Maria Montessori
Michael J Fox is an excellent role model. In spite of his challenges, he has learned to adapt his learning processes to what meets his needs. Recently, I read a quote by him making reference to the growing numbers of children not excelling in schools. His thoughts were along the lines of altering the teaching methods to fit the student so they too can excel.
Twenty years ago, Jean Houston was speaking in Chicago. At that time she was encouraging the audience to find one on one ways to stimulate learning. She shared stories of how she had traveled in other countries and our own, working individually with children who were failing in the school system even though they scored very highly on tests. While working with these children privately, she discovered they responded to more creative ways of teaching. For example, a student struggling with math, did rather well once taught through music or measuring longitude and latitude.
What Jean Houston was promoting basically what Michale J Fox suggested. We need to adapt our methods to the abilities of the student. What works for one does not always work for others. Perhaps we need to work with qualities not reflected in standard testing.
During the Renaissance, lessons were taught through music, art, poetry, and many other options broadening the ability to learn in varying ways. Students of this time period excelled in various ways enhancing both strength and weakness.
The qualities listed above by Marie Montessori form a wonderful tool to use with our children, grandchildren, friends or self. When we are feeling too limited or unproductive, we can gaze over these qualities and be reminded of different ways we contribute to life.
It seems that Marie Montessori, Jean Houston, and Michael J Fox are all saying the same thing. Adapt to personal weakness by strengthening our authentic gifts and talents. Find a way to be our original self and then joyfully celebrate.
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