I love crayons - they make such beautiful , versatile creations - all depending on the hands that hold it. I read once that crayons respond to our warmth by giving us more of their color. They last a very long time too. But what makes them more interesting for me is the process of how they are made . A process that is so similar to my role as an educator , a process that I now hold myself accountable for.
This is the process :
1. Wax and Color are simple yet the most powerful ingredients to create crayon.
The wax are this generations children . The digital natives that don't absorb water or information that has long been streaming. They want fresh ideas, tools to succeed, new ways to do things and endless possibilities. We , educators, are the color - one of the agents that wax absorbs . We come in different shades but with only one purpose - to give vibrance and depth .
2. Crayon factory heats up a bunch of wax in a tank.
As the factory gets the wax ready in a tank , so do our schools. There are millions of children waiting to learn, eager to receive information , and looking forward to use their minds. The tanks are deep - to make sure that it holds the wax and doesn't create any spills so that every single wax can reach its potential. Our schools promise children security, knowledge and a future.
3. Dye is added to give crayon its color.
Color Dye . Educators. The most important ingredient of all . We are the source of opportunities - whose job is to make sure every single wax in the tank is mixed with color . We impart what we know so that children can grow with global empathy , imaginative minds, and a solutionary mindset. We don't just make single colored crayons - we strive to make rainbows.
4. When the wax is really hot , it becomes liquid-like, so the machines can pour the hot liquid wax into small molds that are in the shape of crayons.
We mold and shape our students as we build on their knowledge and talents. We nurture ideas and critical thinking skills that will allow them to function in a modern society . We need to take advantage of this stage in the learning process because this is the perfect time to break bad habits and form new ones, the time to teach digital citizenship and caring about reputation.
5. Once the hot wax has been poured into its molds it cools down and hardens into crayons.
Crayons are now formed depending on its color and mixture . If the dye was mixed thoroughly and the molds were exactly how the crayons are meant to be shaped , then the factory will have a box filled with proud colors eager to serve its purpose. What we teach matters. In this age, we can influence students in ways we have never imagined and technology plays a big role in this. The habits of mind and act that we as educators value will determine the kind of students we produce.
6. The factory then labels the crayons, packs them into a box, and ships them to a store where you can buy the crayons and bring them home.
At last ! One batch of crayons are done . We are 21st century educators that make future leaders who are ready to face challenges and create new innovations . As students leave our classes, we need to make sure that they move on with confidence knowing that we have taught them enough to help them survive in this ever changing world.
Just like Wax to Crayons , the cycle repeats and we all walk forward with pride.
References:
Four Things Every Student Should Learn
Computational thinking
Hackschooling Makes Me Happy by Logan LaPlante (TEDtalk)
http://www.whyzz.com/what-are-crayons-made-of