Love in the Classroom
Love is one of the most fascinating subjects to delve into and study.
"Where you find no love, put love, and you will find love" - Leo Buscaglia
Buscaglia was a well-known author, teacher, and lecturer; he is often referred to as an expert in love. Between the years of 1970 and 1981 Leo Buscaglia traveled the world delivering his lectures. I have to admit, I am intrigued and awakened by his work! My favorite of his collections, "Living, Loving, & Learning," shares his journey of 'love in the classroom." He actually created, implemented, and taught a college course he titled, "Love 1a." In this course he mentions love as a behavior modifier. This is quite an unusual concept; I think it is absolutely fabulous! I believe that all elementary, middle, and high schools should develop a course on love, while of course teaching "with love". For years, psychologists and sociologists have told us that love is learned; yet, who teaches us to love? Those who take care of us, our family, friends, and society can all influence our views on love; however, they are not always the best teachers! A positive team approach is the only way it's going to happen!
Leo Buscaglia states, "You know, you are not only a teacher, you are a human being. Children can identify with people, with human beings" and "We are failing in schools of education because we are not helping teachers to shed the role of teachers and become human beings and to realize that they are guides. To the extent to which they recognize this, so will they be successful in the classroom because a kid can recognize a guide." I agree completely agree with both quotes. I believe that our classrooms should of course contain appropriate discipline and structure, but that does not mean we cannot respond with a warm heart. As human beings, we need that personal touch, that warmth, to grow into a healthy adult. We need to teach and demonstrate to children the delight in loving! We must not be afraid to boldly introduce the subject of love into our classrooms. We must not fear opening ourselves up and showing children that we, too, make mistakes; we all need love to survive. This is a valiant and valuable subject that allows us to all be united, regardless if yo uhave a learning disability or behavior disorder; it does not matter who you are!
I feel as though it would be beneficial for our school systems to carefully construct and introduce a class that celebrates our uniqueness, embraces our differences, and teaches the art of love. Love is limitless! Saint Exupery, a French writer and aviator, gives his definition of love as follows: "A process not of my wanting to make you over in my image as I would desire you but my wanting to lead you back to yourself, to what you are, to your uniqueness, to your original beauty." This theory on love is a wonderful lesson to be shared with our young people
Wow! How insightful--- I especially love the quote by Leo Buscaglia! I think it is so important for our students to view us as human beings and not as a superior authority. Yes, they need to take us seriously, but I think they are more apt to behave and follow directions if they feel comfortable and loved and cared about.
ReplyDeleteI think you have a wonderful point! I enjoyed reading this post because you rarely hear this talked about, but you are correct in saying that love should be a bigger part of school. If students had a class on love to remind them that all people were created equal maybe it would cut down on violence and bullying in schools. Students need to be taught that their peers who have learning disabilities and behavior problems want to be loved just like everyone else. People in general love to be loved, and as teachers we need to promote a comfortable, loving learning environment!
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