Walt Disney and Education

It's back to school time and my kids aren't the only ones learning! I learned something really interesting about Walt Disney that I never knew before!

Did you know, there are quite a few schools named after Walt Disney? Further, he actually helped create some of these schools. At least one has some original Disney artwork on the walls! You can see some of the pictures here! 

As a boy, Walt Disney didn't have the best experiences in school, and was discouraged by his teachers when he would draw, or tell stories. It's a little sad to think that even though most teachers are encouraging, and try to foster a child's interests, there are still some that don't. Who knows what sort of genius they are stifling? Thank goodness Walt Disney didn't give up! 

Throughout his life, Walt Disney felt education for all ages was key. He often spoke about education through various methods. He felt that education didn't have to be uninteresting. Like Mary Poppins said, "In every job that must be done, you find the element of fun, and snap! The job's a game!" 

I found these two quotes below quite fascinating. What he spoke about all those years ago is still something on the mind's of parents and educators today. 

"Crowded classrooms and half day sessions are a tragic waste of our greatest national resource- the minds of our children. " -- Walt Disney

"School age youngsters are capable of absorbing and retaining a tremendous amount of learning. Given the change they have an amazing aptitude for knowledge. We must not deny them that chance through shortages of classrooms and inadequate educational facilities. 
having spent most of my life observing their potential, I feel convinced that a full time education for our youth is our best investment in the future." -- Walt Disney

​Children are indeed our future! We can't expect teachers to do all of the educating though, it's so important that we teach them as well! Especially common sense, something that isn't a common as it should be!