The Importance of Education
A special note to readers:
A continuation of the discussion begun in last week's blog on working with children who live in bilingual homes will resume in the Sept. 14th post.
As we approach the final days of summer vacation and the beginning of a new school year, I feel compelled to reflect on the incredible importance of education in society. My husband and I were recently discussing how without our educations, we would not be able to experience much of the life we have, namely a place to live that we can afford, clothes to wear, food to eat, etc. So, in honor of teachers and therapists across the globe who have dedicated their lives to educating children, I'd like to share with you some famous quotes I have found and my thoughts on their pertinence.
The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically... Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
Nelson Mandela
Education is not filling a pail but the lighting of a fire.
William Butler Yeats
Although many people throughout history have become successful without a formalized education in the most traditional sense; my guess is the thirst for knowledge did exist within these individuals and for many their ability to read and seek out information served to be just as worthwhile. As early intervention therapists let us not underestimate the important role we play in nurturing a child's educational growth as well as encouraging their persistence and determination when attempting to learn.
Education begins at home. You can't blame the school for not putting into your child what you don't put into him.
Geoffrey Holder
A child educated only at school is an uneducated child.
George Santayana
In addition to the work we do in school and therapy rooms, we also need parental support at home. As early intervention therapists we know how vital this is. Let's nurture our relationships with the parents we encounter and encourage them to reinforce classroom lessons at home, raising their children to value education and the determination it takes to achieve. Let us not forget that it is education that can empower children to reach their full potential as adults.
If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.
Attributed to both Andy McIntyre and Derek Bok.
Well said.
Join me next week during our first week back to school!