Post submitted by Whole Child Blogger Laura Varlas.
Yesterday at ASCD’s Annual Conference and Exhibit Show in San Antonio, Tex., Geoffrey Canada reminded us of an important aspect of whole child education. Although social workers, health care providers, early childhood education, and family education are pillars of the full-service community schools in Harlem Children’s Zone, so is learning how to have fun.
“Don’t eliminate the things that make kids love school.” Okay, Canada admits, some kids really love algebra. But it’s the chess club, the debate team, or taekwondo that might be the spoonful of sugar to the rest of your kids.
We have to give kids opportunities to learn how to have fun, Canada noted, or they’ll find whatever way is most readily available. That’s often drugs or gangs, for our most vulnerable students.
Canada speaks from experience. “Poetry saved me.” As a young man growing up in the South Bronx, Canada fell in love with Dr. Seuss’s Green Eggs and Ham, and his teacher created the conditions for the relationship to flourish. That initial unconditional encouragement made Canada a lifetime reader of verse, from Seuss to Harlem Renaissance authors Countee Cullen and Langston Hughes.
Arts, athletics, and enrichment courses are often seen as extras when districts have to make hard decisions about funding. Geoffrey Canada reminds us why they are so central. Read more.
