Learning is a Journey

by Deb on May 18, 2010

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{ 11 comments }

PlanningQueen May 18, 2010 at 9:53 am

Loved this post Deb. And I have found that you can put two children on the same path and the outcome can be very different depending on the nature of the child. As a parent I have learned that sometimes you need to guide a child to path that may not be visible to them, but will allow them to flourish in their own right.
.-= PlanningQueen´s last blog ..10 Of The Best Kid Friendly Cafes In Melbourne =-.

Monique May 18, 2010 at 10:27 am

Such an interesting read. I totally agree about kids learning all the time, and that it can’t be all smooth sailing, they have to learn about the tough stuff too. Many thanks 🙂
.-= Monique´s last blog ..5 Places to Teach the 5 Senses =-.

Catherine May 18, 2010 at 12:46 pm

Very interesting reading. I agree with you and I think that this is the best way to make sure that your children know how to think and how to find out things they want to know – which are after all very useful skills to have as an adult.
But reading Nicole’s comment, makes me think of the times when you need to give your child more support and a bit of a push to learn something that they feel scared about (swimming lessons is a case in point for me). I guess that is one of the bumps in the road.

amandab May 18, 2010 at 12:53 pm

Being one of 5 kids (the eldest!) I’ve always been aware of how different kids can be in how they learn and what strengths they have. I had a hard time when helping the others with their homework (my sister could not be convinced thT “Gallipoli” was an anti-British film, and my brother started a review of a play we had both seen with “Juliet was a chicky babe.” !!) because as a teenager you are not as open to other ways of seeing, or teaching.

I think, as a parent, your eyes are opened a lot wider, and you are more open to being lead to where the learning possibilities are. I am not going to sit there practicing writing of endless letter “a” ‘s until they come out right, but when it’s time to write a card I will show Princess how to write her name. I may not have known a dimetrodon from a polacanthus, but I am happy to read a few Jane Yolen stories and learn a few dinosaur names whilst reading a lovely story about good behaviour (two birds, one book if you get what I mean!).

Sometimes it surprises me the things we have learnt, and even the things we haven’t, but there is time for that, when Princess is ready and wants to learn it. Or, when she gets to school and has to learn it.
.-= amandab´s last blog ..B-I-N-G-O is the name of the game =-.

The Original SuperParent May 18, 2010 at 1:59 pm

I studied some of this when I was doing a course on knowledge management. Kids can get more knowledge as a vessel to be filled by a parent or teacher. I think they can also get knowledge by building up on other bits of knowledge – seeing an older child performing a more complex activity, for instance, and then taking it from there. Or they can build new knowledge by experimenting or exploring in a safe environment. In a company, sometimes it is wise to appoint an ‘owner’ of this particular knowledge – someone who will become a domain expert. I wonder if children in a class setting may benefit from taking responsibility for their bits of information collected and grow their collection in time. Cheers, Colin
.-= The Original SuperParent´s last blog ..Black Belt Learning Skills 101 =-.

Deb May 18, 2010 at 3:34 pm

Absolutely. As parents we have a special responsibility, and that’s why we need to journey with our children. We are the guides who know the way, or the big people who can see further or see a different path. And sometimes the way does need to be smoothed, it doesn’t always need to be left rough. It’s just a matter of being aware and asking yourself if you’re keeping a balance.

Miss Carly May 18, 2010 at 6:07 pm

It worries me when I have parents come in using the flash cards and then ask me to use them within my planning. It is the expectation that these parents have, that their children should be learning and the only way to learn is through flash card type learning. It is also frustrating that these companies market their products in such a way that some parents feel like they are not benefitting their child by not providing this type of learning.

Great post. Though I truly think that there needs to be more information in relation to play and interest-based play at that for parents to be able to access.
.-= Miss Carly´s last blog ..What’s In a Reflection =-.

Sarah May 18, 2010 at 11:44 pm

What a beautiful post! I love your analogy of a journey — it’s a great way to think of education. Your questions were so thought-provoking. Thanks for sharing!!
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..Don’t look now, but… you’re being watched =-.

Matt Klein May 23, 2010 at 10:13 am

Great post Deb. Love the comparison to the road trip. We emphasize that martial arts is not about the destination, but about the journey that builds your character.

mamapoekie May 23, 2010 at 7:16 pm

great post! I completely agree… It’s such a strange idea that adults should have to mold children, while they actually have so much inherent knowledge
.-= mamapoekie´s last blog ..Quote of the day =-.

Colin Wee June 4, 2010 at 11:19 am

I’ve just posted a follow up to my original post called a Child’s Perspective on Support Needed for Sport which is a guest post written by 5th Degree Karate instructor Matt Klein about the support needed by children from their parents. Check it out. Cheers, Colin
.-= Colin Wee´s last blog ..A Child’s Perspective on Support Needed for Sport =-.

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