Children Quote by Anne Lamott
““Even as we improved as teachers and as students, the children continued to have raging impulse-control problems; the very thing that made them spontaneous and immediate could also make them mean...The other teachers and I had dreamed of taking the kids on field trips, to remove them from the grip and tangle of life -- of a day on the beach; of sandy, sacramental hot dogs; of playing in the ocean, making sculptures, and drawing with sticks. But we could barely manage them in class.””
About This Quote
Source Memoir: Operating Instructions: A Journal of a Working Mother by Anne Lamott, 1991
Even with educational improvements, children’s impulsive energy can become destructive; teachers seek restorative experiences like nature outings to channel that energy positively.
In simple terms: Impulsive kids need calm, structured outlets.
Key Takeaway
Provide calming, structured activities for restless children.
Themes
education
impulse control
nature therapy
Mood
thoughtful
pragmatic
Type
reflective
practical
When to use this quote
- field trips
- outdoor play
- mindful breathing exercises
Key Concepts
child development
behavioral psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can teachers create restorative moments in class?
- What alternatives exist when field trips aren’t possible?
A Different Perspective
Access to nature may be limited; not all schools can organize trips.
