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10.23.2007

Give 'Em Broccoli


Rick Weiss's article in the Washington Post about-of all things-broccoli reminded me of the how the ordeal of getting kids to eat this wonderfood can be a metaphor for courage in teaching to an initially resistant class.

It's commonly described as the scene to show how raising kid-in this case feeding kids- can be a exasperating vocation. Movies and TV media love to show the eager parent, trying to shovel food into a baby's mouth only to find their faces the glistening landing pad of unriquited victuals.
Gross.
What do to?
Parents either 1) give up after a few good tries or 2) resort to threats and intimidation.
Mine gave up.
There is a third choice though. After the predicted rejection of the food the parent can just stop offering the food and eat it with relish themselves right in front of the child. This is done without anger or in defeat. Rather it should be done with joy. The next day, offer the same food, and if the child rejects it again, then repeat above.
Repeat.
Repeat.
Repeat.
If the child still doesn't budge, don't offer for a while.
Then, al little later, try again.
And repeat.
What can happen and what has happened is that you'll find that same child one day, snatch up that shunned morsel and declare,"This is my favorite food in the world!"
After the shock wears off, the parents can claim victory.
New, innovative lessons work the same way.
It's weird for your students.
Give them time. Give them opportunity to reject, and show your own joy and relish at their inherent benefits of the lesson in question.
Show them the rewards.
They'll look good sooner or later.