I'm sure by now many of you have watched the video of Susan Boyle on YouTube or TV from the UK's American Idol spin off, Britains Got Talent. Susan walked onto the stage for the first time to sing for the judges and audience. Sarcasm from Idol's famous judge Simon Cowell and snickers from the audience erupted as they watched this nervous, 48 year old from West Lothian take the stage. Her appearance was quite different from the young, stylish, lean contestants that typically appear on the show. When Susan told the judges she would be singing "I Dreamed A Dream" from Les Miserables....eyes began to roll throughout the music hall. Despite the negative reactions Susan trudged on and began singing. Her rendition was breathtaking and brought tears to the eyes of many observers. She stole the show with a remarkable performance and reminded the world of the old adage, "Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover."
Susan's story was inspiring on many levels but for me it reminded me of the importance of giving all kids a chance to display their talents and work towards achievement regardless of their outside persona. By the time I get involved with students at my school they have been through countless interventions, experienced failure on a daily basis, and have become angry with the constant reminders of inadequacy. I see at least 2-3 Susan Boyle's every year. Kids who have been cast off by staff, parents, and their peers because of their academic/behavioral "look." This quickly transforms into lower expectations and social isolation. As you all know having a learning difference, AD/HD, or even Asperger's Syndrome has nothing to do with intelligence or social prowess yet we cast off these kids like Simon Cowell and the audience did to Susan Boyle.
All kids may not have the opportunity to prove everyone wrong like Susan did which is why our role as charismatic adults is so important. In my experience kids are guilty of judging others based on appearance but adults are more so. Many young children and adolescents develop their perceptions from the adults in their lives. It becomes just as important for us as adults to remember Susan Boyle as it is for our children and students.
Susan Boyle will fade over time and many of us will forget the video but the message must remain in our forethoughts and help us guide our children and students. Children and adolescents LOVE storytelling and their are many stories to highlight this message. Stories like Michael Jordan being cut from his high school basketball team in North Carolina, Jewel Kilcher living in her van before becoming a famous musician, and the little 5 year old girl on my T-Ball team who was born with one hand and has amazed with her catching and hitting appeal to kids and teach in a way we can not.
Empathy is a 21st century skill that has been highlighted in many of the non-fiction books on the New York Times Bestseller list including "A Whole New Mind" by former Bill Clinton advisor Daniel Pink. Empathy and resiliency go hand in hand. We learn from each other and experience success through one another. We no longer need to create fictional stories to teach kids empathy and resilience. Stories like Susan Boyle are everywhere......ready to be used to motivate, teach, and increase awareness.
Susan's story was inspiring on many levels but for me it reminded me of the importance of giving all kids a chance to display their talents and work towards achievement regardless of their outside persona. By the time I get involved with students at my school they have been through countless interventions, experienced failure on a daily basis, and have become angry with the constant reminders of inadequacy. I see at least 2-3 Susan Boyle's every year. Kids who have been cast off by staff, parents, and their peers because of their academic/behavioral "look." This quickly transforms into lower expectations and social isolation. As you all know having a learning difference, AD/HD, or even Asperger's Syndrome has nothing to do with intelligence or social prowess yet we cast off these kids like Simon Cowell and the audience did to Susan Boyle.
All kids may not have the opportunity to prove everyone wrong like Susan did which is why our role as charismatic adults is so important. In my experience kids are guilty of judging others based on appearance but adults are more so. Many young children and adolescents develop their perceptions from the adults in their lives. It becomes just as important for us as adults to remember Susan Boyle as it is for our children and students.
Susan Boyle will fade over time and many of us will forget the video but the message must remain in our forethoughts and help us guide our children and students. Children and adolescents LOVE storytelling and their are many stories to highlight this message. Stories like Michael Jordan being cut from his high school basketball team in North Carolina, Jewel Kilcher living in her van before becoming a famous musician, and the little 5 year old girl on my T-Ball team who was born with one hand and has amazed with her catching and hitting appeal to kids and teach in a way we can not.
Empathy is a 21st century skill that has been highlighted in many of the non-fiction books on the New York Times Bestseller list including "A Whole New Mind" by former Bill Clinton advisor Daniel Pink. Empathy and resiliency go hand in hand. We learn from each other and experience success through one another. We no longer need to create fictional stories to teach kids empathy and resilience. Stories like Susan Boyle are everywhere......ready to be used to motivate, teach, and increase awareness.
No comments:
Post a Comment