So I spent the past three weeks travelling about and sharing ideas about how we can educate our children in ways that honor each of their unique gifts. First at the AERO conference, and then a week long adventure in singing at the SongWorks Workshop. It was amazing. I found my love of learning quite late in life. Although today I hold two doctorate degrees from prestigious universities, I actually was a terrible student. I nearly failed out of the fourth grade, and by high school I was a permanent member of the Alternative School. I went to community college after high school with the intention of getting a 19 credit hour certificate in nannying. I love kids and so I knew I could be good at that. At the last minute I decided to get the basic education credits so I could get an Associate's and if for some reason at some point I decided I would go to get a Bachelor's. Well, I was blown away when after my first semester I looked at my report card and I had almost all As. I hadn't even tried to get "A"s I had simply tried to learn what they were offering. After that I strove for As, and to my surprise I became a straight A student. Even when I went to the "real" college, I continued to get As. I had to break myself of that need to get As, which I did and got back to the point, which is to learn all I needed. So why did I nearly fail out in regular K-12 education? Why did I think I was dumb? I think this is one of the reasons I am such a believer in creating educational curriculum that brings back the joy of learning. I am filled with gratitude for my step-mom Sue who encouraged me to go to college and always believed in me. I came back after my trip to be greeted by my pooch, and the Art Garage family. They told me they had been taking care of my garden. I went with them to look to find it blossoming. There was even a butterfly fluttering around. We all have our moments to blossom. This takes nurturing, with lightness and food for the mind and spirit. Let's make sure we take care in our schools to nurture and support our children so they can become their highest and best selves. Too much harshness can have disasterous consequences. I feel very blessed to have had someone to help me through, not everyone is so lucky. Will you be that one to make the difference to that child in your life?
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Abigail LarrisonEducator, Scientist and Art Maker. The purpose of all life is to spread joy. What brings more joy than making art? Archives
November 2023
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