For many kids, everyday at school is an exercise in avoiding being labelled an idiot.
When school becomes more about ranking, sorting and labeling, is it any surprise that kids spend less time learning to get smarter and more time convincing others how stupid they aren't?
When given the choice, I don't know anyone who wouldn't rather be called a bad-ass than a dumb-ass.
The trick is to not put kids in a position where they have to choose one or the other.
Joe writes
ReplyDelete'When given the choice, I don't know anyone who wouldn't rather be called a bad-ass than a dumb-ass.'
I looked at urbandictionary.com for dumbass and badass
a badass -
He's always up for a challenge, he'll probably succeed and he seems to be good ...
I think I would choose to be called a bad ass
labelling as an intervention is based on the premise that kids are just not motivated enough and these put downs will motivate them.
Instead of asking how we can motivate kids to do well , we should be asking what is getting in their way and also our contribution to the situation
Kids would prefer to be successful , be adaptive and do well. We don't have to make them ' wanna do well '.
A respected person is one who respects others.
http://allankatz-parentingislearning.blogspot.com