LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Educational Goals in Cayman
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Dear Sir,
First idea: Parents need to be required to attend yearly good parenting
meetings that stress good childhood nutrition. What it is; how to provide it;
and why it's so important.
Second idea: Cayman's educational system needs to take responsibility for
providing children with a moral education and respect for community. Also it
needs to be instilled that violence and bullying is unacceptable. Children
need to be taught compassion through example and communication of moral
concepts.
Perhaps the Socratic method of asking students difficult questions to
stimulate critical thought, concept sharing and moral development among
students could be presented in every classroom every day. This could be part
of the teaching curriculum at even the most primary educational levels.
I believe that children can begin to develop their sense of fairness in a
profound way through the promotion of empathy and respect for all fellow
creatures. Field trips and nature studies could help children to cherish their
Caymanian heritage and explore their environment – not merely to exploit it
like our contemporaries have.
Children must learn the concept of intrinsic value of ideas and customs,
and not just about monetary values.
To borrow the language of a popular television commercial:
• Nutritious child's breakfast: CI $1.90 • School mangrove field trip: CI
$5.80 • Book bag and new shoes: CI $24.65
Talking about the difference between “Right and Wrong” with your teacher
and friends: PRICELESS
K. Tryon
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