Going Bowling
We went bowling with the grandkids the other day and it was great. I had forgotten that they have these nifty metal racks for the children to roll the ball down to hit the pins. I wanted one of those (along with the bumper rails!) for my bowling. I'm not a good bowler, but then I only go about every 10 years. As I was watching the children use the bowling rack I was struck with thoughts about the other 'racks' that we can provide for children. Racks that will help children reach their potential. Reaching that potential is just has hard as a small child trying to maneuver a heavy bowling ball. They are much more successful if given a sturdy structure to begin the journey. I think we should all take a minute and go bowling with a child. It is a humbling experience when they get a higher score than you!
Labels: early childhood experiences
posted by John Funk @ Permalink7:45 PM
11 Comments:
I like the idea of bowling with a child and learning from the experience. Some of the best lessons in life and the most educational experiences we can have are as a result of observing children. Early childhood teachers need to observe more and teach less.
I think that it is very important for children to get “racks” or structures to begin their journey. This is a large part of why I want to teacher younger grades. I believe that it is important for them to have a strong foundation and a deep love for learning before they continue on in their education. The base on which children start their educational careers has a deep impact on their future academic success.
Alicia Mobley TL 4330
I agree, it is important to provide these 'racks' for children, especially as teachers. Each rack is different for each student as well. Some students may need their rack positioned further to the left, while others may need their rack positioned further to the right. Just like some students may be exceptional in one subject, but they need a little help in another. It's our job, as teachers, to discover which rack each student needs and where it should be placed.
I also went bowling recently and... I think I should look into these racks. Haha.
Anna Johnson TL 4330
You make such a great point in stating that children need racks of support and guidance. I am a huge believer in the role of parents and teachers both as crucial aspects to children's development. It is our job as a parent/teacher to effectively provide this tool any any others for the success of a child/student. Very well stated, so direct and simple!
Katelyn Anderson TL 4330
I think that this is a great analogy for parents. My parents didn't give me structure, I am doing just fine, but maybe if I would have had that sturdy structure (the bowling ball rack) I could have figured out my dreams earlier and set myself up to accomplish them.
I believe that some children need that extra structure as a base to get the confidence they need to succeed in life. Others do not. Personally I have two children, and they are polar opposites. One needs a strong structure and the other is annoyed with anything that implies how to accomplish something. Teachers need to listen to each child individually. Then use their best judgments on what kind of base structure that individual child needs to grow and strive in life. Every child has the potential be a successful learned adult. However, children sometimes just need to be shown how to learn to succeed.
Carol Wright TL 4330
I love bowling! I have been bowling with my little nieces and nephews on several occasions and have lost to them more than a few times. I liked the analogy of the rail/racks that help the children learn how it's done. I hope to help my own children someday to build a good foundation and be a good example to them and also show them how to be a good person. Great thoughts and good post.
Austin Cales TL4330
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It's true... children need a strong structure to build from. That is why we do what we do, right?
Thanks for this thoughtful post.
One day I was in game station in theater, a 5 year old son with his father in a bowling game, kid will take a ball and try to push in the rack, but ball not go through from his finger, he trying too much, finally get angry and crying!! how's funny!!
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