It’s amazing that during the 21st Century Big Bird could become a political football. Sesame Street has been a big part of my children’s lives. Big Bird reminds me why I should enjoy education. During this presidential election some are willing to make anything a target of discussion. Instead we need to have a real serious discussion about the state of education. I am certain that both candidates have children who have watched Bid Bird while children. There are a lot of wholesome lessons that can be learned on a fun program such as Sesame Street. It’s time to stand up and say that education is priority.
During a time when so many children are exposed to meaningless television programs Sesame Street is delivering fresh education programming. I am sure that the funding that goes to PBS will not bankrupt the federal government. Let’s focus more on the role that education programming plays in our children’s future. Too many schools are burdened with how to find the funding to stay open and pay teachers. One method of educating our children will not meet all of their needs.
Let’s not let the discussion about education lose its value because we are unwilling to confront the real issues. The United States is ranked 17th in the world in science and 25th in math. We need to look in the mirror and say what can I do today to change our student’s motivation to learn. Here are 10 lessons about education we can learn from Big Bird:
1. Education is the key to a brighter future
2. Children need to be engaged in the learning process.
3. Education is always worth the investment
4. Math and science skills must continue to improve
5. Parents play a major role in making learning a priority in the home
6. Its important to stay relevant to your audience
7. Stay on guard you never know when the enemies to education may attach
8. Keep social media on your agenda
9. Education is worth fighting for
10. Support K12 teachers who lay the foundation for learning and they need our support
There are tremendous education opportunities all around us in our libraries, parks and museums. Sesame Street has done a great job of communicating the fact that learning experiences are all around us. It is important for students to be engaged in an active learning process. We need to use all of the technology that is available to expand the ways that we reach younger students. It cannot be done alone there must be partnerships amongst federal, state and local governments. The corporations must actively connect with K12 schools to create a 21st century workforce. There are already some examples of the corporate and K12 partnerships where students are doing internships even before going to college or enrolling in trade schools.
It is far better to invest in education than to make it a side bar issue that no one wants to address. I would like to affirm that Sesame Street has delivered on its mission to keep kids enthusiastic about learning. Let’s not let this message be lost in the midst of the other agendas that get attention on television. It’s time to make education a priority and provide the funding that will help our nation to remain a global leader.
Dr. Stephen Jones is an author, keynote speaker and educator. His books are the Seven Secrets of How to Study, the Parent’s Ultimate Education Guide and the Ultimate Scholarship Guide. You can reach at
http://www.studyskills2u.com.
Posted By: Stephen Jones
Wednesday, October 10th 2012 at 3:43PM
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