Children Don't Neccessarily See Objects the Same as We Do

Has anyone asked the children's opinion on some objects, we as adults take for granted? I was reminded that this may not be happening, when I visited Jackson Park Elementary School in U City today. My last visit had been over thirty years ago.

When I last visited, we the PTO had followed the thoughts of the children that attended there and, painted the upper portions of the hallway walls (above the brick wainscot) various primary colors etc. The colors were voted on by the children.

This project was taken on after a poll was taken by the children about the building and the high school (which is diagonally across the street and Hanley Jr. High School which has since been demolished).

There had been some consideration by the school board about future changes or designs in our buildings. All of the PTOs and interested citizens were asked for their input. I think the children were asked and our PTO chose to place emphasis on the children's ideas. Many children had some apprehension of the buildings with their balustrades etc. and weren't as impressed as we were with the steadfastness of the buildings.

There was no way we could change the exterior, so we tried to make the interior friendlier and more cheerful with paint, banners and graphic designs. We all participated children and adults and it was a learning experience.

Now, everything is back to school and jailhouse beige, of course it's cheaper and easier to maintain. If we ask the children, I bet they would prefer the bright welcoming colors in the principals office over the drab, non distinguished colors in their hallways.