3.22.2010

Conversations

I had a whole other post in mind for this morning, but flexibility seems to be a good word for the day. I saw this quote in a piece of mail about a gardening for kids program at Wing Haven and brought the paper to work so I could remember it. Then it came up in conversation so I decided to post it to facebook. That started 2 pretty incredible conversations so I thought I'd share it here as well. Some of you might need to read this today:
Must we always teach our children with books? Let them look at the stars and mountains above. Let them look at the waters and the trees and the flowers on Earth. Then they will begin to think, and to think is the beginning of a real education. (David Polis)
It stuck with me because I forget to learn. I need the reminder. Do you remember to look at the waters and trees?

I hope you're having a beautiful and happy Monday, friends! And if you need a good excuse to get out into the thick of learning (nature), check out my how-to from Friday's Modish column.

PS: Anyone know anything about David Polis? I couldn't find anything about him in my quick internet search, just page after page of people using this quote. Any information would be appreciated for sure!

1 comment:

Kate F. said...

That makes me think of the article in the NY Times last month about occupational therapy becoming de rigeur for high-income families even if their children don't technically need any help. Most of it was obnoxious, but this broke my heart and really made me think about what we're doing to these poor kids:

“Almost all our kids come into kindergarten able to recite their letters and their numbers,” Mr. DiCarlo said. “Some can even read. But in the last five years, I’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number of kids who don’t have the strength in their hands to wield a scissors or do arts and crafts projects, which in turn prepares them for writing.”

Many kindergartners in his community, he said, have taken music appreciation classes or participated in adult-led sports teams or yoga. And most have also logged serious time in front of a television or a computer screen. But very few have had unlimited opportunities to run, jump and skip, or make mud pies and break twigs. “I’m all for academic rigor,” he said, “but these days I tell parents that letting their child mold clay, play in the sand or build with Play-Doh builds important school-readiness skills, too.”


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/25/fashion/25Therapy.html

Go play outside! Mud and twigs!