So True

Submitted by Cindy D (not verified) on July 23, 2008 - 12:09.

I completely agree with this message. This was my first year teaching and I had a very challenging group. At the end of the year, I learned that a lot of the students in my class were recommended to not be in the same classroom. Looking back, I know I did the best for them. When my mentor told me the class meetings weren't working or that my focus was solely on behavior, I knew she couldn't see what I did. The kids lacked social and emotional skills which impaired their learning. I had a different class from the beginning of the year, to the middle, to the end. At the end of year, I would say "pa. . ", and they would reply with tience". I would repeat the word patience and explain to them why I taught them about it. Understanding where I was coming from was just as important as learning where they were coming from, too. We were in sync. I am glad that I listened to that inner voice asking me to teach my students emotionally as well as academically.

• reply

Michael Pritchard video

Submitted by Jennifer Simpson (not verified) on November 24, 2007 - 15:51.

Every day we as teachers deal with students that come to us with so much baggage. I loved Michael's video. I work with young children who have emotional problems because of their lifestyles every day. Until these issues are addressed,these students cannot learn. We need to teach coping skills even at a very young age.

• reply

I was very moved to reflect

Submitted by Bob (not verified) on November 8, 2007 - 06:40.

I was very moved to reflect on my own life through this. Also, I wanted to say how grateful I am to edutopia.org, and George Lucas for having this type of content. This is awesome! Searching on emotional intelligence, I found this to be one of the best sites. Having video content is huge and very powerful, a tremendous add on to text.

• reply

Thank you, Michael Pritchard

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on September 7, 2007 - 10:15.

I have seen Michael's work in action and it is every bit as powerful as we see on this video and more! I wish we could clone him! Our children cry out to belong, feel safe, and just "be", solely on the basis of their character rather than by any external circumstance. Although it may seem hard in our American competitive-edge paradigm, there is clearly a need for balance. Our children are crying out for a relational paradigm that is caring and supportive, as we can see in this video. Brain research supports the need for this balance as well. Learning requires a mostly-calm state of mind. If we want students to excel in academics and in life, policy and leadership must focus upon the factors that support wisdom as well as knowledge, and empathy as part of the repertoire of what "students know and can do".
Thank you, Michael Pritchard, for your wisdom, courage, talent, and incredible gift to bring out the courage in others to share and be. How liberating and wonderful! Much gratitude.

• reply

I have been touched by this

Submitted by Trinidad (not verified) on August 28, 2007 - 04:59.

I have been touched by this video and it has helped/showed me how to vent my pain and hurt in a safe way and I believe that there are many people in my country, and even in my work place that need to express themselves to get pass their emotional hrut that they have held on to for so long. I will like to help them but I will also like to get Mr. Michael Pritchard to come to Trinidad to conduct a seminar on emotional Intelligence. That will really create an opportunity for persons to develop them selves.

It is truely a great lesson and I believe that we need it.

• reply