“You don’t learn to write by going through a series of preset writing exercises. You learn to write by grappling with a real subject that truly matters to you.” Ralph Fletcher, What A Writer Needs
Rather interesting, don't you think. Writing comes naturally when writing from the heart. The chore of putting words down on paper or on screen is no longer a chore when it is one's way of conveying something felt strongly - something that, simply put, MATTERS!
It is for this reason I teach all my students, no matter how young, the why's. If goals are not known right out of the gate, then how will they know if they should invest enough energy to feel strongly about the objective at hand? All the how to's and strategies in the world hold little power if the purpose for learning is absent. Because I said so, simply isn't good enough when looking to achieve growth and feel success!
Same goes for parenting and our personal goals for our children. Endless hours of schooling hold little value if our children aren't given a chance to understand the fundamentals of life first - the reasons for living. These fundamentals will allow them to decide what is important to them.
When Linc asks daily what animal his meat is from, which he does, we will continue to answer him. This is obviously something that matters to him at this moment in time - what is he eating and where did it come from? (When exactly did society lose the importance this basic question??) How are our kiddos to be true contributors to society if they don't have all their why's answered? (As exhausting as it may be at times.) Granted, we cannot always easily give a why, like when Lexi asked, "Why are there bad people in the world?" I tried explaining that life is about learning right from wrong, and some people haven't taken the time learn those important lessons. However, I am quite certain that topic is still unresolved in her mind. In fact, as an adult, I think it is still unresolved in my mind. However, I am living life, gaining experiences, and growing with each step taken. I trust that Lexi is doing the same and maybe someday she will have an answer for me!
Ella has begun to speak daily of her worldly wishes. For instance, did you know she wishes there were no ants or bugs in the world. When asked why, she will tell you that she simply doesn't feel they are needed if they gross so many people out. Ella also wished the other evening that there was no sickness in the world, and that everyone was happy all the time. Again, I asked why and she told me that no one needs to feel bad if they could all be healthy and feel good. Her thoughts are so simple and innocent, yet so deep as well. I used to think she would be an engineer or a mechanic as she puts much thought in the workings and schematics of things. However, as she matures, I realize she puts much thought into everything - maybe she is the next great philosopher, waiting to shed some insight into human nature. (Or maybe her destiny includes being a beauty pageant contestant longing to solve childhood hunger and achieve world peace! lol)
So, one simple professional reading on my part, has allowed me to contemplate what matters to me (seeking positive changes around me, enriching the lives of children as they grow, and possibly even helping enlighten a few adults along my journey).
After all, aren't we all grappling to figure out what really matters so we can write our own personal story?
