Kendra
Before John and I became parents, I was a teacher. I taught in Ohio, North Dakota and, finally, Illinois. Those ever-changing locations were the result of John’s job as a U.S. Air Force pilot. I enjoyed each teaching assignment and have fond memories from every group of students. And, it didn’t take me long to realize that as I was teaching, I was also learning.

For example, it was my class of fourth graders that opened my eyes to the importance of the process of learning. My responsibility with that group included teaching spelling. Initially, I took great pleasure in posting the A+ spelling tests on the bulletin board. My thought was that I was rewarding good spellers and motivating others to do better on the next test. But then my perspective changed.

John
I’m not certain when that happened; maybe it was when Kendra realized that a perfect paper could easily be achieved by looking over your shoulder at the paper on the desk behind you. In other words, maybe, on occasion, a perfect spelling paper was the result of cheating. That was definitely not what she wanted her students to do.

The answer? Kendra began to display practice papers where the words were written 10 times each. That, she determined, was highlighting the process — which was, perhaps, as important as the product.

It’s been many years since she displayed spelling papers, A+ or practice, but the concept of applauding the process as well as the product is still alive for her. She wondered if the idea fit in any way with agriculture. Her answer came from a brief phone interview with a longtime friend and former 4-H leader.

Kendra
I gave Kay a call and began by sharing my idea that the process might be as important as the finished product. I asked her to reflect on that idea from her years as a 4-H leader. She began by teaching me a little about 4-H.

For example, the motto of 4-H is to “Learn by Doing.” Exactly! It’s the process. Kay went on to explain that the idea is for the leader, the mentor, the expert to guide, not do, for each student. Learn by doing. I began to think the process might actually be more important than the product.

Kay continued and pointed out that if there is extreme emphasis on the product, there’s pressure to be perfect — a tough assignment. And if a perfect product is the goal, the student might want to get more help than is allowed.

Enter a “helicopter” mom or dad or 4-H leader, which leads to the exit of the process and the importance of learning by doing.

John
The idea is to applaud both the process and the product — a concept that isn’t just for a spelling teacher or 4-H leader. With Kendra as my agricultural student, my hired man, I’ve learned to applaud both. After all, applauding the process and the product keeps the morale up and keeps my hired man happy!

John and Kendra Smiley farm near East Lynn, Ill. Email [email protected], or visit kendrasmiley.com.