On the Journey
I was reading the North Star book to my fifth and sixth graders to prepare them for the production of “The North Star Musical” in December. After I finished the book, I said, “What kind of book ends with ‘The Beginning?” I was amazed that most of the kids really ‘got it.’ They talked about how the boy had just begun a journey and so it was better to say “The Beginning.”
I have read the book many times, this time I was struck by a thought…so I asked the kids, “If you thought of your life as a journey, with an important destination, would you do things differently?” Again, I was amazed by their thoughtful responses. Every kid said, “yes.” I could tell that a few of the kids were really struck by this thought. It was a wonderful teaching moment.
October 21st, 2007 at 10:19 am
Every time I read the book aloud to students and parents I anticipate the ending when it approaches and get chills when I say it.
October 21st, 2007 at 11:52 am
Terry, in all the years I’ve read “The North Star” to students, I don’t think I’ve ever thought to ask them that question… and what a great question it is! Kids are generally so “here and now” that it’s often hard for them to think about and be mindful of how their current choices and behaviors might affect their future, but your question really helped them “get it”.
Of course, we can’t change our past, but your question leads to the next step, which is what might you do differently now, in order to lead you to where you want to be in the future?
Wonderful anecdote - very thought provoking - thanks so much for sharing!
October 23rd, 2007 at 5:00 pm
Terry - That makes me VERY happy to read. The North Star is really one of the earliest lessons in philosophy you can introduce to young people. And they do get it.
Over the years we’ve heard people say, “Well, kids are too young to process the deeper meaning of the book - it’s really just a storybook to them.” But we’ve seen kids even in early elementary who become little philosophers over the course of one year - and you see it in their original writing. They are becoming DEEP thinkers about their own destiny. How many adults still haven’t done that? And only because our traditional education system doesn’t allow us the room to reflect, ponder and imagine the most creative and powerful version of ourselves.
That’s why we need more teachers like you Terry! Keep in touch - keep sharing. You’re a shining star in our NS Constellation. — Paul