What Adults Can Learn From Kids

Watched this very inspiring and thought provoking TED talk, given by a "kid" herself on the value of listening to and trusting children. I think it is vital that every educator (and adult for that matter) hear what she has to say on the need for more reciprocity in the adult-child and especially teacher-student relationship. It would also be a great resource for students who are older who can use the ideas in the video to start a conversation where they have the opportunity to create a community where all can benefit, be trusted, share in the creation of rules and class structure, express their ideas and opinions, and feel valued. Adora Svitak makes some very good points throughout her presentation starting with the connotations behind the word "childish". She makes the connection between using that term as an admonishment for those acting irrational or irresponsible. However, as she points out, there are a great deal of examples of adults acting irrational and irresponsible and many children who have inspired others, created wonderful things, and done great work for their community and even the world. She explains that it is in a way unfair for this "age-discriminatory" word to be used to describe those actions and behaviors which go beyond the age of a person.
Then again, she moves onto the point that not all "childish" behaviors are as awful as they are made out to be. Yes, irrational thinking may not be useful much of the time, but there are many situations where it can actually be beneficial. Children still have the ability to think beyond reality and ignore the reasons why something shouldn't or couldn't make sense. By the time most people are adults they are "burdened" by what they have learned and so are more hesitant to take chances and embrace their imagination without holding back because of perceived limitations.
As teachers, this is important to keep in mind. We should take the time to listen to the ideas that out students have and to develop and nurture the creativity and innovation that comes with it. Taking the time to listen to our student can make all the difference.