Why did Wheels on a Suitcase take so long to invent?

There are few things more frustrating than a student who is perpetually late to school. 

It seems to frustrate all the stakeholders ... 

• Teachers, who have lessons interrupted and who need to re-teach or repeat instructions.
• Office Staff, who have to fill out late slips and make changes to school attendance records.
• Administrators, Support Staff & Attendance Officers, who have to investigate and meet with parents in the hope of change.
• Parents, who may already be struggling, then feel humiliated and chastised.

But, most importantly, it seems to be an awful experience for the student... being told to "go to the office to get a late slip" or grilled with questions like "why are you always late?" or who are admonished with statements like "how are you going to be successful when you can't get here before the bell?"

There is a group, however, that shows no frustration whatsoever. In fact, this group often expresses delight when the late-comer walks through the door.  

The classmates. 

• They are happy to see their friend arrive.
• They are welcoming with their expressions, gestures and words.
• They are excited to hear about new events.
• They are thrilled to share the events that are taking place so far that day. 

"Hey Chris, I'm glad you're here. We have floor-hockey at lunch and I was afraid you wouldn't make it. Mr, Hodgkinson gave us this problem to solve - you can join our group. I'll get you a marker."

Can we borrow this strategy? 

Matt Sereda, Equity & Inclusive Education Learning Coordinator with my Thames Valley District School Board suggested the following to us at a recent workshop.

• What if the office issued Welcome Slips instead of Late Slips.
• What if Office Staff said "I'm so glad you are able to join us today - your class is waiting for you."
• What if the teachers copied their students - with smiles and positive words "Hey, look who is here - which group wants to help Chris get involved in our learning today?"
• What if the phone call home began with "It was great to see Chris arrive today, he seemed excited to see his classmates. Is there anything we can do to help him arrive before the bell so he can spend more free time with them?"

It struck me as such a simple concept - I wondered why it had taken so long. It was like wheels on suitcases - why did it take us until the 90's before that was the norm. As this article makes clear, the idea for rolling luggage was patented in 1970 - however, it took a few decades to improve the design and get consumers on board.

 

Certainly, we don't have to wait that long. Let's make the change today!