Guest Blog: Dr. Judith McConnell-Farmer What Do I Wish For My Grandchildren?

International Round Table Symposium March 13-16, 2019

Principals, Superintendents, and Teachers Harris Manchester College Oxford University

Dr. Judith Lynn McConnell-Farmer is a Professor of Early Childhood Education at Washburn University and has served as a Facilitator of 46 Oxford Round Tables. She has presented more than 200 international conference papers, published numerous professional articles and is currently writing a book, The World of Childhood: Perspectives and Connection in Sustainability.

Her poem “I Wish For My Grandchildren” which is excerpt here, was included in her closing remarks to the recent Round Table. It reflects the topics that were presented at the Symposium.

I wish for my grandchildren…

… that the “ism’s” tug at their heart.

… that they use their native language to support concept development.

… that they are “we” “we” “we” instead of “me” “me” “me”.

… that they find a new way without restraint and seclusion.

… that they travel the world.

… that they keep a little wall around them at least part of the time.

… that the Cheshire grin is always with them.

… that they do not catch “affluenza”.

… that they tap into the meaningful benefits in their lives.

… that their learning is transformed in the everchanging digital world.

… that they find their grandmother at age 93 on the internet all day!