from our publisher & editor
“Education is not the filling of a
pail, but the lighting of a fire.”
~ William Butler Yeats
Everyone has an opinion on what’s wrong with
education. I’m no exception. Want to talk
about too much test-taking and not enough
critical thinking skills? Let’s meet for tea, and
I’ll bring my soapbox.
What we’d quickly find is our complaining
about the problem doesn’t give one child a
better chance in this world. And we can’t sit
around and wait for the higher-ups to pass
another round of reform. Fixing education
is much like protecting the environment… it
begins at home.
Children pick up on the energy around them.
Whether you are the parent or teacher, it
matters that you bring passion, enthusiasm,
and energy to learning every day. Watch
intently how a child lives in the present
moment and appreciates what is right in front
of her. Show your interest and delight as
they begin learning new things. Watch as the
spark of excitement grows and spreads as they
discover what they are drawn to as surely as
a moth to a flame. Who knows how they will
choose to show what they know!
This issue inspired me from beginning to end.
Our contributors expertly cover everything
from homeschool and individualized learning
to how we can help end violence in schools
and what kids can learn in a classroom that
takes them beyond math facts and history
lessons.
Of course, Back to School wouldn’t be
complete without a plethora of healthy lunch
options. Want to know if these recipes and
snacks are truly kid-friendly? Just ask the
youngest GC team members who started
eating before the cameras stopped flashing.
And we’re still wondering where all the organic
raspberries went… :)
-Amity
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