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"Words Don't Teach"

4/20/2014

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Hello Tigers!

      I was listening to an audio book today in my car as I was driving up to Palm Beach, when I heard this statement on the CD; “Words don’t teach”. Hmmmm? I stop the CD and thought about that. Is it true that “words don’t teach” and if it is true, then how does one learn?

  If those words are true, then my days as a ‘teacher’ are invalid. I teach with words. But after thinking about this statement for a few moments, I suppose the premise that was trying to be conveyed was that people are more apt to learn through life experiences than they are through simply listening to words.

   I would agree with that to some extent. I think that you can learn concepts, ideas and principles from books and teachers, but the greatest lessons in life are learned through life experiences. As the saying goes, “When the student is ready the teacher will appear” or “Life is about learning, when you stop, you die”.

   Have you ever noticed the sign in the art room that says, “I see and I remember, I hear and I forget, I do and I understand”. That quote supports the statement that life experiences is the best way to learn. Once you do it, you get it. It’s a simple concept.

  Seniors, you are 4 weeks away from leaving my classroom and entering into the most magnificent classroom ever…the world! You have all the ‘words’ that all your teachers have spoken to you over the years and now you will take what you have learned here at Ely High and put it to use. Enjoy the journey and take in all of life. You will learn your best lessons through your own life experiences. Remember, there are never  mistakes in life...only lessons. I call mistakes, unexpected learning experiences. Consider these 'unexpected learning experiences' as contrast. These moments of contrast guide you to know what you want in life and what you don't want. 

So let your life experiences steer you in the direction that makes you happy. Remembering that life is not so complicated; your goal in life is to be happy every day! It's as simple as that. Ms. B.


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    Donna Bonavia

    I am an art educator and  a professional artist. I write this blog to guide my students in  (SEL) social, emotional, and academic development. S.E.L. is the District of Columbia Public School's priority because we believe that we must educate the whole child.


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