Sun, 30 May 2010 15:46:00
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Midgett
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When was the last time you were in a classroom? Today? Last week? Many years ago? I can safely say the former because while reading this column, you are in a learning mode.
Your learning environment can be constant even if you are not aware that the process is happening. Below, I have provided examples on how learning takes place in your life every day and throughout your life. I also will demonstrate where learning is happening, which, I’m sure, will amaze you.
At home. In the beginning of my teaching career, I had no educational background to bring to the classroom. My parenting knowledge and common sense was my classroom education. My teaching experiences raised my awareness about how important the colors and shapes were in a classroom environment. I would observe my co-workers using books and paints to teach colors.
I had no preschool educational background, no awareness of colors and shapes, while volunteering in my daughter’s preschool some 45 years ago. I was a stay-at-home mom. When my son entered kindergarten, he had no preschool experience. His teachers never told me that he had issues with colors and shapes. He graduated into the first grade in public school in New York without a hitch, then on to Catholic school. Reflecting on my kindergarten experiences, I don’t recall the learning of colors and shapes with such persistence.
When my daughter was in kindergarten I was asked to stay on at school with a paid position. I entered college while working in the classroom. Then I figured out a way for the little people to learn colors and shapes in another way. I would tell the parents that when they asked their child to get something – anything – for them, they should describe the color and shape. It worked!
At the library. Many parents and adults, even today, do not realize the importance of the public library. Books can open up a whole new world for an individual no matter what the age. I can’t remember how old I was when I learned to read because books were always in our apartment and at my disposal.
Are you aware that with any business you want to start there is a section in the library that gives you the start up information and the financial breakdown? You can have the equivalent of a Ph.D. of knowledge in your area of expertise if you just do a little research in the library. Think about it … don’t teachers and professors send you to the library for information in the first place?
From your family. Do you listen to your family? They have a wealth of knowledge.
I once took my daughter shopping with me. She was 11 years old at the time when we were looking at bottles of ketchup. She said to me “Mommy you need to read the back of the bottle compare the ounces.”
It’s true … learning can be done anywhere.
These examples are from my own personal list, however, I am sure you have your own. Make your checklist, and think about what you learn each day.
Mary Midgett is the author of “New York Flavor with a San Francisco Beat.” The San Francisco resident is available to do presentations and seminars on social and family negotiations. She also conducts workshops on parenting, self-esteem and social and intimate relationships. For more information, visit www.marymidgett.com or email midgettcorner@aol.com.
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