Ask the Experts: Barry Wadsworth

Q: What can parents do to foster a joy for learning in their child’s life? 

A: “One thing parents can do is look for ways where kids can just mess around with things,” says Barry Wadsworth, head of school at Ruffing Montessori School in Cleveland Heights. “Let kids pursue their interests in the rhythms where they are really taking charge and teaching themselves. My son taught himself to play guitar at age 10 by messing around, interacting with peers and watching YouTube videos. I noticed he had a high interest area, didn’t impose my own vision on how it should evolve and let him mess around by letting him use the iPad and providing the guitar and the space. Often, the things we enjoy the most are the things we approach at our own pace.”