as i worked on report cards over the last week
putting together my notes
gathering my thoughts
sharing my stories
telling their stories
i was reminded
that each child
has
their own gifts
their own challenges
yet each shares
without fail
a curiosity
a sense of wonder about the world
a desire to learn
and does so
in their own way.
—
“Do not train children to learn by force and harshness,
but direct them to it by what amuses their minds,
so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy
the peculiar bent of the genius of each.”
-Plato
—
image credit: Radhusets Julkalender 2012 – Arte del libro, Arte dell’illusrazione
Yes! Yes! Yes!
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❤
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It is unimportant at this early stage to determine what their genius is, but it is a critical time to teach them that their genius can be whatever they decide it is. And, as always, you provide a perfect quote for the occasion! Well written, Beth!
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spot on, brad. and to know it is there.
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This is so true and such an amazing thing. Wonderful quote.
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it is amazing –
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Indeed. 👍👍👍👍
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So true. Watching my kids… if they decide they want to learn something, they go at it with a vengeance. My son’s work today (with help from his ever supportive sister) on learning to read music for his drumming was quite awe inspiring.
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that’s the meaning of this exactly –
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I love ‘Plato’s’ quote, and I have always liked this one..
“Genius is nothing more nor less than childhood recaptured at will.”
― Charles Baudelaire, The Painter of Modern Life and Other Essays
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I love that one too –
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An excellent observation!
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❤️
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The child in some often does not bloom until they are …. well until later.
We may not be a Grandma Moses but we should not give up. And we need to encourage those of all ages.
WP is a good start but should not be the end.
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absolutely
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You are very fortunate to guide children as they shape their lives at this stage, Beth. And they are fortunate for your steady presence.
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I feel fortunate to have the opportunity –
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Mrs. Niver, my third-grade teacher, encouraged my music. I’ve never forgotten her and thank her regularly. My kindergarten teacher, however, sent me to the school psychologist. She wanted everyone to be chickens and I was being a duck…a trend that continues.
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I’m glad that one recognized your gift –
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Loved this!
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thanks, Judi!
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WONDER-FULL! And so true. Every child should have a Beth as an educator! 🙂
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or someone who sees what good is in them )
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Plato was a wise man. He appreciated children though he never had any of his own.
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he sure was, and I didn’t know that – he really had insight then
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Oh I love this! You nailed it. if only every parent, teacher or those who help children could think this way!
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I wish they would too
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I love how you focus on the uniqueness of each child in order to support it and not on what it should do better. You must be a wonderful teacher!
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it’s easy to see when you put it in perspective – thank you )
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I couldn’t agree more, Beth. It is like we basically watch people or the world in general. You see what you look out for.
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your words are right there with Plato’s… well said.
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he may have worded it much better, but we both came to the same conclusion
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I think your words are just as lovely and insightful…
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In their own way…this is very true…it’s sad that we try to group all children in our known categories of learning…
Thank you for the post.:)
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it is –
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that Plato: he knew a thing or two: yes, recognizing each child’s uniqueness and their common curiosity should figure in reports;
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absolutely
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Wonderful art and Plato’s words are true. You must be an in touch teacher.
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❤
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And that is how we make a world.
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…and so the teacher learns and the students teach:)
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spot on!
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One size doesn’t fit all. Way to go, Beth!
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you know it, if anyone does –
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Perhaps, we could get you to teach the world this concept/belief regarding all peoples. ❤
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❤
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Pingback: the genius of each. – Aakash teach and technical
Beautiful!
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Reblogged this on A Teacher's Reflections.
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Ty
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You’re welcome!
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Hi Beth. I don’t know why the photo is blurry in my reblog. I’m so sorry, and I don’t know how to fix it! This was such a wonderful post.
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Im not sure, I’m sorry –
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Look at what I did and tell me if it’s okay. Plus I added words about you. ❤️
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It looks fine to me –
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Yahoo! ❤️
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Love how thoughtful you are. Your kinders are very lucky people.
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I feel lucky to hang with them
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I’m going to echo Norah’s comment, Yes, Yes, YES!!!
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❤️
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Wonderful post, poem and quote, Beth! ❤ Sharing…
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Thank you so much
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How beautiful, Beth. What a sweet poem. ❤ ❤
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thank you –
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I love your poem, Beth. It’s what teaching is all about!
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thanks, liz, and it is )
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You’re welcome, Beth.
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Marvelous thoughts, Beth. And the quote is so true. Hugs on the wing.
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thank you and back at you
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So true!!
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yes –
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I love this. I am in the midst of a course to become an ESL teacher and am hoping to work with children, to be able to share in their joy of learning.
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Enjoy it and no doubt you find joy in them
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👍
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❤
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Beth, a wonderful uplifting poem reminding us to be led by the curiosity and wonder of a child … it is disheartening when this is lost and rather a trait that should always be nurtured – and hopefully survive one’s whole life!😀
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It should –
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Thank you for this very useful posting, and Plato’s quote! We must always be reminded of good practice so as not to practice the wrong ones. Have a beautiful week! Michael
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