This morning I attended Molly’s award ceremony at school. My sweet girl was recognized for her musical talent and like any other parent present, I was proud of her.
I had other emotions welling up in me though as I watched the many children stream down from their seats in the bleachers, accept their certificates and then seat themselves on a chair in the center of the gym. The sorting mechanism in place, through no malice was intended, grieved me. Achievers took their seats in the center of the gym and the non achievers stayed put in the bleachers.
Lest you think I’m a first class curmudgeon (it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve been called one,) I celebrate the accomplishments of these children. I hope their moment in the sun spurs them on to greater success.
But what about the rest of the children? What about the children who will never achieve academically? What about those who are hands-on learners and will never learn well in a passive classroom setting?
I thought about the five top “Predictors of Success” and recalled not one of those qualities are academic. They are: Passion, Determination, Talent, Self-discipline and Faith (or positive thinking, if you prefer.)
Yes, for some of these children it IS their passion and determination that caused them to pursue good grades. But let’s face it; some of these kids can earn straight A’s with little effort. And then there are the many, many children who are not motivated by good grades and find school irrelevant to their passions and interests in life.
How can we encourage and validate the children whose strengths don’t lie in academia?
What would happen if awards ceremonies include acknowledgment for: Compassion, Creativity, Ability to work with their hands, Problem solving, Enthusiasm, Optimism, or Determination?
Can you imagine the glorious force this would unleash in the world?
Filed under: ADD/ADHD, education, Individuality, Labels are for Soup Cans, Public schooling, Special Needs' Kids
T – as the mother of a child with no obvious talents – as in, nothing for which he would receive an award in school – I know exactly what you mean.
Theresa,
I was a substitute teacher at the middle school and HS level for several years….I noticed kids who were “average” and seemed to fret about not being in the “high achiever” status …. well, My message to them was, and it is a fact, the ones who went on to achieve great things were not ALWAYS the ones who were the high achievers in high school.
As you have so clearly conveyed in your posts, the school system puts a higher value on things that JUST DON”T MATTER that much in the “real world”…PERIOD!
Reflecting on my own contemporaries, the ones who have “made a name for themselves” were not that popular or even in the beta club when we were in school!
I am passionate about telling kids not to base their value on whether they were “STARS” in high school….the most important part is embracing who they are and carving out a path for themselves in the “real world” based on their gifts and talents.
I love the list of top 5 predictors of success. I have been comtemplating something similar, lately…My question is What is Normal? Why do we think we can decide what “normal” is and if someone doesn’t line up with our definition, they just “ain’t right.”
Lots to think on….Good post.
Jeannie
Margaret—You know I understand!
Pam- I’m so glad kids have had the opportunity to be touched by your influence in the classroom. I know there are many, many teachers out there with a heart like yours but wow….the very system they serve is what works against them.
Jeannie- I like Patsy Clairmont’s definition of “normal”—it’s a setting on your dryer. Hee hee….BTW- You’re blog is wonderful….