Book review: The Element

Ken Robinson is a well-known, well-respected British consultant and writer in the fields of creativity and innovation. His TED lecture on creativity has been downloaded over three million times off the Internet.

I am a firm believer in “positive psychology” and the concept of building upon strengths as a more logical way of improving than trying to change weaknesses.

Robinson shares heart warming stories throughout his encouraging and uplifting book. There is the girl who today would be diagnosed with ADHD but through the wise insight of a psychologist discovers she is a dancer. She becomes a world renowned choreographer. The child who doodles all today becomes the creator of the longest running animated series in television history. Okay, not everyone has to be world famous, but the point is clear.

If we can help each other find the “element” where we thrive there is so very much to be gained. Schooling has a very definate idea of how we should be and think. Life presents oh so many more opportunities. Robinson defines the “element “ as “the meeting point between natural aptitude and personal passion.” Shouldn’t finding each child’s right element be the real task of each teacher and each parent?

This book should be obligatory reading for every teacher and every parent.