With so many kids' education being radically changed this year, many are wondering what they have "lost" due to this pandemic or how far they have "fallen behind".
If we think of education as linear, moving from the start point of preschool to the end point of earning a college degree, then sure, lots of kids are may not be moving at the rate the government has determined for them. But if we could all, just for a moment, look at it from another perspective, maybe that will help. Maybe we can throw the timeline out the window, forget about the standardized tests, and just take a look at the individuals in front of us. And see. See how they've GROWN.
And what will we see? We will see growth in so many areas. Maybe not in the subjects listed on a report card or transcript. But in areas that are far more important than that.
So let's do it. Let's think about all the things that children have learned this year. Because they have learned more than I could have possibly imagined.
Here's a list of 101 things that children have learned this year:
Adaptability
Flexibility
Kindness
Understanding
Care for elders
Overcoming disappointment
Tolerating discomfort
Growth mindset
Being present
Understanding differences
Protesting
Standing up for beliefs
Restorative justice rights
Equality
Voting rights
Technology skills
Discovering new paths
Simplicity
Connecting with family
Connection with home
Self-advocacy
Empathy
Patience
Unstructured play
Traditions
Learning through everyday activities
Baking
Independence
Emotional intelligence
Diversity
Overcoming grief
Gardening skills
Selflessness
Respect
The importance of boredom
How to use the internet
Sibling connection
Responsibility
A new skill or craft
Perseverance
New chores
Navigating friendships
A new interest
Sharing
Making things for others
Innovation
Time telling
Pet care
Importance of rest
Self-control
Local history
Local plant life
Self-care
Tolerance
US government procedures
Home exercise
How to contribute to the family
How to do laundry
Effective arguing
Effective apologizing
Navigating anger
Zoom skills
Virus vocabulary
Electoral process
Importance of good governance
Handwork
Calendar skills
Seasonal changes
Holiday celebrations
Independent reading
Independent play
Letter writing
Email writing
Appreciation of postal workers
Appreciation of essential workers
Home care
Plant care
Importance of alone time
Meditation
Gratefulness
Working towards a greater good
Collaboration
Playing an instrument
Personal hygiene
Research skills
Care for neighbors
Typing skills
Online gaming
Online learning
Drawing
Cooking
Organizing
Goal setting and reaching
Planning/making a meal
Writing stories
Keeping a journal
Handmade gifts
The benefit of audio books and podcasts
Helping with home improvement projects
. Hand washing skills
. Care for others
This is just a small portion of an infinite list. I'm sure you have another 101 things you can add. So let's give our children the credit they deserve after a year full of immeasurable growth and accomplishment. Let's stop this talk of falling behind and instead recognize that the whole world is experiencing this together. Let's see beyond the academic subjects. Let's recognize that learning and education isn't just about math and reading and science and that our children are going through a pandemic. Let's forget about grades, forget about tests.
Let's honor the learning that HAS happened. And appreciate the growth that is right in front of us. Because it is A LOT. And if we do that, we couldn't possibly think that any child has fallen behind anything.
