Saturday, March 7, 2015

My Daddy is Way Smarter Than I Thought!

There is a point in your life, probably around the teenage years, when you think your parents don't know ANYTHING! I think every child goes through this and I was no different. As I have gotten older, married, and had two children of my own I have realized my parents did know a little something. Recently, my Daddy took this to a whole new level.

My Daddy is a smart man. He can tell you anything you want to know about fixing cars, hunting, fishing, golfing, Cowboys football, and the list of manly endeavors goes on. If you asked me if he knew anything about the world of education, I would say NO WAY! He doesn't work in the field of education, he never went to college, and my sister and I have been out of school for a while. This WOULD have been by answer until a recent conversation him and I had about my niece. She is a 5th grader and learning has always been hard for her. She was complaining to my daddy about how school is hard and she is not the smartest kid. This is what my Daddy told her.

"Do you want to be the smartest kid in the class? Do you know how to become the smartest kid in your class? READ BOOKS! This is how you will become the smartest kid!" 

He told her to think about the smartest kids in her class(I know, as an educator, every child knows the "smartest" kids). She named a few and said that those kids loved to read and read often.

His point was made!

He was telling me about this conversation and I was a little shocked that I was listening to my daddy speak.  I started reflecting on my 3rd graders over the years. I typically don't like using the term "the smartest" kids.  But when I think about my experience not only are my voracious readers some of my "smartest" kids they are often my most engaged and curious learners as well.

I have always been a big believer in books, independent reading time, giving choice, and the power of reading. The benefits of reading are never ending and I KNOW this. There was just something about hearing it from my Daddy that stuck with me and made me reflect on the power of reading a little more.

Once again I realize, parents ALWAYS know what they are talking about!

12 comments:

  1. Your dad is awesome. I wish more kids could have this conversation with their parents or grandparents. It always amazes me when parents admit at conferences that they don't read and don't really see a need for it.

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  2. I agree with Deb! Your dad is one smart guy. I am listening to a book about the adolescent brain right now. A statistic you might want to share with your niece- it's not GPA or ACT scores that are the best predictors of success in adult life. Instead it's actually worth ethic and willingness to persevere! I have been thinking about that all week!

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  3. I agree with Deb! Your dad is one smart guy. I am listening to a book about the adolescent brain right now. A statistic you might want to share with your niece- it's not GPA or ACT scores that are the best predictors of success in adult life. Instead it's actually worth ethic and willingness to persevere! I have been thinking about that all week!

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  4. I agree with Deb! Your dad is one smart guy. I am listening to a book about the adolescent brain right now. A statistic you might want to share with your niece- it's not GPA or ACT scores that are the best predictors of success in adult life. Instead it's actually worth ethic and willingness to persevere! I have been thinking about that all week!

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  5. I agree with Deb! Your dad is one smart guy. I am listening to a book about the adolescent brain right now. A statistic you might want to share with your niece- it's not GPA or ACT scores that are the best predictors of success in adult life. Instead it's actually worth ethic and willingness to persevere! I have been thinking about that all week!

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  6. Yay for Dads! Mine is funny, smart and reminds me not to take life too seriously.

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  7. Yay for Dads! Mine is funny, smart and reminds me not to take life too seriously.

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  8. That is great Brittany! It just shows that everyone knows that reading is fundamental!

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  9. Wise Daddy....I love people that still call their Daddy, Daddy. Thank you for this sweet post....xo nanc

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  10. Your Daddy is a very smart man. I wish he could come to speak to some of our parents. He sounds like he has such a no-nonsense way about him. People would listen. I hope your neice did.

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  11. The most voluminous, voracious reader in the room will always out-"smart" a reluctant reader. Sounds like you have a brilliant dad, Brittany. Isn't it amazing when we realize how intelligent our parents really are?

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