ABC versus 123

As I was running errands yesterday, I noticed a group of mothers with their children. the kids were between the ages of 2 and 3 years of age. One mother was telling the others that her child "new how to read." The other mother's seriously gasped in shock and said, "Really?" The original mother proceeded to point to letters on the window of the building as they passed by, and her son called out the letters...correctly I might add. I found it interesting that the mother did not care whether or not her son new numbers, but rather placed more emphasis and importance on him learning letters. I am not sure I would have even had this thought if not for our recent class discussions. As a culture, this situation shows how much more we value literacy than math. I couldn't think of a single parent I know that taught their children to recognize numbers at the same time as letters. Why are letters always first? Why are numbers put off until later? Why are ABCs taught with more emphasis from parents than counting? I don't have any answers here, just observations and more questions!

I guess that is what I have learned most from this and our other classes...to take a step back and observe what is going on, and ask questions about it. Looking closely at an idea or concept is just as important as looking at the bigger picture; in some cases it is more important, as with education. It is more important for us to observe closely what is happening with our students as they experience the learning process first hand, and to address specific situations. Yes, small changes will aid their learning in the big picture, but we can't clearly see the big picture, as we don't have the big picture in front of us, we only have the child (a small piece of the big picture of their educational experience as a whole).

I have always loved child development, but my experience has lent itself to preschoolers. It is fantastic to see into the lives and minds of elementary students from a developmental perspective. As a parent, I am more aware of what is to come, and as a teacher, I am more aware of who is to come (into my class). Your thoughts, experiences, and questions have been so insightful, and I thank you collectively as a group for being so wise! I chose Lewis & Clark because I wanted to surround myself with a high quality of knowledge from both the staff and my peers. I can say, proudly, that I see greatness every day that I am with you all and our professors! You all encourage me to do my best, be my best, and bring my best to class, and for that I thank you!!! Thank you Zalika for inspiring us to do great things, and for sharing so much of who you are as a person, and as a teacher, with us!!! I agree with Lindsey, I only wish we had more time together with you!