"This engaging series of childhood recollections tells about an ideal school in Tokyo during World War II that combined learning with fun, freedom and love. This unusual school had old railroad cars for classrooms, and it was run by an extraordinary man - its founder and headmaster, Sosaku Kobayashi - who was a firm believer in freedom of expression and activity.
In real life, the Totto-chan of the book had become one of Japan's most popular television personalities - Tetsuko Kuroyanagi. She attributes her success in life to this wonderful school and its headmaster.
The charm of this account has won the hearts of millions of people of all ages and made this book a runaway bestseller in Japan, with sales hitting the 4.5 million mark in its first year."
I'm now reading Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi.
I think all teachers should read it.
Think the book really shows that every child is unique in their own ways, and helps bring across the point that we should, as teachers, cater to their learning needs. :)
Reading this made me feel sad that we can't have such an education system in Singapore.
Trust me, school would be so much fun...
AND learning would be taking place all the time.
Oh well, I hope I'll be able to conduct similar lessons next time... :)
Edit:
I think these are some things teachers should do, "... believe all children are born with an innate good nature, which can be easily damaged by their environment and the wrong adult influences ... aim to uncover their "good nature" and develop it, so that children would grow into people with individuality ... let children's characters develop as naturally as possible..." -p.191
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