What makes strong, versatile, flexible students? I believe a mixed-diet of the arts, physical fitness, nature, traditional academic subjects, collaboration and more creates facile, flexible students--the kind of students that will identify their passions, navigate new paths and find happiness in life.
How do school systems nurture this diversity? I believe that school systems can nurture this diversity by strengthening and promoting students' and educators' areas of expertise, competence and passion. Just this week, I was struck by this notion in my own school system as I witnessed many competencies at play to further develop, challenge and strengthen students' mindsets, abilities and skills.
First, our high school basketball team had two successful games. Over the years I have watched parents, teachers and coaches nurture these student basketball players in countless ways pitching in and collaborating their care and effort in school and outside of school to help these young men develop their athletic, academic and social/emotional skill and strength. Hence, I believe these wins are evidence of countless hours of personal and community investment, and I am in awe of all that contributed to this success.
Secondly, I watched 100 fifth graders perform "The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf," a musical that proved to lift every fifth grader with music, imagination and performance. The pride on students' faces and the chance to see so many students shine in new, significant ways was priceless. Our talented music teacher, Ms. Pohl, starts planning for this show from the first days of school. She not only teaches all the skills and abilities connected to performing a musical, but she also carefully crafts the the play to respond to student's individual areas of competence and strength thus building pride, investment and confidence. To enhance the community aspect of the performance, she works with colleagues to personalize some of the dialogue to match our learning community and enlists the playful inclusion of teachers, the principal and teaching assistants.
Third, our art teacher, Christine Soeltz, has crafted a wonderful art website to showcase the "quieter" side of the arts--the visual arts. This allows students who shine in this area to share their strengths and skills to a larger audience.
Fourth, most students in our school are engaged in instrumental music by taking lessons in grades three-fifth. Music teachers have access to a number of musical instruments too that they use to engage students in during music lessons.
Fifth, our physical education teacher builds collaborative skill, physical fitness strength and healthy habits with all-school events and weekly lessons.
Meanwhile, classroom teachers, coaches, special educators and intervention teachers are working together to strengthen reading, writing, math, science and social studies teaching and focus with research, debate and discussion as they craft lessons, units and projects to respond to student interest, learning and engagement.
Our school system is fortunate to be part of a larger community that respects and supports holistic education, and I share this good news as I believe all schools throughout the country should present a holistic, diverse and broad menu of learning and engagement to students. There is not one way to teach children well, but a focus on students' and teachers' diverse strengths, competencies and passions will lay a foundation for a successful, holistic approach.
