It’s All About YOUR Perspective…
Are you the giraffe looking down on your primary age kiddos? You then might see the top of this model’s hat, although I doubt it very highly. Are you looking at your students from all dimensions? Are you looking at your child(ren) face to face, especially if you are a parent or teach middle school and/or high school students?
Or…are you the child looking their parent or caregiver…or seeing a large school bus, an enormous school building, crowds in the halls, and what seems to be very tall school principals and teachers? Even parents sometimes think the school buildings seem overly large these days!
The resulting pictures in the minds’ eyes (or on the image as above) of the days leading up to and on the first days of school likely look VERY different depending on who you are, how you view the scene, and how you feel about it all. That’s the month of August for you.
As a parent, a teacher/tutor, and a teacher of teachers, I always gave the following advice: A strong sign of maturity is the ability to view situations from others’ perspectives. I feel that reading and listening to the tales of others, both fictional and non-fictional, helps humans of all ages relate to others from their individual perspectives. Thus, to paraphrase one of my heroes, Dr. Maryanne Wolf in Reader Come Home, deep reading of a text (achievement of skilled literacy) allows humans to develop a keen sense of empathy with others. And as such, allow we humans to think critically, solve problems, display courage and perseverance, and possess compassion for others.
The Wizard of Oz
What does the Wizard of Oz have to do with the beginning of another school year? A LOT! L. Frank Baum’s 1900 tale has many hidden meanings, but let’s focus on the needs/desires of some of the main characters.
The Cowardly Lion needs courage and the ability to take action and speak out when in need of help or to remedy an injustice.
The Tin Man is in desperate need of a heart so as to express all types of feelings, particularly ones of empathy, compassion, care, and kindness.
The Scarecrow is in need of a brain so as to be able to think logically and acquire knowledge.
And finally, Dorothy, who has the resilience to work with and help others, face challenges, and just plain ‘get through life’ such as it is for us all–comprised of all its delights and obstacles.
Image by Lori Josephson
This fantasy tale, tuned into a classic movie in 1939i watched by millions, symbolizes what I mean in terms of the quintessential lessons of empathy—which, like the wise Dr. Wolf has stated, is the goal of reading in the first place. It is actually also the goal of writing as well–to share the writer’s thoughts with others. Dorothy is the epitome of resilience and problem solving, Who amongst us was not swayed by emotion whether you read Frank Baum’s tale or watched Judy Garland and the rest of the cast on the big screen year after year?
Are You the Child or Adolescent?
The start of the school year is most definitely a mixed bag for most kids. In fact, one can often describe it as a roller coaster of sorts.
Many are excited to get new school supplies–I recall adoring the 64 new Crayola crayons I got each year–I can still remember the smell and feel of them, not to mention the built-in ‘crayon sharperner’, as well as new notebooks, etc.. Others appreciate new clothing (well, pehaps it was the ‘olden days’), as well as meeting their teachers and feeling more independent without always having family around. In my experience over the years, the most exciting part of going back to school was the opportunity to see friends again, both old ones, with the ability to make new friends. Our Wizard of Oz characters were so excited to get cleaned up in the land of Oz, but after that…well, things didn’t go so well. Obviously, things remain exciting, but for many of our kids, even the thrill they feel at first is quickly diminished, as new challenges pop up and things settle down to the ‘new normal’.
Image by Pixabay on Pexels
On the other hand, students of all ages who are struggling readers, spellers, and writers often feel a looming sense of dread as soon as the calendar flips from July to August. One of my former students used to start his countdown in terms of how many days remained in the school year on the very first day of school. These are the students who think they don’t have a brain—just like the Scarecrow. For some students, their self-esteems have taken a beating for years. Think about how you might feel (or perhaps do feel) if you were the student who ‘failed to thrive’ in the classroom. Read more about the social and emotional effects of having dyslexia in this International Dyslexia Association Fact Sheet. Adjectives that come to mind include ‘failure’, ‘stupid’, ‘dumb’, ‘worthless’, etc. These may be the students who choose inappropriate behaviors to cover over for their diminished self-esteems. These behaviors may demonstrate a lack of feelings for others, just like the Tin Man.
Other children approach the new school year with a giant dose of anxiety sometimes to the point deemed as ‘trauma’. These are the students who freeze when asked to read aloud, or read ahead when students are taking turns thereby ‘missing’ much of the comprehension that was to take place. These may be the students who simply ‘shut down’. Images of the Cowardly Lion come to mind. These are the students who often need to think outside the box, with the ingenuity of Toto.
