Raising extraordinary children

Download
Sept. 1, 2009

Precocity, prodigy, genius—extraordinary children are born that way, right? Not so, says Rafe Esquith, of Hobart Elementary School in Koreatown. Called "The Best Classroom Teacher in America" in the Washington Post, Mr. Esquith has turned his attention to educating parents in his new book, "Lighting Their Fires: Raising Extraordinary Children in a Mixed-up, Muddled-up, Shook-up World." Larry Mantle finds out what parents can do to light up their children's minds.

Web Resources


Also on this episode

AirTalk on the Road

Terror in the Skies---Balancing Privacy and Security

AirTalk goes on the road to the Center for the Preservation of Democracy in Little Tokyo, in partnership with Community Advocates, Inc. Join Larry Mantle and a panel of experts address the constitutional and security issues at stake in securing commercial air travel.

Wed., March 17th, at 7:00 p.m

The event is free and open to the public. RSVP: airtalk@kpcc.org.
Click here for more info

Guest:

Rafe Esquith, LAUSD teacher and author of "Lighting Their Fires: Raising Extraordinary Children in a Mixed-up, Muddled-up, Shook-up World," and "Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire"

Ryan (La Verne)
6 months, 1 week ago

Rafe, such a pleasure to hear you on KPCC. I saw a documentary (title eludes me, sorry) about you, your teaching style, your extraordinary class leading/facilitating techniques, etc. It was so enlightening and so moving that I shared the documentary with at my monthly "spiritual cinema circle" church movie group and we discussed the film at length afterward.

Thank you for your great work in the world and for sharing the secrets of your success.

Best,
Ryan

Susan Kaefer
6 months, 1 week ago

How do your get the teachers or kids EXCITED when there appears to be only time for "teaching to the test" Kids aren't even learning critical thinking.

As a grandmother, I'm trying to find ways to bring excitement and critical thinking to my grandchildren,

Thanks, Susan Kaefer
Costa Mesa

Ryan (La Verne)
6 months, 1 week ago

Here's the film: "The Hobart Shakespeareans"

Check out these YouTube clips:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2HjmgfsetM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1XvC4Cz_EU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnyr3AUBbxM

Can't recommend the film highly enough!

MAUREEN LONGAKER
6 months, 1 week ago

Rafe,

Please take a moment to tell the audience that in LAUSD we DO in fact have a professional development program that teaches teachers to execute instruction in 4 art forms; Dance, Visual, Music and Theatrical Arts. We will be in 100% of the elementary schools this year. The arts are considered core curriculum and more than anything support with critical thinking skills.

virginia lowe
6 months, 1 week ago

Amen, i taught for 37 years and when we started testing and implementing a structured reading program for the preschool, i decided it was time to go. Get politics and politicians out of the education process!
Thanks for sharing these books and this wonderful educator.

Qin Huang
6 months, 1 week ago

I am a new teacher. It was so inspiring. Thank you so much!

Gina
6 months, 1 week ago

Great to hear you Rafe. I'm sorry to say however, I am no fan of teachers. I had some really great teachers who made a difference in my life. I can count them on one hand. The others were either indifferent, sarcastic, even mean. School literally made me sick. I struggled and was a mediocre student. An example: After reading a sign for a test run of the Golden State exam, I decided to take it since it was an optional test at the time. I asked the teacher if I could sign up. Her answer: "The test? Sure. Why not. You might even do well." I never volunteered to participate in anything ever again.

Armida in Huntington Beach
6 months, 1 week ago

Thank you for bringing us another positive story showing how people who refuse to accept the status quo can make a real difference for our society. We all need to support these people who make positive improvements EVERY DAY.

Comments disabled after 14 days