I'll get to Halloween pictures in a minute. But first, can I ask you all something? What do you think of this? I have thoughts about it. But I'd like to hear from other parents first.
This is tough. As a child I was made to recite prayers, loooong prayers. I do not know the prayers now, but I do recall the shame an the silence and the tears as I sat there forgetting the words, and my father drove on, waiting, forever waiting for me to recall as my siblings joined him in the tyranny, for fear of any other path. Memorization is not a problem; it's a wonderful exercise. The parent's agenda is the issue that concerns me. The child looks like he is at ease, at peace. What an amazing feat he has achieved! He may do this sort o thing naturally. I love knowing beautiful poems. The turn of phrase rolled early on the tongue hangs there for many years. He may later think cornflowers really ought to have been included, "You ARE a field of cornflowers at dusk!"
He's still at it. Maybe because I do not have an overachieving child, I do not understand this walk. I am, regretfully, always suspicious of the egos at work in such situations. And I suspected the bread and wine, too, as a part of a deep training. Perhaps, hopefully, my fears are unfounded.
I've watched this a few times. I am impressed with the human mind. I am impressed by the dignity and intelligence of our youngest children. Something like this illustrates that even our tiniest little people are smart enough to figure out how to be polite in general, how to participate in society, and how to potty train. I think that's asking plenty from our toddlers---if we are gentle and not absurd about our requirements.
But this, from a three year old? He likes memorization? Fine. But I don't see joy in his face. I see a need to please. And the whole thing comes crumbling down when "Mommy Dear" yanks the toy out of his hand. I truly deeply hope this child will not be homeschooled. Because....um, yikes.
Check this out. My kids memorized this because they loved it and were having fun memorizing it. They are 8 and 9. This seems developmentally appropriate and believable to think they were just having fun. I am biased but.... http://peerieflooers.blogspot.com/2012/03/this-little-clip-is-three-years-old.html
I don't see that he looks unhappy. He looks a little disconcerted after his mom removes his horse ... like he's looking for it somewhere. But at the end he looks proud of what he's accomplished. I must say, to me it immediately sparked thoughts of a child with Aspergers. It's not at all challenging or unpleasant for these kids to memorize facts or lengthy poems.
Well, you're right. Perhaps the kid is an Aspie. I hadn't thought of that.
The toy yanking scene is key to me, not because of the child's response, but for what it reveals about the mother's intention. Its not like this kid is so focused and driven and happy he can't be distracted. Its like this kid is being trained.
And trained on Billy Collins? I mean, COME ON! I like Billy Collins just fine. But....at least Mommy could have chosen Mary Oliver. (hahaha, just kidding) At least he could be memorizing something he could understand. Metaphor is beyond three year olds. Parody of metaphor--its absurd to suggest he understands what he's saying on any level.
I don't know what to think. I hope it isn't the same mentality that drives toddlers and tiaras or Cecelia's unkind parents. Maybe this comes naturally to the kid? Little Jay has an unusual memory, but we didn't realize it until he was about ten. Maybe they just realized it early and are having fun? I hope that's all. love, Val
I'm not even interested in this in a "Child led learning" way. This is obviously so far out of that realm, its not even relevant. I'm just wondering if its okay to manipulate such a very young little boy like that. Do y'all really think he looks or sounds especially happy about doing this? I think he looks like he wants to play with his toys and is relieved when its over. Not horribly so. But enough to trouble my mind.
I had not seen that link. I thought you were linking to the other video of him at three. Yeah...I'm just not sure what to think. Oh well. Good luck to the little guy! :o)
This is tough. As a child I was made to recite prayers, loooong prayers. I do not know the prayers now, but I do recall the shame an the silence and the tears as I sat there forgetting the words, and my father drove on, waiting, forever waiting for me to recall as my siblings joined him in the tyranny, for fear of any other path. Memorization is not a problem; it's a wonderful exercise. The parent's agenda is the issue that concerns me. The child looks like he is at ease, at peace. What an amazing feat he has achieved! He may do this sort o thing naturally. I love knowing beautiful poems. The turn of phrase rolled early on the tongue hangs there for many years. He may later think cornflowers really ought to have been included, "You ARE a field of cornflowers at dusk!"
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFUROjV6DPk
ReplyDeleteHe's still at it. Maybe because I do not have an overachieving child, I do not understand this walk. I am, regretfully, always suspicious of the egos at work in such situations. And I suspected the bread and wine, too, as a part of a deep training. Perhaps, hopefully, my fears are unfounded.
I've watched this a few times. I am impressed with the human mind. I am impressed by the dignity and intelligence of our youngest children. Something like this illustrates that even our tiniest little people are smart enough to figure out how to be polite in general, how to participate in society, and how to potty train. I think that's asking plenty from our toddlers---if we are gentle and not absurd about our requirements.
ReplyDeleteBut this, from a three year old? He likes memorization? Fine. But I don't see joy in his face. I see a need to please. And the whole thing comes crumbling down when "Mommy Dear" yanks the toy out of his hand. I truly deeply hope this child will not be homeschooled. Because....um, yikes.
But he's cute a bug and I love that poem.
Check this out. My kids memorized this because they loved it and were having fun memorizing it. They are 8 and 9. This seems developmentally appropriate and believable to think they were just having fun. I am biased but....
ReplyDeletehttp://peerieflooers.blogspot.com/2012/03/this-little-clip-is-three-years-old.html
I don't see that he looks unhappy. He looks a little disconcerted after his mom removes his horse ... like he's looking for it somewhere. But at the end he looks proud of what he's accomplished. I must say, to me it immediately sparked thoughts of a child with Aspergers. It's not at all challenging or unpleasant for these kids to memorize facts or lengthy poems.
DeleteWell, you're right. Perhaps the kid is an Aspie. I hadn't thought of that.
DeleteThe toy yanking scene is key to me, not because of the child's response, but for what it reveals about the mother's intention. Its not like this kid is so focused and driven and happy he can't be distracted. Its like this kid is being trained.
And trained on Billy Collins? I mean, COME ON! I like Billy Collins just fine. But....at least Mommy could have chosen Mary Oliver. (hahaha, just kidding) At least he could be memorizing something he could understand. Metaphor is beyond three year olds. Parody of metaphor--its absurd to suggest he understands what he's saying on any level.
I don't know what to think. I hope it isn't the same mentality that drives toddlers and tiaras or Cecelia's unkind parents. Maybe this comes naturally to the kid? Little Jay has an unusual memory, but we didn't realize it until he was about ten. Maybe they just realized it early and are having fun? I hope that's all. love, Val
ReplyDeleteI'm not even interested in this in a "Child led learning" way. This is obviously so far out of that realm, its not even relevant. I'm just wondering if its okay to manipulate such a very young little boy like that. Do y'all really think he looks or sounds especially happy about doing this? I think he looks like he wants to play with his toys and is relieved when its over. Not horribly so. But enough to trouble my mind.
ReplyDeleteOTOH---wow, look what is possible. ?
did you watch the Tedx one I posted? He's 6 now. I see the same poker face. He does not seem to own this process, but time will tell. His name is Sam.
ReplyDeleteI had not seen that link. I thought you were linking to the other video of him at three. Yeah...I'm just not sure what to think. Oh well. Good luck to the little guy! :o)
ReplyDeleteThe one at 6 just hurts my heart...
ReplyDelete