Despite all the immediate gratifications that have been on offer, we have not got happier. In fact, depression is now classified as one of the world's most prevalent illnesses.(Gerhardt, Sue, in her book, The selfish society.)
The great end of education is to discipline rather than to furnish the mind; to train it to the use of its own powers, rather than fill it with the accumulation of others. Tyron Edwards
The important thing is not so much that every child should be taught, as that every child should be given the wish to learn. John Lubbock
The key question is not, "where is my child in relation to the rest of the grade or the country or the world". Rather it should be, " where was my child before, where are they right now, where are they headed and how will we help them get there."
An education is about the whole child, self esteem, reslience, awareness of the world. It is not just being schooled and reciting the alphabet.Education takes a life time. ( Kathy Walker 2009)
You are worried about seeing him spend his early years in doing nothing. What! Is it nothing to be happy? Nothing to skip, play, and run around all day long? Never in his life will he be so busy again. ~Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Emile, 1762
"Children need to be allowed to be children- and parents need to know that's okay". ( Kathy Walker from her new book, Parenting. Penguin Publishing.)
To Trust one's mind and to know that one is worthy of happiness is the essence of self-esteem.
(Nathaniel Branden, Author of The Six Pillars of Self Esteem)
At the end of a life, it isn't just what we achieved that we may recall. It is the quality of the journey, the process and the people along the way that are most important.
It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.
-- Albert Einstein
"Compliance is not the same as engagement". ( Kathy Walker, 2009)
"The fundamental task of leaders, is to prime good feeling in those they lead."(Daniel Goleman: Emotional Intelligence)
Is childhood full of wonder and joy and investigation? Or is cluttered up and filled with things to do and places to go and so much activity there is no time left for any unexpected surprises.
In our efforts and intention to allow the voice and expression of the child, let us not assume they have the knowledge, maturity or life experience of the adult. That comes close to assuming they are nothing more than miniature adults. That is a dangerous assumption!!
The beginning of something is always very important. Especially when it is young and needs time to grow. ( Plato)
"To be effective in our parenting, not only must we understand our children-... but we must also understand ourselves." ( Kathy Walker, Book, 2010 Parenting)
Nothing has a stronger influence on their children than the universal lives of their parents.
Carl Jung(1875-1961)
The greatest leaders and visionaries I have ever met, heard about or read about, are those who were able to identify what was needed, sort through the spin, remained honest and true to their beliefs and despite opposition, hardship and persecution, they continued to adhere to their beliefs and act upon them.
"A teacher affects eternity; she can never tell where her influence stops."
Henry Adams 1838
The greatest question to ask as a parent about your child's learning, is not, "where are they in relation to the rest of the class", but rather, "where was she at the beginning, where has she come to now, and is she headed in a steady and forward direction". (Walker, K 2008)
