Sunday Citar

Ever since listening to Rafe Esquith at a conference over a week ago, his words and beliefs have been percolating in my mind. I bought his book "Teach Like Your Hair is On Fire" (what an image!) and read it.

For Sunday Citar this week I would like to share some of his wisdom - not only does it apply to teaching but to how we parent and treat others.

"I want my students to love to read. Reading is not a subject. Reading is a foundation of life, an activity that people who are engaged with the world do all the time. ... If a child is going to grow into a truly special adult - someone who thinks, considers other points of view, has an open mind, and possesses the ability to discuss great ideas with other people - a love of reading is an essential foundation."

"...if we ask great things of our children, we must show them we believe great things are possible. Make every effort to remove fear from your classroom. Be fair. Be reasonable."

"... never use fear as a shortcut for education. '

Rafe uses Lawrence Kohlberg's Six Levels of Moral Development to teach children what he wanted them to learn.

"I quickly incorporated the Six Levels into my class, and today they are the glue that holds it together. Trust is always the foundation, but the Six Levels are the building blocks that help my kids grow as both students and people."

Here is a video clip from a lecture he gave. Check it out here.

Be sure to check out the other inspirational participants at Sunday Citar.