Tess' "pokinitis"

After reading this short post from Richardson, it is clear to see how genius this man really is. It seems that in anything he does, Will forces people to think past the obvious. In this particular post, Will shares with us a discussion that he had with his daughter, Tess on their way to a horse show in South Dakota. While driving to the airport, Tess begins to poke Will in the back, as she says she does this "every thirty seconds." This sets off a light bulb in Will's head, as he sees this as a perfect opportunity to learn. Richardson suggests that his daughter write a book on how she has to poke people all the time, with illustrations and dialogue. Being the creative girl that she is, Tess agrees and says that she will call this constant urge to "poke" people, "pokinitis." First, it is clear to see that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree (as Tess is critically thinking like her father), but it also shows how genius Richardson is. He takes everyday conversations and turns them into a lesson or a project. It is clear by the end of this conversation that Will is suggesting that Tess make this idea into a story, and then share it with other students, possibly over the internet in a podcast. This is certainly implying to future ELA teachers that sharing of information and ideas is vital for students of all ages. By taking these everyday, ordinary ideas, (like that of Tess), and sharing them with other students, we as teachers are continuing to encourage our students to be active learners not just in school, but all the time. Learning shouldn't stop at the conclusion of the school day. Creative thinking and learning should also be encouraged at home and in every day life. Will's post also emphasizes the importance of parents as learning tools for their children. Even on a day off from school when he and his daughter are going out to have some fun, Will makes sure that Tess is thinking and learning. Though this would appear to be such a simple idea, it it shocking that more parents are not constantly teaching their kids new and fun ways to relay their ideas and express their feelings.