There is much going on in the world today that can cause children, and adults, to feel fear. I realize that fear is a huge, and loaded topic. Some topics should be referred to and dealt with by mental health professionals. But other fears, including many brought up by topics taught in class, can be dealt with authentically.
The older I get, the more I don’t like heights. I am sure that it has something to do with the fact that the older I get, the wiser I get. Wise people do not ride trains up the side of very tall mountains!
Well, I am happy to say I overcame my fear. Mostly because I had no choice, as we had purchased tickets to ride to the top of Pikes Peak, and they weren’t cheap! I also read the history of the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, and it had a perfect safety record for 127 years. And my husband held my hand – which does not make it safer, but whatever works!
As I stated, fear is a topic that is going to come up in education. Letting children express their fears is important. Letting them put their fears into authentic context is very important. Letting them learn more about, and research what they are afraid of is a solid first step to overcoming, or at least dealing with, a fear. My research about the Cog Railway helped me feel safe enough to go on it. Looking at the safety records of airlines helps me feel better when I fly. Researching the actual number of alligator attacks in Florida makes me feel safer when I visit my mother. Learning about the shark attacks in the oceans makes me stay out of the ocean! Not giving on that one!
And I almost forgot to mention the donuts at the top of Pikes Peak, world famous, delicious, and another motivation to get on the train!
The Educational Journey 