The following testimonial was given at a teacher appreciation evening, held in June 2010. Each member of the teaching team is acknowledged with a short speech by a parent of a child in their class.
Carla Hall - Fantasy Woman
When your child begins school for the first time, it is a major milestone in their lives. As someone who values education enormously, I had a certain fantasy regarding Dante's first classroom experience. Like every parent, I wanted the foundation years to be perfect. Carla, you have been everything I could have hoped for in a teacher for my son. Over the last two years, Dante has gone from a shy, reluctant 3 year old to a confidant, enthusiastic participant. He has grown in his passion for learning, and also, well, in his passion for... you.
I first realized that Dante had a special affection for you last year when we asked him what he thought we should name his baby brother. He responded without hesitation: Carla. Then, last October, when we were discussing our Halloween plans, Dante said, "Don't forget we have our class Halloween party on Saturday." Ernest and I, as usual, were caught off guard, having forgotten yet again about another school event. We combed our emails looking for info on the party. Finding nothing, I probed Dante for more information. "Is everyone dressing up?" I asked. "Oh no mommy," said Dante, "It's not for everyone, it's just for me and Carla. Carla is going to throw the candy up in the air, and I'm going to catch it in my mouth!"
Now anyone who has taken a course on Freud can quickly tell you the real meaning behind this fantasy. But I don't have to look any farther than parent observation day, when I observed Dante learning the short bead chain material with Carla. This is an elegant Montessori material designed as a multiplication precursor. Dante grinned as Carla showed him how the material worked, and eagerly took over when it was his turn. When he had finished, Carla didn't say, "Correct, nice work," or "Wrong answer, try again." Instead, teacher and student simply shared a smile- because it wasn't about being right or wrong, rather about discovering the relationship between the five strings of five beads, and the 5x5 bead square. Clearly, Dante did not feel this experience was like being passively spoon-fed brussel sprouts. It required effort from him, like the action of trying to catch something in his mouth- something delightful.
Anyone with enough jelly beans and time can teach a child their multiplication facts. But for my child, the concept IS the candy- the learning is its own reward. Outside the classroom, Dante is constantly engaged in careful observation of his world, and we are amazed daily by his ability to draw parallels and generate insights. Carla, thank-you for nurturing Dante's mind and spirit. You are truly a gifted educator.
