The rhythm of a young boy
Tin is frequently called out for being disruptive in school. I know his invisibility in a class of 27 students, seven with special needs, fosters some of his behavior. He wants to be Seen. Heard. Touched.
Here in our home school, his rhythm is the antithesis of my “get r done” process. I go after a task as if it were my sole purpose in life. He flits in and out of his tasks as if it is killing him to have to do it.
Yesterday’s art class was to make a collage from a self portrait. He refused. He said, “I’m not good at art.” He has learned this from his school where he draws and draws and draws and draws and is overlooked when it comes to awards and prizes for being talented.
He told me he got an F for his last collage and that his school mate X always gets the teacher’s attention. So it took a lot of cajoling to get him to come into the Hall with me yesterday, get the magazines, the paper, the scissors, the glue, and begin the collage project.
He refused to do his self portrait so the collage was a photo of Lord Chill. He worked at it diligently, cutting each small piece of paper and showing me each time he glued a few on. Look at me. See me. Look at what I’ve created.
After a few squares were pasted on, he’d need to go stand on the front porch and look around, move around, take a break. His process is so different from mine. I’m thankful for this quarantine which is making room for him to learn at a his own pace, in his own way.
His grade at the end of the day: I am somebody. I am valued. I am capable.
April 8th, 2020 at 6:47 am
He’s a natural expressionist ??You shake the world Mom
April 8th, 2020 at 8:53 am
Love this body of Art work , this touches me to my core ?? Thank for your amazing words and artwork. Sending love and gratitude ?
April 8th, 2020 at 9:36 am
The creativity of this piece shows how talented Tin actually is.
Shame on that teacher for not celebrating the gifts that your son exhibits.
We ALL have abilities that make us unique. Warhol and Picasso made their own realities, and so can Tin. You are a great mom.
Chag Pesch samech.
April 8th, 2020 at 10:47 am
Chag samech to you too and thanks. I sit on the fence where I don’t want to be giving out trophies to those who don’t deserve one but I also can’t imagine why a young boy who doodles and draws all day long (even when he’s not supposed to be drawing) doesn’t see to receive encouragement.
April 8th, 2020 at 10:48 am
Thank you Lizetta – Scott has told me about some amazing art projects you have done. I love hearing about them and love using art to help kids express so many things. Much love to you.
April 8th, 2020 at 10:48 am
Rattle is probably a more appropriate word – ha! Thanks.
April 8th, 2020 at 9:44 pm
I love his piece of art and I love how you give him such encouragement and respect.
You are creating an amazing work of art… a very loved son. ?
April 9th, 2020 at 7:54 am
Your observations on his “learning process” are very astute. This is how children learn. But, this is not, typically, how we teach them. This is a time for us to have discussions about the way we educate our children. We have to stop putting them “in boxes” and expecting them to “behave themselves “ while the teacher is “instructing” class. Learning is loud, messy and has lots of movement!!! If you visit a school or Classroom and you don’t observe such… well then, let’s talk.
Just imagine what our children could do if WE did better at “educating them”
They are the real teachers. We are supposed to facilitate learning and have fun with them and hey, maybe remember what it felt like to be a child and know that the only thing that matters if feeling seen. I see you!
April 9th, 2020 at 8:30 am
Thank you Lisa and I agree 100%. It’s odd because I loved being a student and was a hands up all the time one – my 5th grade teacher wrote on the blackboard – Wherefore art thou Rachel everywhere unfortunately – and still he didn’t stop my enthusiasm for being in the classroom. But that’s not the type of learner my son is – he is a creative soul following his own rhythm. This learning at home has been a silver lining in this time of quarantine. I appreciate your feedback. Much love, Rachel
April 9th, 2020 at 8:32 am
Well high praise from one who knows. I don’t know what kind of learner you were but since my entire adult life has been surrounded by artists, it’s hard for me to understand how the school Tin goes to could open doors for his creative mind.
April 10th, 2020 at 9:02 am
A+