The Love of Knowledge Begins at Home

All around me, I see children of every ethnicity growing up who are fed, clothed, housed and supervised, yet without any thirst for learning. Many are in homes where no one reads, nor are there books, magazines or even newspapers. They enter kindergarten with minimal language skills and few other concepts of the world around them.

Few of my college students in recent years wanted to read their textbooks and few could even compose a decent critical paper on any subject. Their goals often seem to be a college degree or training so they can earn zillions of dollars and have a fancy house, car and emulate the grandiose lifestyles portrayed in popular culture derived mostly from television.

I find this simplistic view of the world tragic. I believe that intelligent parents must know about the early childhood developmental skills that are crucial to brain growth and be committed to talking with and reading daily to their children from six months all the way through elementary school.

How can even elementary teachers instill a love for continual learning when they themselves rarely read or attend museums or even own library cards?

A baby-sitter or unaware parent can definitely hamper a child’s intellectual growth and passion for lifelong learning. Children’s literature can give a rich sense of time, place and values. How much more will a high school student understand the Civil War in America by reading “The Red Badge of Courage” or comprehend the “feel” of World War I from exploring the ideas in “All Quiet on the Western Front” or junior high/middle school student comprehend Puritan New England from hearing or reading “The Witch of Blackbird Ponds”?

The universe is a rich storehouse of beauty to be discovered, and yet today so many families believe they are enriched by a visit to the local WalMart. Excitement about the world begins at home with parents who see life as a rich source for adventurous learning, an exploration of books, art and music, nature and museums. Discussions of ideas can deepen the awareness of even the youngest child. I am afraid that the dumbing-down of the American mind has already begun. To reverse this trend must be the ultimate challenge for today’s parents.