What I found out was so interesting! Historically, daydreaming was associated with laziness. The most shocking quote: "In the 1950s, some educational psychologists warned parents not to let their children daydream, for fear that the children may be sucked into 'neurosis and even psychosis'." WHAT?!
At present, daydreaming has gained an improved reputation from research showing that it can aid in creativity and abstract thought. I was smiling the whole time I was reading, amused at how these two differing opinions reflect the similar dichotomy of traditional and progressive education.
So, my title and the intention for this blog were set in motion...
this will be a place where I will explore topics, philosophy, various parts of my learning approach, whatever comes up- with a free flow and as little editing as my school and university conditioning will allow. Writing in an authentic voice is still something I can be challenged by, precisely because that conditioning is so strong. When I write content for my website, I need to continually check in with myself and make sure that I am not unconsciously trying to write something in a way that I imagine others may want to hear as opposed to speaking clearly from my own voice.
It seems we all struggle with this, whether in writing or communicating with others. When I teach creative writing or pretty much any enrichment work, it can take weeks for students to be convinced that when I say they can write whatever they want, however they want, that I actually believe it. Across ages, cultures, learning abilities, any child I work with who is traveling through the school system seems to have this initial block in expressing their true voice. So now, the first thing I have students do is write a letter to someone who they feel like they can most be themselves around. The quality of voice that comes from that letter provides an excellent juxtaposition to work they do that is written FOR the teacher.
This is one of the greatest catalysts for me creating mandala- to help erase this division; so learning won't continue to be separated into some things you just have to do to please a teacher, a school, parents, (the list can go on and on)- and then your passions, interests and the way you really want to learn and express yourself is something you get to do after, or in private, or not at all.
To all of the brave children, teens, parents, friends and family who are committed to being the change, exploring teaching their children from home or helping to experience school and learning in a new way- thank you for helping me find the inspiration and courage to create mandala learning and believe this can happen!
Links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daydream
http://scienceblogs.com/cortex/2009/05/daydreams_1.php
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