I've been meaning to write up my thoughts on Rafe Esquith's new book, Lighting Their Fires. He is the
author of Teach Like Your Hair is on Fire and a documentary on his Hobart Shakepseareans. We have a thread on
Teach Like Your Hair is On Fire. Rafe's new book is written to the parents. In it, he discusses the need
for afterschooling. He mentions an example of grammar. A topic is taught over 2 weeks in 8th grade and it's checked off. done. mastered. NOT. The parent
must be sure to reinforce these things the child is learning in school or should be learning. The entire book is written w/ a baseball game in the background.
It's shocking all the rude people at the game who blocked the kids from seeing, who cussed and swore at the kids and then later we found out that some of
these people were actually teachers! Coincidently, he mentioned something which was very similar to something Dr. P said to me regarding what he hoped to give
the children....a love of learning, perserverance, critical thinking, giving them ideas just above where they are so they have to reach for it etc...he said
that archaeology is just the vehicle he has chosen to help kids get there, that he's not trying to make future archaeologists. Rafe says the same thing
about Shakespeare.....it's only the vehicle he uses to get there.
Throughout the book, Rafe gives book recommendations on things he feel it is important to discuss with kids. I've checked out one of the books so far and we all loved it. He also has movies he recommends as well but those are mostly for older kids (teens).
Throughout the book, Rafe gives book recommendations on things he feel it is important to discuss with kids. I've checked out one of the books so far and we all loved it. He also has movies he recommends as well but those are mostly for older kids (teens).
