Why Ms Frizzle is the Best Teacher Ever
Recently on this new Work From Home journey, I found myself scrolling through Netflix looking for something to play in the background while I did some work. My criteria was something lighthearted that had a fun soundtrack and wouldn’t suck me in with its suspense or drama. I thought that a kids show would fit the bill nicely and was pleasantly pleased to find The Magic School Bus, a show I hadn’t seen since I was a child.
Completely unanticipated was that I would actually get sucked into the show — it was funny! I laughed out loud! I learned so much about science! And wow, the show writing was actually quite impressive.
I especially love all of the characters and what they bring out in each other. The glue of the show is their educator, the eccentric Ms Frizzle (voiced brilliantly by Lily Tomlin). Whereas when I was a kid I thought she was strange and over the top, now as an older person I admire this ingenious adult character that was created for a kids tv show. These are some of the reasons why I think she is an excellent educator:
- Ms Frizzle always meets the kids where they are. Whatever question they’re asking that day, or what conversation they’re having or worry or interest is at that time, she is there, present and attentive. She respects their interests and uses them as starting points to explore and learn. Her lesson plans reflect what they are curious about learning that day.
- Ms Frizzle is unabashedly her unique self in all of her quirky ways (and awesome outfits). Not only is she a role model for being your true self, she also lets her kids be their own person, too. She gives them respect and speaks to them how she talks to the adults on the show.
“If you keep asking questions, you’ll keep getting answers!”
- Ms Frizzle encourages questioning — and doesn’t always provide the answers. The kids ask many questions and get the joy of finding out the answers themselves, as one question leads them to another and another, like stepping stones. When she interjects, she gives them facts, not answers. She guides them to the answers through experience rather than feeding it to them with words. She also uses her words to interject encouragements to keep them confident and going forward with their curiosity.
“Insightful observation, Phoebe!”
- The same goes for her disciplinary style. She is quite blessed with a class of the best behaved kids around, but each kid has their own personality that clashes with another’s in every episode. Arguments and insults abound, but Ms Frizzle never scolds them — instead, she brings the kids on adventures that often lets them recognize the value of the person that they’re fighting with. The show is incredible in not only teaching kids about science but also conflict resolution skills and valuing the differences in other people.
- If a kid doesn’t want to participate, she doesn’t force them to. See episode where Carlos and Arnold are in a boat of their choosing while the rest of the class goes underwater to explore a volcano. She does, however, push them to participate if it will help the kids conquer their fears. Such wise discretion.
“Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!”
- Lastly, Ms Frizzle doesn’t fear giving kids independence (probably not possible in real life classrooms but nonetheless she gets kudos). She gives kids decision-making opportunities and gives them the trust to mess up, to which she luckily has the magic to pull them out of trouble. Her motto “Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!” is the overarching theme of this show and the backbone of true learning.
So great when a kids tv show can hold up to time and through different life stages.
