ExchangeEveryDay Past Issues

I hope there is the possibility of excitement in learning - when the learning makes a connection between what they already know and what they are discovering and learning - there is excitement!

I hope learning does include the possibility for excitement - when a learner makes a connection between what they know and what they have discovered and are learning, there is excitement!

Another great bit of wisdom from Lilian Katz. However, isn't there excitement in learning? In discovery? In searching and researching?

And I would suggest that we often anthropomorphize inanimate objects and animals, too. That's not to say young children are not human. Rather, it is to say that the use of high pitch intonation is developmentally appropriate with small children. Linguistics studies have consistently shown that infants and toddlers are particularly attentive to, responsive to, and relaxed when a high pitch tone is used by adults. Young children do not consider "respect," as the concept is too abstract for their level of brain development. Rather, young children consider (respond) to that which is relatable...at their level. As children get older, of course one should adjust their manner of speech to a more mature level, always at the developmental level of the child. It is inappropriate to interact with children as if they are adults. The best teachers communicate with children's at the child's developmental capacity for cognition.

When it comes to young children this element of respect implies that we should resist the temptation to talk to young children in silly sweet voices, heaping empty praise on them, and giving them certificates indicating that smiling bear believes they are special. This disrespectful strategy makes a mockery of teaching.

EXCELLENT!!! I work with Group/Family, and Teachers in NYC. Thus far I see that little intrique gifts are given for things to me that make not sense. If this is praise, then what will they give for a jobe well done?

Sharon