The bigger baby

Occasionally I have students who exhibit a learned helplessness every time something is difficult. It's like throughout their lives the people around them have swooped in to assist the second the going got tough. So now as teenagers three years shy of adulthood, they say "I don't get it" with a tone that suggests their confusion is the fault of the concept, the teacher, and the school system in general. They are tomorrow's Republicans.

I don't want Lyla to be that way, so I try not to swoop. Plus, it's kind of fun to watch her struggle.

For example, Lyla's favorite book is bigger than she is. This evening she found it in a pullout crate underneath the coffee table. Instead of helping her, I photographed her as she got more and more upset. What a dad!








Of course, with great struggle comes great reward.


Some of my freshmen are sulking about the fact that I'm making them read a book of their choice over spring break. I think tomorrow I'll show them these photos and ask who the bigger baby is.