“The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.” — Sydney J. Harris
In a world that often emphasizes self-advancement, personal achievement, and competition, this quote from Sydney J. Harris offers a refreshing perspective on the true purpose of education. Instead of focusing solely on academic accolades or personal success, what if we could shift the focus of education to developing compassionate, globally aware individuals who understand the world beyond their own lives? What if, instead of constantly holding mirrors up to our children, we showed them windows that open up to diverse perspectives, communities, and cultures?
Let’s explore the importance of encouraging a mindset shift in education—from a “mirror” that reflects only the self, to a “window” that helps our children view the world beyond themselves. We’ll provide practical tips for implementing this shift in your own homeschooling journey, so that your children can grow into empathetic, curious, and globally-minded lifelong learners.
The Problem with Mirrors: Education as Self-Centered Achievement
For many of us, education has traditionally been about achievement: mastering subjects, excelling on tests, earning grades. While there’s value in academic success, this narrow focus can unintentionally lead to a self-centered perspective.
In a society that places high value on individual success, there’s a tendency to measure a child’s worth based on what they can accomplish for themselves. What grades did they get? What awards did they win? How much have they “mastered”? These questions, while not inherently harmful, risk reinforcing the idea that education is primarily about the individual—the “mirror.”
However, education isn’t just about pushing students to achieve for their own benefit. It should also be about equipping them to understand and contribute to the world around them. If all we ever focus on is how they perform in the classroom, we miss the opportunity to teach them how to serve others, develop empathy, and broaden their understanding of the world.
The Power of Windows: A Broader, More Empathetic Perspective
Now, imagine a world where education is less about “what can I achieve” and more about “how can I serve the world?” What if, instead of looking inward at themselves, children could look outward, seeing the world in all its complexity, diversity, and beauty?
This is what we mean by turning “mirrors into windows.” It’s about shifting the focus from individual achievement to a deeper understanding of others, encouraging children to see beyond their own experience and engage with a broader, more diverse world. The goal is not just to create academic achievers, but empathetic, socially responsible, and globally aware individuals who care about making the world a better place.
When children are able to look through a window at different cultures, communities, and perspectives, they develop a curiosity about the world. They are inspired to learn more, serve others, and expand their view of what’s possible. They begin to realize that the world doesn’t revolve around them, but that they have a role to play in a much larger, interconnected world.
Practical Tips for Turning Mirrors into Windows
Now that we’ve explored the idea of transforming education into a more outward-facing, empathy-driven journey, let’s talk about how you can actually make this shift in your homeschooling approach. Here are some practical steps to help you lead your children from looking in mirrors to looking through windows:
- Read Diverse Books
One of the most effective ways to encourage empathy and expand your child’s worldview is through literature. Books offer a window into other lives, cultures, and perspectives. Whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, stories help children see the world from different viewpoints, which fosters understanding and compassion.
- Practical Tip: Include books in your curriculum that feature characters from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Read books that introduce your child to places they may never visit and lifestyles they may never experience. Look for stories that tackle global issues like poverty, war, migration, and human rights. The more diverse the literature, the richer their understanding will be.
- Example: Try reading books like The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi (which explores the experience of a Korean-American child) or The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney (which introduces children to life in Sudan). These books provide windows into other cultures and give children the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of others.
- Make Learning About “Curiosity” Rather Than “Mastery”
In many traditional education systems, the goal is to master a subject or skill. While mastery is certainly important, it often comes with a focus on individual achievement and a “right or wrong” mindset. However, fostering curiosity and a love for learning can create an entirely different educational experience.
When you encourage your child to be curious rather than simply focused on mastery, you open the door to exploration and wonder. This approach invites them to ask questions, make connections, and look for answers not just for the sake of grades, but for a deeper understanding of the world.
- Practical Tip: When using a curriculum like WonderHere’s Unit Studies, allow your child to follow their own questions and interests. Instead of strictly following the curriculum, let them explore topics that intrigue them. For example, if your child is curious about how different cultures celebrate holidays, allow them to research and learn about traditions around the world. This will broaden their perspectives and encourage them to think globally.
- Engage in Global Studies: Learn About Other Cultures, Countries, and Continents
While it’s important for children to have a deep understanding of their own country and culture, it’s equally important to learn about other places in the world. Learning about different countries, customs, and ways of life not only makes your child more globally aware, but also teaches them to appreciate diversity and recognize the interconnectedness of all people.
- Practical Tip: Incorporate global studies into your homeschooling curriculum. You can do this by learning about different continents, countries, and cultures. Discuss global issues, such as climate change, human rights, and global health, and help your child understand how these issues affect people around the world.
- Example: WonderHere’s Continents & Cultures Unit Study is a great starting point for this kind of global learning. This curriculum helps children understand and appreciate the diversity of cultures across the world while connecting those cultures to the larger global community. Whether through art, history, or social studies, this kind of curriculum encourages children to explore new perspectives and see the world as an interconnected place.
- Create Opportunities for Service and Giving Back
When we think about turning mirrors into windows, we should also think about how we can cultivate an attitude of service. It’s one thing to understand the world’s needs; it’s another thing to actively contribute to making it better. Service helps children connect their education with real-world impact.
- Practical Tip: Look for opportunities to engage in service projects as a family. Whether it’s volunteering at a food bank, helping in a local community garden, or supporting global causes, service allows children to put their learning into action. You can tie these experiences back to what they’re learning in their Unit Studies or books, creating a real-world connection to their education.
- Foster Global Connections Through Technology
Technology offers an amazing opportunity to connect your child with people and communities across the globe. Whether it’s through virtual exchanges, online cultural events, or connecting with global pen pals, technology can create windows to the world.
- Practical Tip: Use tools like Skype or Zoom to connect with families or classrooms in other countries. You could also join online global communities that focus on learning, exchange programs, or cultural sharing. Even watching documentaries or virtual museum tours can expose your child to diverse cultures and ways of life.
Building Empathetic, Curiosity-Driven Learners
In a world that’s often focused on competition, personal achievement, and narrow definitions of success, it’s crucial that we teach our children to look beyond themselves. By turning mirrors into windows, we encourage them to explore the vastness of human experience, understand diverse perspectives, and ultimately, become compassionate, globally-minded individuals.
As we enter a new year, let’s make it our mission to prioritize empathy, curiosity, and global awareness in our children’s education. By reading diverse books, nurturing curiosity over mastery, diving into global studies, engaging in service, and using technology to connect with others, we can help our children view the world through a window—one that leads to greater understanding, compassion, and a desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Let’s turn our children’s education into an adventure that reaches beyond the confines of their own world, expanding their vision and shaping them into lifelong learners who are not just curious, but also committed to making the world a better place.