When my grandchildren were in the first three years, I was told that teachers did not correct the spelling and grammar in their written work. The reason was that they wanted the students to get used to writing, and seeing so many corrections on their work would make them give up and not try to produce a better written product. I made all the corrections at home and we discussed them. The children did not cry or give up. They became better writers. So much education needs to be supplemented at home.
I’m glad to see you posting this. Schools and parents need to hear this. As as 17-year teacher mostly at private schools in affluent communities, I see the problems you mention. I teach English, and kids are not reading. I’ll be reading more of your stuff. Thanks.
Dad of homeschooled kids * here. Just arriving to the stack/blog. Thank you. I hope you inspire a bunch of families who may still wrestle with the decision to get on with the process of educating their own kids.
My "kids" are now in their 20s. One finishing a PhD in math. One with a MS in public health, working for my state's department of epidemiology. And one who INSISTED on a BA in music from an area university who has returned to "community" college for a certification program as a medical radiology technician. (At some point late in his education, the arithmetic kicked in and he started doing numbers on pay rates...) Anyhow, success story for what inspirational value it may have.
The library of family memories includes both success stories and horror stories. Let me know if you want samples.
This is why I homeschool, it is hard work juggling childcare, household duties, teaching duties. Even more so when pregnant or nursing infants, but it is well worth the effort to persevere.
When my grandchildren were in the first three years, I was told that teachers did not correct the spelling and grammar in their written work. The reason was that they wanted the students to get used to writing, and seeing so many corrections on their work would make them give up and not try to produce a better written product. I made all the corrections at home and we discussed them. The children did not cry or give up. They became better writers. So much education needs to be supplemented at home.
I’m glad to see you posting this. Schools and parents need to hear this. As as 17-year teacher mostly at private schools in affluent communities, I see the problems you mention. I teach English, and kids are not reading. I’ll be reading more of your stuff. Thanks.
Dad of homeschooled kids * here. Just arriving to the stack/blog. Thank you. I hope you inspire a bunch of families who may still wrestle with the decision to get on with the process of educating their own kids.
My "kids" are now in their 20s. One finishing a PhD in math. One with a MS in public health, working for my state's department of epidemiology. And one who INSISTED on a BA in music from an area university who has returned to "community" college for a certification program as a medical radiology technician. (At some point late in his education, the arithmetic kicked in and he started doing numbers on pay rates...) Anyhow, success story for what inspirational value it may have.
The library of family memories includes both success stories and horror stories. Let me know if you want samples.
Just discovered your work and you put to words what so many have noticed: kids aren't learning and here's why.
I have to keep exploring what you've put together especially as it relates to reading.
This is why I homeschool, it is hard work juggling childcare, household duties, teaching duties. Even more so when pregnant or nursing infants, but it is well worth the effort to persevere.