming. Not dreaming.)
We have all these classrooms filled with slender arrows aiming, firing one by one.
Assessment by assessment.
Bullseye!
(Bullshit)
You see, schools are ruthless dream-crushing spaces. Kids learn it’s the target that counts.
The problem with targets is that you either hit them or you don’t.
And so fear reigns in school. No one wants to be off target.
Play is the antidote to this.
It helps us create a space for learning that is open enough for the learner to bring themselves - who they really are - into the room.
That’s when dreams appear.
That’s when learners start to play with what they might be. With who they might be.
Especially if you support them.
Especially if you help them see where their dream exists in the world.
Here’s something I saw this week that I think is one way we can help kids see where their dreams fit in the world:
photos up on the wall of that ‘thing’ in the world and next to those photos, photos of the kids being that thing in their play.
Such a nice, simple way for kids to see.
The On Learning community (paid subscribers only)
Last week
I wondered about what ‘master at work’ had inspired you.
Apparently, no one :)
(I realise it’s more like, you’re very busy).
Sharing your thoughts will inspire others - Click and inspire
This week
Are you wanting to bring more play into your classroom?
Next Monday evening, 7:30pm NZ time, I’ll be hosting an AMA chat for paid subscribers.
