Tuesday, July 19, 2011

A Garden Variety

The rich soil: Dewey represents the dirt of my garden, because he is the base the other theories grew out of. His child centered approach, observation, and giving meaning to the world are the nutrients that fed new ideas.

The sunlight: Montessori represents the rays of sun, because she created an environment that inspired learning. The sun does not spoon-feed, but provided the opportunity to grow.

The sprinkler system: Vygotsky is the sprinkler system, because he was constantly observing and providing the just the right amount of care at the right time to keep growing on a sure and steady path.

The seasons: Erikson & Piaget are the seasons, because they represent different stages in growth. Piaget represents the possibility of longer seasons, but the eventual transitions. Erikson represents the seasons in Oregon, where summers are apparently skipped, but (hopefully) we will get back to it!

The farmer: Kohlberg is the farmer, because it is the farmers job to make decisions that will either keep the garden growing or let it be taken over by weeds. The farmer also has to choose when he can pick the fruits or vegetables to keep the plants alive. Without the morality of the farmer, the garden could go to waste.

The plants: if you don't know who represents the plants, I have failed... THE KIDS! All kids are going to be different. Some grow all on their own, while some need delicate care, and specific conditions to bloom. Some try to block out the sun of others, some try to drink up all the water, while some show off with beautiful colors and shapes. In the end, every plant is beautiful, but it cannot grow without its needs being met.





1 comment:

  1. Brenden, what a great way to pull the theorist together! The visualization of the different children growing and if their needs are met the garden will be taken over by weeds is so true. I really enjoyed reading your post!

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