What If We Treated Learning Like Sports?

I'm guilty. I was one of those parents who probably pushed my kids into organized sports. I enjoyed watching them as they raced down the soccer field, ran across the tennis court, or swam the length of the pool. Somehow, after working all day, Chuck and I managed to rally ourselves and get them to whatever practice they were required to attend. We watched games and matches, cheered from the sidelines and ordered pizza with the other team parents. Of course, this pales in comparison to other sporting leagues. Once the children become involved in high school sports it's a new level of commitment. If an individual ever makes it big and moves on to the college level and beyond, he/she has invested a large part of themselves into this sport. The player may receive scholarships, a salary, equipment, uniforms, and additional coaching to become better.
What if we treated learning this way? Take just a moment with me and think about what that might look like. Parents would take their children to "practice" beyond the school day, we may even pack coolers of drinks and snacks for them. Find lessons and camps to hone skills during the off season. Would we fill a stadium to spectate as the team or individual demonstrated what they have mastered?
What could the cheerleaders be chanting? Something like,"Go, go, solve that equation...."
The referees and coaches would be avaliable to ensure no one performed outside the guidelines.
A coach may have a learner on the bench and say something like, "Okay, next up is the isosceles triangle, now..when you get in there...."
All while proud parents, loved ones, or fans observed.
"We knew she would be a great reader, she used to walk around the house with books."

This example is extreme, of course. Please understand, I love school sports. Participating in sports boosts self esteem, forms bonds, provides physical exercise, and the like. As I stated earlier, I wanted my girls involved in sports, even though we didn't always feel motivated to get them to practice, we took them. We spend our time, energy and resources for sporting events. We create social events surrounding certain games or matches. What would it look like if we nurtured learning the way we nurtured athletic talent in this country? What if we treated learning like sports?
As always, your thoughts and comments are welcome. JKH

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