Kohl was feeling down with his life as an aging educator. He wanted totry something fresh and new. Somehow he ended up in a painting class,a class to learn to paint the Chinese way, a class for children.It was just what he needed. ( )

What a wonderful story. Herbert Kohl was a teacher his entire professional life. He taught grade school through college level students and was active in education reform. In his late sixties he decided to take a class in Chinese Painting at the Joseph Fine Arts School in San Francisco. He's placed in a class with other beginners -- 5-7 year old Chinese-American children. He takes classes for years and advances to classes with other adults. Along the way he observes the Chinese/Buddist teaching techniques of his art teachers Joseph and Janny and integrates them into his own teaching. The main lesson in this book is that learning should be non-competitive. The best way to learn anything is to forget about being judged and become fully engaged in your work. ( )

This is one of the most beautiful, joyous, and emotionally engaging books I've ever read! Kohl is a college professor in his sixties who was teaching at USF (U. of San Francisco) when his position was terminated. He had a lot of free time on his hands, and decided to take a class on Chinese ink painting. He enrolls in a beginner's class in the Sunset District, a largely Asian neighborhood in the city, and on the first day of class he finds out that the class consists of himself and a dozen or so 5-7 year old Chinese-American kids! He originally assumes that a mistake has been made, but the teacher tells him that this is his proper class. He originally assumes the teacher role, and tries to help his "classmates" with their work, but soon realizes that he learning more from them than they are from him, in terms of technique, Chinese culture -- and patience. He continues to attend classes there, and the experience transforms his views of teaching, and the later years of his life. It's a short, quick read, but I was actually very sad and a bit emotional at the end of the story, as I wanted it to go on an on forever! I think I'll read it again, very soon, and post a review. culture. He continues to attend classes there, and the experience transforms his views of teaching, and the later years of his life. It's a short, quick read, but I was actually very sad and a bit emotional at the end of the story, as I wanted it to go on and on forever! ( )