SCHOOLS THAT LEARN

When I first browsed through the book Schools that Learn by Peter Senge, I wasn’t too motivated to read it. I said to myself “Oh this is going to be just another text book that I need to read for college”. Well I thought wrong. While reading through Schools that Learn I found it at times to be difficult to follow, but as I continued to read it became interesting. I liked the fact that the book spoke about real life experiences that one can relate to because these stories may just be some of the experiences that teachers may encounter each day.

One story from the book that stuck with me was when an elementary school principal arrives to his school early in the morning and finds a little boy sitting on the steps waiting for the school to open. When the principal asks the boy how long have you been here, the boy didn’t know because he didn’t know how to tell time. This little boy was only in kindergarten whose mom was a single parent that began her job at 5AM. The boy wakes up by himself and comes to school on his own, never knowing what time it is.

For me this story was touching because I have some students of my own that I know have lots of responsibilities that a normal second grader shouldn't have. Due to the fact of certain situations that children have at home they are exposed to more than they should be today. I feel even if this little boy knew how to tell time he would still have to wake up on his own everyday and go to school. Whatever situation or circumstances that a child has to deal with at home is always brought to school or even in the classroom. I think that those children who are affected with home issues affect their education. Yes, we as teachers are there every day to make a difference in the lives of children these days, and to teach them as best as we can, but when there is a serious situation at home is it very hard for the child to apply their self within the classroom. I also feel that a parent/teacher relationship is crucial to a child’s education because they go hand in hand.

In all, Schools that Learn had great experiences and stories to share. The story about the little boy I remembered the most because of the real life experience that I see almost every day with some of the students of my own.

SCHOOLS THAT LEARN

Hey, 

My Schools that Learn posting will be up shortly, sorry!