The middle grade years (grades 5-8) have been referred to as the Bermuda Triangle in education because those are the critical years in which students tend to sink or swim. The attitudes, values, self-esteem, coping skills, and work ethic they develop during that time will most likely stay with them for most of their lives. These years have also been characterized as the wonder years because it is a time of idealism, exploration, and transformation. For these reasons, there is new focus on this period of development and education. It is also why I chose to address my book to this incredible group of young people - a time when there is so much promise and possibility, optimism and intense discovery of the world and themselves.
Optimizing young people's capacity at this age to do meaningful, authentic work that will reinforce their belief in their power to make a positive impact on the world should be the primary developmental goal of parents and educators alike. Encouraging them to do real learning about issues that interest and concern them will engage them in a process that connects personal satisfaction and empowerment with self-expression, education and achievement. It will serve as the foundation of an upward spiral of contribution, connection, communication, and confidence. It will create the momentum for their future success built on positive self-esteem and social responsibility. These young people are the generation of warriors we need to forge a path to the world we have been dreaming about - optimistic, empathetic, and skilled.
To achieve this we must encourage them to question, think for themselves and embrace problem solving as an exciting adventure. We must accept and teach them that failure is part of the learning process and not a permanent obstacle to success. We also must truly accept diversity as an ideal and understand that our actions have impact. Respecting young people by accepting their differences, listening to their opinions, involving them in decision-making, requiring them to be responsible for their actions, expecting success (whether it takes them a short time or a longer time to get there), and encouraging them to explore and express their talents in meaningful ways (contributing to their family and community) will lead to confident, happy individuals who will desire to work together to build a better future.
This may sound idealistic but, although cynicism may be popular these days, cynicism has never been constructive or productive. In fact, it is what we used to call a "cop out". It's an excuse for not only doing nothing but also trying to make yourself feel better by getting other people to join you. It is a destructive force that has crept into our popular culture and that is why we need to actively fight against it - help our children reclaim their 'innocence' - meaning their genuine sense of wonder, possibility and power. And save them from drowning in the Bermuda Triangle in which they become lost when they are exploring the world for identity, direction and purpose.
“Matthew has been given knowledge which will remind both the Fey and humans of their foundation and purpose,” Parthallan told Ashley. “And Brian’s courage and strong spirit will remind us that a warrior’s greatest weapon isn’t made of iron or steel but of indomitable inner strength. You, my dear, will remind us that the greater good does not sacrifice a few for the many, but includes all to strengthen the whole. We all play important roles in the web of life; all are interconnected and precious. Love heals, knowledge connects us, and spirit inspires us. We have waited a long time for the three to intersect at one time, in one place! This could be the time of the Great Awakening!”
(p. 176, The Co-Walkers, Awakening)
Optimizing young people's capacity at this age to do meaningful, authentic work that will reinforce their belief in their power to make a positive impact on the world should be the primary developmental goal of parents and educators alike. Encouraging them to do real learning about issues that interest and concern them will engage them in a process that connects personal satisfaction and empowerment with self-expression, education and achievement. It will serve as the foundation of an upward spiral of contribution, connection, communication, and confidence. It will create the momentum for their future success built on positive self-esteem and social responsibility. These young people are the generation of warriors we need to forge a path to the world we have been dreaming about - optimistic, empathetic, and skilled.
To achieve this we must encourage them to question, think for themselves and embrace problem solving as an exciting adventure. We must accept and teach them that failure is part of the learning process and not a permanent obstacle to success. We also must truly accept diversity as an ideal and understand that our actions have impact. Respecting young people by accepting their differences, listening to their opinions, involving them in decision-making, requiring them to be responsible for their actions, expecting success (whether it takes them a short time or a longer time to get there), and encouraging them to explore and express their talents in meaningful ways (contributing to their family and community) will lead to confident, happy individuals who will desire to work together to build a better future.
This may sound idealistic but, although cynicism may be popular these days, cynicism has never been constructive or productive. In fact, it is what we used to call a "cop out". It's an excuse for not only doing nothing but also trying to make yourself feel better by getting other people to join you. It is a destructive force that has crept into our popular culture and that is why we need to actively fight against it - help our children reclaim their 'innocence' - meaning their genuine sense of wonder, possibility and power. And save them from drowning in the Bermuda Triangle in which they become lost when they are exploring the world for identity, direction and purpose.
“Matthew has been given knowledge which will remind both the Fey and humans of their foundation and purpose,” Parthallan told Ashley. “And Brian’s courage and strong spirit will remind us that a warrior’s greatest weapon isn’t made of iron or steel but of indomitable inner strength. You, my dear, will remind us that the greater good does not sacrifice a few for the many, but includes all to strengthen the whole. We all play important roles in the web of life; all are interconnected and precious. Love heals, knowledge connects us, and spirit inspires us. We have waited a long time for the three to intersect at one time, in one place! This could be the time of the Great Awakening!”
(p. 176, The Co-Walkers, Awakening)
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