Wine can be a better teacher than ink, and banter is often better than books
Stephen FryRead
Introducing a spelling test to a student by saying, 'Let's see how many words you know,' is different from saying, 'Let's see how many words you know already.' It is only one word, but the already suggests that any words the child knows are ahead of expectation and, most important, that there is nothing permanent about what is known and not known.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The word 'already' conveys a sense of encouragement and flexibility in learning, suggesting that knowledge is not fixed.
In this quote, Peter Johnston highlights the importance of language in education, particularly how framing can influence a student's mindset. By using the term 'already' when discussing a spelling test, teachers can foster a growth mindset, implying that the child's current knowledge is just a starting point and that they have the potential to learn more. This approach encourages students to view their capabilities as expandable rather than static.
Themes
EducationGrowth MindsetLearningLanguageEncouragement
In practice
Example use cases
A teacher might use this quote during a staff meeting to emphasize the importance of encouraging language in the classroom.
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