We know that children, almost from birth, are driven by curiosity; they’re like sponges, soaking up everything they see and hear. Learning is as natural to them as breathing, and they delight in every accomplishment. As author James Raffini puts it, “Rarely does one hear parents complain that their preschooler is ‘unmotivated.'” Research suggests that kids’ motivation to learn is significantly influenced by their home environment and by the attitudes of their parents toward learning and questioning. Children who arrive at school with a learning deficit often struggle and fail in classrooms and may withdraw as an act of self- preservation. But many youngsters from reasonably affluent homes and with educated, encouraging parents often lack motivation, as well. This suggests that something about the school experience may contribute to the problem. In this article, Ron Wolk interviews his 7-year-old grandson to find out why school is perceived by so many children as getting “in the way of life.” ( PEN Weekly NewsBlast for January 24)
http://www.teachermagazine.org/tmstory.cfm?slug=05persp.h14
