An amazing editorial in the Washington POST..
Some money quotes:
Re-entry after winter break has not been easy for him. The rules and restrictions of school – Sit Still. Be Quiet. Do What You Are Told, Nothing More, Nothing Less. – have been grating on him, and it shows. His teacher recently emailed me; she’d noticed a change in his behavior (more belligerent, less likely to cooperate) and wanted to know if there was anything going on at home.
More:
The lack of movement and rigid restrictions associated with modern schooling are killing my son’s soul.
And
Kids haven’t changed much over the past 150 years; our society has. So while my son still needs movement, still craves real-world learning, physical labor and ways to contribute to his family and his world, he’s expected to spend most of his time in a desk, in a classroom, with 20-some other kids his age. He’s not allowed to go outside at school when it’s too cold or wet; he’s expected to sit quietly in the library or auditorium during recess time. He’s allowed few opportunities for “real” work; today, when you hand an 8-year-old a saw or allow him to start a fire, people look at you askance.
I will be honest.. I really never thought of this until I read this article. And with a 4-year-old getting closer to the magic age of kindergarten, I am a little disturbed now by what me and my wife as parents may face..Especially known the movement and activity my son needs.
Why after all of these years of does a PINK FLOYD song continue in schools.. why does it seem kids are meat for sausage instead of brains for education? Why have we failed not only boys, but girls? Why is America lagging behind? Why is it all just wrong.
And will anyone do anything to fix it..?
JENNIFER FINK: Why schools are failing our boys
