Is how we teach school for little kids outdated?

[Anonymous]

Second grader here, and the past two years I kept thinking it would get better but it hasn’t. DS is still complaining that he doesn’t want to go to school. Still tells me his day is boring…. Still runs around like a wild animal when I pick him up. When I ask what he did that day, he barely remembers anything. I think it doesn’t help that his friends from last year aren’t in class this year.

He thrives over the summer. Always learns a ton, happy, and we meet his activity and downtime needs.

I just feel like school is just making him unhappy. Like, I see this amazing kid who blossoms over the summer and starts this steady downward spiral when the school year begins.

I wish school could be more individualized or at least less boring. I wish my kid would love school, or at least not dislike it so much!

[Anonymous]

You might need to look into a private school that approaches learning in a different way.

[Anonymous]

Lol you need to send to private. They make learning fun

[Anonymous]

I agree, (also second grader) just this summer I was thinking...I wish school looked more like summer. This summer, he did a sports camp, a fishing camp, a recreational camp, some vacations, and then swim and tennis camp. He had SO MUCH fun this summer. Every day was a joy.

[Anonymous]

School is hardest on 2nd grade and 7th grade boys IME.

[Anonymous]

What is he learning in the summer? Math? English?

[Anonymous]

Yes. Second grade boy here too. He just wants more play and less structure and sitting still quietly. He reads YA chapter books and is ahead on math, so i think he learns very well informally, and it socks to hear every day that the only good part was recess.

[Anonymous]

Is homeschooling an option? There are lots of social opportunities these days.

[Anonymous]

It’s school! Not vacay.

[Anonymous]

So as a teacher you want me to let go of the whole gaining work and critical thinking skills to become a democratic citizen and contributing member of our society for……. Sailing.

Ok- I mean what with global warming out door survival skills (how to deal with extreme flooding and heat) will be more important anyway so I can see your point.

[Anonymous]

Aren’t kids supposed to like summer better than school?

[Anonymous]

So funny how everybody blames the school and not the kid. Our second grade boy LOVES his public school and is never bored there. Couldn't wait to get back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes. Second grade boy here too. He just wants more play and less structure and sitting still quietly. He reads YA chapter books and is ahead on math, so i think he learns very well informally, and it socks to hear every day that the only good part was recess.

This sounds like my kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So funny how everybody blames the school and not the kid. Our second grade boy LOVES his public school and is never bored there. Couldn't wait to get back.

Why would you "blame" a seven year old for a particular educational approach not working as well for him? I'm glad it works for your kid but that doesn't make others bad or failures.

[Anonymous]

So much sitting still and structure. I don’t think it’s really necessary at that age. More free time and creative time would be great.