#thrivingminds

Monday morning I met a distinguished (wealthy) gentleman who has all the answers to reform public education! I was so impressed-he had my full attention and I learned a great deal. I learned that there are people who believe that the soul of a child is not to be considered in the teaching and learning process; that children don’t need adults to teach them values, just give them an ipad; and I learned that black kids can’t use proper english, and Latino children are unemployable because their dual languages render them unfit for the workforce - above a certain pay-grade. I think I learned enough and I was disappointed.

Tuesday I met a first grader who needed help with his homework. He had to use 7 spelling words in his story-which he titled “big yellow birds fly”. He looked overwhelmed-he would need to finish the assignment before being allowed To build his birdhouse (play) with that very appealing box of Legos!. I pulled my tiny blue chair next to his and said, don’t worry, I will help you.

Oh my - his smile!!!

So let’s get started…He wrote his 7 sentences in two languages, described the long feathers, the bird’s trip to warm weather in Mexico and the soaring that made him feel like flying too. When his teacher gave instructions in the language that I did it speak, he came very close and said.”don’t worry I will help you understand”. He told me to be patient and wait until it was our turn to make our bird sound for the music teacher. Our sounds were practiced and ready on cue. Then, Sadly our time came to an end. He asked if I would come back again. “No I said”, feeling like a traitor. Comforting me and hugging my shoulder, he said “it’s ok, you have to go help another little boy…ok?”.

It was my turn to smile.

I couldn’t imagine Adam having to hug that Android tablet. Maybe my wealthy passerby lives an underprivileged life himself.

There is no app that replaces the heartbeat of a child.