Learning Spurts
May 1, 2009
We all recognize the behavioral pattern associated with our children when they are going through a growth spurt. A few days before this leap, they get moody, clumsy, and impatient. Sometimes they consume huge amounts of food and other times they barely touch their pasta. With time, we come to understand the pattern: this particular constellation of behaviors means physical growth in the next few days. And the reality is that the growth typically occurs over the course of one night. That is, growth hormones are released during sleep so our kids can literally grow up to 1/8th inch over the course of a night. Looking at our children at breakfast or on the ride home after one of these physical spurts, we may chastise ourselves for not paying closer attention. We think to ourselves that the explanation must be that we are not looking closely enough to have noticed this change. But the reality is that all the precursors for growth were in play all along, though just out of our view.
Stretching this concept of growth spurts (pun intended) better informs us to what happens in our children during these last couple of months of school: learning spurts. All year long they have been taking in new information, learning and refining skills, and clarifying their self-identities. To date, learning has often been three steps forward, one step back. But in May and June, this pace shifts. Now instead of steps forward, students frequently take leaps forward. The kindergartener who goes from a non-reader to a voracious reader over the course of a couple of weeks; the guitar player who makes the leap from open chords to bar chords seemingly overnight; or the struggling rope-jumper who is suddenly doing multiple trick jumps. It is education at its most beautiful.
As with physical growth, the learning growth throughout the year may go unnoticed for periods of time. In the spring, it is suddenly on display for all to see. And frequently this growth is inspiring: the art and music shows, the songs at assembly, the plays (the first ever RDS musical!), the newfound ease with math problem sets, the sporting events, the science fairs.
As you take in the array of public events this spring, be sure to pause long enough to reflect on all the growth—physical, intellectual, emotional, and social—that has occurred in your child and her peers since September. Really take it in. Then, be sure to let your child see the effect their learning spurts have had on you. This attention is the glue that solidifies and helps our children internalize all this growth. And a bit later, stop by and let their teacher know what you have seen. They will appreciate this more than words can ever convey.
Have a great weekend!
Mike