Not intended to be fluffy, rather simply stating that most people fully expect the truth and get offended / hurt when they are lied to. They, however, don't practice what they preach, lying more frequently than speaking the truth. People who become 'comfortable' lying, often are doing so simply to justify their 'wants', rationalizing that those they withhold the truth from are protected from what they are not capable of hearing, thus somehow making it all ok; and what they're lying about / for is to attain the love, money, fame, fairness, etc....! Give me a break!!!!
@ Vic, Well said... It seems that a little dose of truth could do a good many people a favor. Unfortunately, there are far too many who live sheltered lives and surround themselves only with those who will not tell them the truth and challenge them to become better individuals. The best friends are those who aren't afraid to give (or for that matter, receive) constructive criticism - which is often what the truth becomes.
@ AJ -- couldn't agree more. I'd rather walk full force in to the truth than be blindsided with the unknowing shadows of a lie. I 'truly' feel sorry for those living a life of lies. The 'bliss' is short lived and will bite them in the ass!
@ Taj -- Unfortunately, in today's society, even the innocence of a 5-year old is taught manipulation of the truth. Sad, but the reality of many challenges to 'undo' in our schools. It takes a strong leader laying a foundation for a positive culture, working together and guiding creative teachers willing to go the extra mile to teach, nurture and seed a developmental path that leads these babies to self management, truly maximizing their potential.
Very true. However, my experience with my students last year was an incredibly honest one. And while our children (all children) do learn quickly the behaviors of those around them, the level of innocence coming from a 5 yr old, is, at least, genuine, in that they haven't learned to conceal what they have picked up from others, not do they try to.
So perhaps it was my doing, or that I had a rare bunch. But in comparing my Kindergartners to my current middle school aged students, I miss the honest and fair minds of the babies!
@ D....a sad example to bring home the truth and need for amazing schools with leadership and teachers who can impact change.
@ Taj, I am pleased you had a positive experience with your class of kindergarten students, but believe that is becoming more an anomaly in education, unfortunately. I believe as you spend time in urban education you'll realize the 'innocence' many of these 'babies' lose, becoming quite adept at what I call 'survival skills'. The skills I reference are in direct correlation to the conditions, behaviors, and events they are subjected to at the hands of those who are supposed to be their primary care givers. It really is sad. The good thing is it can be undone, and further, these children have a natural propensity to problem solving that, given the right direction by an amazing teacher, can be honed to align with those skills necessary to be successful in school and life. The same is true of middle school students (by the way, an age that you either love or hate, no middle ground for tolerance here)....if you just understand it took them a lot longer to get the way the are, and we're not going to 'un-do' overnight. Children, of any age, want to know that, as teachers, you care, that you're real, and that you'll treat each of them the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. If we do that, we can set the bar wherever we desire and they will work hard to attain.
With the truth, life seems to become easier to navigate and it rewards more obvious.
ReplyDeleteThere's a slap in the face obvious statement that most don't realize soon enough and many forget to take a look in the mirror as they repeat!!
ReplyDelete@ Vic, this comment is a bit "fluffy". Care to provide some deeper insight into what this means...?
ReplyDeleteNot intended to be fluffy, rather simply stating that most people fully expect the truth and get offended / hurt when they are lied to. They, however, don't practice what they preach, lying more frequently than speaking the truth. People who become 'comfortable' lying, often are doing so simply to justify their 'wants', rationalizing that those they withhold the truth from are protected from what they are not capable of hearing, thus somehow making it all ok; and what they're lying about / for is to attain the love, money, fame, fairness, etc....! Give me a break!!!!
ReplyDelete@ Vic, Well said... It seems that a little dose of truth could do a good many people a favor. Unfortunately, there are far too many who live sheltered lives and surround themselves only with those who will not tell them the truth and challenge them to become better individuals. The best friends are those who aren't afraid to give (or for that matter, receive) constructive criticism - which is often what the truth becomes.
ReplyDeleteWhat I miss most about Kindergartners: the truth! Even on a bad day!
ReplyDelete@ AJ -- couldn't agree more. I'd rather walk full force in to the truth than be blindsided with the unknowing shadows of a lie. I 'truly' feel sorry for those living a life of lies. The 'bliss' is short lived and will bite them in the ass!
ReplyDelete@ Taj -- Unfortunately, in today's society, even the innocence of a 5-year old is taught manipulation of the truth. Sad, but the reality of many challenges to 'undo' in our schools. It takes a strong leader laying a foundation for a positive culture, working together and guiding creative teachers willing to go the extra mile to teach, nurture and seed a developmental path that leads these babies to self management, truly maximizing their potential.
ReplyDelete@ Victoria,
ReplyDeleteVery true. However, my experience with my students last year was an incredibly honest one. And while our children (all children) do learn quickly the behaviors of those around them, the level of innocence coming from a 5 yr old, is, at least, genuine, in that they haven't learned to conceal what they have picked up from others, not do they try to.
So perhaps it was my doing, or that I had a rare bunch. But in comparing my Kindergartners to my current middle school aged students, I miss the honest and fair minds of the babies!
@ D....a sad example to bring home the truth and need for amazing schools with leadership and teachers who can impact change.
ReplyDelete@ Taj, I am pleased you had a positive experience with your class of kindergarten students, but believe that is becoming more an anomaly in education, unfortunately. I believe as you spend time in urban education you'll realize the 'innocence' many of these 'babies' lose, becoming quite adept at what I call 'survival skills'. The skills I reference are in direct correlation to the conditions, behaviors, and events they are subjected to at the hands of those who are supposed to be their primary care givers. It really is sad. The good thing is it can be undone, and further, these children have a natural propensity to problem solving that, given the right direction by an amazing teacher, can be honed to align with those skills necessary to be successful in school and life. The same is true of middle school students (by the way, an age that you either love or hate, no middle ground for tolerance here)....if you just understand it took them a lot longer to get the way the are, and we're not going to 'un-do' overnight. Children, of any age, want to know that, as teachers, you care, that you're real, and that you'll treat each of them the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. If we do that, we can set the bar wherever we desire and they will work hard to attain.
@ Vic, good points for those of new or young in education! I personally, will take heed.
ReplyDelete@ Taj, get ready! :)