Education should focus on nurturing the mind’s ability to think critically.

Our school system sadly doesn’t do a great job of encouraging students to be creative or giving them chances to think outside the box.

The following story, while intended for humor, really highlights essential qualities that should define education: curiosity, creativity – and the occasional moment of laughter…

A first grader named Johnny was not paying attention during class, so his teacher asked him what was wrong.

Johnny said, “I’m way too smart for first grade. My sister is in third grade, and she’s not as smart as I am. I think I should be in a higher grade.”

The teacher decided to take Johnny to see the principal.

While Johnny waited outside in the hallway, the teacher explained the situation to the principal.

“The boy will take a test,” the principal told the teacher, “and if he doesn’t do well, he’ll have to stay in first grade to learn how to behave properly.”

Continue…

Johnny chose to join the test after he was brought in and told about what it was all about.

“What is 3 + 3?” you ask the student.

Johnny: “6”

The teacher asked again, “How much is 6 x 6?”

Johnny: “36”

The student was tested on everything the principal thought a third-grader should know.

After glancing at the teacher, the principal declared, “I think Johnny can go to third grade.”

“Can I ask him a few questions?” the teacher asked.

“What does a cow have four of and I only have two?”

After a short pause, Johnny said, “Legs.”

“What do you have in your pants and I don’t?” continued the teacher.

The teacher’s eyes widened noticeably, but Johnny replied, “Pockets”.

“What does a dog do when a person steps on it?” continued the lecturer.

Johnny: “Pants”

“What has the letters F and K in it and means great excitement,” asked the teacher.

Johnny: “Fire truck.”

“Put Johnny in fifth grade,” the principal told the instructor, “I missed the last four questions myself.”

As some of you may know, a good laugh doesn’t just cheer us up.

Scientists are discovering that it can ease pain and even help fight disease.

So go on, have a giggle at this hysterical story and share it to your friends on Facebook!