Daily Inspiration
I would rather entertain and hope that people learned something than educate people and hope they were entertained.
Walt Disney
It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers.
James Thurber
The Philosopher’s Corner
Faced with homeschooling? Wow, how the world has changed in recent weeks.
The funny thing is, I see my children being less nervous. I will give credit to my wife, who has taken on nearly 98% of the teaching roles at the home. It seems that the roles have flipped in these recent quarantined weeks, as the courtrooms were closed, making the practice of law nearly impossible. But she went back to her roots, and is now teaching Kindergarten and 5th Grade for the greatest gifts ever bestowed upon our lives… Our children. Funny thing is, teaching is a profession that began both of our careers.
As a psychotherapist, I now find myself on the forefront of tending to people’s emotional health during this pandemic. Within one week, practice had to move from a cold, yet businesslike manner in the doctor’s room to an even colder reality of therapy behind a screen. The loss of human contact was keenly observed in this new objective reality created. However, the intent behind the treatment has not changed, even though the method by which it is given and received has transitioned to a more technological basis. Roles switched between my wife and I… but the true mark of success in any organism, including that of the family unit, is held in its capacity to adapt to new circumstances. We may not like it, but science works both ways, and Darwin is correct, even though we may not like the consequences of his evolutionary principle.
I have a profound respect for teachers. But that respect is held for those real teachers that expand a child’s mind to be more curious. I define this not with ill-intent, for many teachers and now home school teachers find themselves without a means to support their families. Instead, I make the statement to re-align the values of education back to the foundation for which its system serves, the need to awaken young minds to possibility of a life well lived.
Teachers hold a profound responsibility to the children, parents, and the communities they serve. It is a team effort, for anyone who has a child knows that raising a child takes a village. But the power of education is not found in the rote act of reciting what can be memorized from a textbook. Instead, it is found in the nature of curiosity it is supposed to elicit. Give me an attention deprived child who craves to know of their environment, I will show you a success if that attentional deficit is taught a means by which to focus.
I see a shift occurring. The educational day that used to take 7 hours in a school setting takes 3 at the home setting. Why… we as parents are paying attention to our children’s lives, their wellbeing, and teaching them through lived experience. We may not have all the answers, but we are coming up with them as we learn of ways to adapt to this new world.
New Changes… That’s a Good Thing!
Hello Fellow Readers. Transitions are occurring at Dr. Thomas Maples. I have published my first book on Amazon. If you like my blog, check out my exploration of the psychology behind realizing our inner potential. I hope you enjoy. I am also working on a storefront, which offers aromatherapy creations that will soothe the senses while accenting your home decor. More to come soon.
Prayers and Blessings Friends… Don’t forget to Believe… Achieve… Advance Confidently in the Direction of Your Dreams.
2 responses to “Inspiration: Teaching through Lived Experience”
Maybe one of the lessons we’re learning is that we can be flexible and adaptable – and that can actually make life more pleasant and rewarding. There are unexpected surprises and joys.
Beautifully said friend. We need adaptability and flexibility. I think you will enjoy today’s post, it is full of surprises to help heal the divides that inflexibility and un-adaptability create in our lives. Hope you are well and safe during this interesting time.