Many students approach overall school readiness (keeping school supplies in order, keeping track of assignments, etc.) in a disorganized fashion…this only increases levels of anxiety. In addition, many students have difficulty with time management, so regulating themselves to get homework assignments completed after a long day in the classroom, getting to bed so as to allocate enough time for sleep, as well as time just to unwind can be challenging.
An additional stressor in the 21st century has to do with the use of cell phones during the school day. As of this writing, 12 states have banned or restricted student cell phone usage during the school day.. For some students, this is a relief and provides much less of a distraction for students navigating the school day. The use of cell phones to be continuously connected to social media cannot possibly be a positive in the school environment and is–in a word–nothing but distracting outside of the school environment. For others, this is an increased stressor—many students feel the need to have access to their parents and/or caregivers should the need arise during the school day.
A recent NPR Up First Newsletter solicited advice from students. One struck a chord with me: This student said, “Carry a water bottle. Knowing what to expect is immensely helpful for me and so is having an excuse to step out and refill my water bottle when I need a second.” Some students just need a break. I can see the Cowardly Lion in this quote. A few other students mentioned the merits of friendship as ways to help be successful in the school environment. A definite connection to the Wizard of Oz characters!
Finally, some students do not value in-school attendance for whatever reason–not always because of lack of school success. Perhaps these students recall the days of COVID necessitating remote education or perhaps for some other reason. Barbara Klein, Ph.D., Ed.D. writes that many students say, “School is worthless, I can learn on my own…with no need to ‘be dressed’ and in a more relaxed environment.” Again, no relation to the Wizard of Oz characters!.
Are You the Parent or Caregiver? Even When Things Are Going Well, It’s Stressful!
Image by Julia M. Cameron on Pexels
For sure, many of the very same emotions I describe for kids exist for parents and caregivers of the students. I well recall the parents of my kids’ friends and our neighbors stressing about sending their children to school after a summer with a more relaxed schedule. According to Evan Porter of Parents Magazine, “back to school stress is so real that 60% of parents say they are driven to tears.” Even the Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has issued a statement saying ‘we can do better for parents’. The stress is related to scheduling issues, as well as expenses (clothing, school supplies) related to getting kids ready to get back to school. I not so fondly remember some of the most stressful days as a parent related to receiving the various extra curricular practice and game schedules. I can still well relate to the knot in my stomach as I wondered how I would ever get my kids where they needed to be, get home, get dinner on the table, get ready for the next day–not to mention making sure all the homework was completed, ,lunches were made, etc., etc.–never mind my day job– prior to falling into bed! Like Dorothy, the one wish to ‘go home’–metaphorically–get to a safe place with everything done despite obstacles certainly rings true.
Are you the parents whose kids face academic, language, behavior and/or social-emotional challenges? From your perspectives, the angst you often feel is enormous. Are you the parents who feel as though you are reliving your own negative feelings about school? These parents, too, feel like the Scarecrow who seeks a brain and the ability to think logically. Are you the parents who spend more hours than one wishes to count assisting your children with homework, projects, etc., all while balancing the needs of others in the family? Again, are you impersonating Dorothy as you try to get the job done while considering the needs of others?
Even if the kids do not have any special challenges, are you the parents who remain vigilant, particularly during those first days of the new school year? Remember, you are not the giraffe looking down on the model to only paint the top of her hat! Reminding kids that school is a student’s “full-time job” is important to convey, as well as the importance of doing one’s “personal best” in every environmental arena including at home, school, social situations, sporting events, etc. Do you remember to provide encouragement and sensitivity to each of your child’s needs? Have a heart, just like the one the Tin Man yearns for in the Wizard of Oz. Paying attention to these social-emotional needs, as well as being sure kids get appropriate sleep, nourishment, and down time, is essential.
What is your perspective, as a parent/caregiver, about the work your child(ren) bring home? Do you feel the material is ‘spot on’ or too difficult..or too easy? You may experience feelings of discomfort at times, or even frustration. Do you know the methods used to teach primary students literacy and numeracy skills? Are you asking questions? Are you willing to ask questions as Dorothy asked when she finally reached Oz and faced ‘The Wizard’ (Disclaimer: I do not think educators resemble ‘The Wizard” in any way!!). Do you ask questions about how your children are being taught to read, write, spell? Be like the Scarecrow after he gets a brain. I suggest you definitely ask questions such as: 1-do you use a phonics based approach?, 2-do you teach reading and spelling simultaneously?, 3-what do you know about the Science of Reading? It has been overwhelmingly demonstrated that all human brains acquire literacy in the same fashion creating new neuronal networks using visual, auditory, language, motor, executive function, as well as the cerebellum to become a skilled reader, speller and writer.
