The Case of Missing Joy in Learning

Drill-it-down. Even today? Really?

As I was scrolling through one of my social media feeds, I came across a video post by my schoolmate, Anna (name changed), about her kindergartner. The child was presenting a project of different seasons through a marvelously-built diorama. Through her well-rehearsed speech the kid, most likely 5 years old, went on and on for about 5–6 minutes. The kid, no doubt, was very expressive and could modulate her tone very well. The project was not something that a five-year-old would be able to make. And, the story ended with a message — work first then play. I had an upsurge of thoughts and questions right after.

• I do not know if the kid and the parent made the project together. Creating own projects is an excellent way of learning. I always urge parents to not rob children of their learning experience, and teachers to celebrate whatever kind of projects students indulge in. I remember being a volunteer in a class where the teacher had asked students to draw anything they wanted to. A child drew a purple-colored flying dog. And, that piece of imagination was truly celebrated.

Image by the author. (Attempt to recreate the purple flying dog)

• Isn’t play more important than work for a five-year-old? What message is this “message” drilling down for the innocent soul? Imaginative play is a powerful learning tool for toddlers (and adults). Teachers…