How do you feel about cell phone usage in the school setting? From your perspective, you might want your child(ren) to have cell phones so as to be available to you at all times if the unthinkable occurs. At this point in time,12 states have either restricted or banned cell phone usage in schools for this new year. This is clearly a topic for another blog article.
Do you want to be part of your child(ren)’s educational team? Is/are your child(ren)’s school open to regular communicate even if things seems to be fine? Are you the parent who prefers to let the magic happen inside the classroom? Both approaches have their strengths and weaknesses. That said, the team of Oz characters worked together, caring for one another despite their individual desires.
I encourage you to take the perspective of seeing your child(ren) from many different dimensions, as we humans are complex beings with strengths and weaknesses. Because literacy and numeracy achievement govern our function in the world, school achievement is perceived as most important—plus, school attendance is the law.
Are You the Teacher?
Are you the teacher who loves the start of the school year, rejuvenated from enjoying some ‘lazier’ and more relaxed summer days reading a novel in a shady yard or at a beach? Are you the teacher who adores setting up your classroom with everything fresh and clean, cheerfully anticipating your students for the new school year? That said, are you the teacher who faces the reality of knowing that a goodly number of your students are not reading/spelling/writing at grade level and/or who return to school from disadvantaged homes–you know they may be hungry–hungry for food, hungry for attention, hungry for learning? Are you the teacher who is also anxious and worried about their students’ achievements, but has a positive mindset and open to the challenge? Obviously, these are different perspectives on the same important job. Are you like Dorothy, who valiantly marches on despite challenges and who always looks for the good?
Image by Lori Josephson used with permission
Let me fill you in an another attitude/perspective existing in our society far too often—I came upon a teacher who stated the following to me as I was welcoming teachers to the pre-school year professional development I was about to conduct: “Hello. I’m wearing a black dress since it’s my first day back on the job.” My heart sunk like a ton of bricks. I felt like I had to teach the Wicked Witch of the West or perhaps the Wizard with his false bravado. How sad. How is it that many teachers feel so oppressed that they wish to wear black and count the years..and yes, even the days until their retirement.
Are you the teacher who takes the time (but not too much time!) to assess your students and then use assessment data to govern what and how you teach? Are you able to conduct small group lessons targeting specific skills? If you want more guidance, have a look at Stephanie Stollar’s Reading Science Academy. Are you using your problem solving skills like Dorothy? Do you have the empathy of the Tin Man once he has a heart to truly reach your students?
I encourage you to be open to change, realizing that teachers often are not able to choose their curricula. Many teachers learning now learning about the Science of Reading, and embracing the new knowledge to empower their teaching. Be that teacher who explains the way the brain learns to read and spell to your students–even the youngest ones. Just think about how many students who have academic issues manifest them as behaviors which are detrimental to learning. Do you and your colleagues function as a team like Dorothy and her friends?? Are the parents of your students part of the team? Think about it.
I don’t know what Frank Baum would have thought about cell phones, but how do you feel about students having access to cell phones? Do you find yourself overusing your cell phone in this day and age? Again, this is another entire topic, but one we need to think about.
The Takeaways
- Realize that it is normal to have mixed emotions–we are ALL Dorothy!
- We all need to develop and utilize the abiity to look at our and others’ needs, wants, and feelings from multiple perspectives–remember, that’s what makes us mature human beings!
- We can use reading, writing, and talking to teach our children perspective taking and practice it ourselves.
- Remember this powerful equation: Knowledge = Motivation = Active Learning = Resilience = Success!!! for typical learners, and especially learners who find reading and spelling challenging.
Have you had a chance to look at my new book, Calling All Neurons! How Reading and Spelling Happen? Reading this book will help your students and child(ren) make the equation I write above a reality for all members of the educational team. Check it out on Amazon or wherever you purchase books.
Images from Calling All Neurons! These neurons work together to create new neural networks enabling humans to achieve the gift of literacy.
The neurons themselves tell the story in a whimsical and informative way. Everyone learns and the kids love it! A win win–like those Wizard of Oz characters!