Which is more important -- academics or social/emotional development?

[Anonymous]

Of course, how many 2nd graders seek milk and spinach? Naturally, some parents will steer their young children in the direction of what is nutritionally (and intellectually or academically) useful. Many 6 to 7 year-olds may be clueless. I remain grateful to my parents for exposing me to a healthful dose of academic rigor as a second grader. I might add I was also forced to eat my vegetables and drink my milk back in those days.

[Anonymous]

How many 2nd graders are really "seeking more intellectual and academic challenge and rigor? Or do you mean that is what you are looking for.

Does it really matter?

How many 2nd graders are really "seeking the best nutrition intake"? Or do you mean that is what you are looking for?

Absolutely, academic rigor, milk, eggs, fruits and vegetables. I'll leave the touch feely candy, chips and soda for others

[Anonymous]

I think your view is short-sighted. Encouraging a love of learning throughout school is more important than anything. Of course, that encouragement needs to be thoughtful and directed. The "touchy-feely" schools -- at least the good ones (and the ones I know are good) -- have thought very carefully about how to take what children are interested in and moves them forward. The best schools allow those students who are motivated to move ahead very quickly. My DC, at one of these schools, was able to write much longer, more detailed and researched papers on topics of her choice in classes where teachers were happy to accommodate her interests. There was no busy work in any of the classes.

[Anonymous]

I think your view is short-sighted. Encouraging a love of learning throughout school is more important than anything. Of course, that encouragement needs to be thoughtful and directed. The "touchy-feely" schools -- at least the good ones (and the ones I know are good) -- have thought very carefully about how to take what children are interested in and moves them forward. The best schools allow those students who are motivated to move ahead very quickly. My DC, at one of these schools, was able to write much longer, more detailed and researched papers on topics of her choice in classes where teachers were happy to accommodate her interests. There was no busy work in any of the classes.

What's shortsighted about ensuring your children eat vegetables, fruits and drink milk whether they love this brand of nutrition or not. If the children are not allergic to academic and intellectual rigor, medically contraindicated, that's what they get. This is actually far-sighted. In hindsight, all our sibship (5) appreciated such far-sighted guidance from our parents at a young age. Of course, I will not pretend your refraction index is even close mine.

[Anonymous]

I think your view is short-sighted. Encouraging a love of learning throughout school is more important than anything. Of course, that encouragement needs to be thoughtful and directed. The "touchy-feely" schools -- at least the good ones (and the ones I know are good) -- have thought very carefully about how to take what children are interested in and moves them forward. The best schools allow those students who are motivated to move ahead very quickly. My DC, at one of these schools, was able to write much longer, more detailed and researched papers on topics of her choice in classes where teachers were happy to accommodate her interests. There was no busy work in any of the classes.

Yet another one who prefers to outsource love and encouragement to schools (what's the price tag for this?) . If your child can find this at home he or she can deal with any school environment. A touchy-feely school is no substitute for a nurturing, loving and safe home and family. School is for academics but in America with more and ore unstable homes and families parents are relying more and more on schools to provide the caring, encouragement, play, music, arts and cozy perch of the homes of yesteryear. A sad commentary.

[Anonymous]

A touchy-feely school is no substitute for a nurturing, loving and safe home and family. School is for academics but in America with more and ore unstable homes and families parents are relying more and more on schools to provide the caring, encouragement, play,

Let's think about this. In households where there is little play, creativity and warmth, those parents are the most likely to spend $29,000 a year to send each child to a school that emphasizes that.

Yeah, that makes total sense.

[Anonymous]

Let's think about this. In households where there is little play, creativity and warmth, those parents are the most likely to spend $29,000 a year to send each child to a school that emphasizes that.

Yeah, that makes total sense.

Yup, quite correct if you have the disposable income. If not, tough luck!

[Anonymous]

"A touchy-feely school is no substitute for a nurturing, loving and safe home and family. School is for academics but in America with more and ore unstable homes and families parents are relying more and more on schools to provide the caring, encouragement, play, music, arts and cozy perch of the homes of yesteryear. A sad commentary"

I completely with your first sentence here, but can't children have a "cozy perch," or at least a happy, supportive experience, at both home and school? School is where kids spend a large chunk of their day; it is where they learn to navigate relationships with peers. A child who learns in an atmosphere that is supportive, encouraging and challenging will learn more, and learn better, than a child who is challenged but not particularly supported or encouraged. Also, do you really feel that "music and arts" cannot be as academically challenging as math and social studies? I think my children have learned as much from studying the violin and cello as they have in their classes at school. Districts that have cut arts programs -- in response to views such as yours -- are not going to turn out better students.

[Anonymous]

Sorry, I meant to say "I agree with your first sentence."

[Anonymous]

Also, do you really feel that "music and arts" cannot be as academically challenging as math and social studies? I think my children have learned as much from studying the violin and cello as they have in their classes at school. Districts that have cut arts programs -- in response to views such as yours -- are not going to turn out better students.

For elementary school children music and arts are neither as academically challenging as mathematics and social studies nor athletics and playtime. However, all help develop good character and well rounded individuals...and can prosper out of formal school settings and at home if one chooses.

[Anonymous]

If academics is the be-all and end-all, give me a description of your ideal day for 7-year-olds. Would you force-feed them as much academic "spinach" as they could choke down? I'd be interested to hear what you think, and on what research you base your thoughts on.

[Anonymous]

If academics is the be-all and end-all, give me a description of your ideal day for 7-year-olds. Would you force-feed them as much academic "spinach" as they could choke down? I'd be interested to hear what you think, and on what research you base your thoughts on.

Are we talking about school? If so, that's the purpose of school -- academics -- period. Certainly, there's music, recess, play, sports, laughing, touching and feeling at school; nevertheless, the prime objective of schools is academics.

School occupies 6 hours of a 24 hour day for 7-year-olds. The primary objective of the 6 hours in school for the 7-year-old is education -- academics.

I hope it's not too challenging for you to find something for your 7-year-old to do for the rest of the 18 hours of the day? Or do you prefer to hold the school responsible for the other 18 hours in the day?

[Anonymous]

... therefore the ideal 6 hour school day for my 7-year-old should focus on academics (speaking, reading, writing, counting and number sense, language, music, art, mathematics, and social studies)

Is that clear and specific enough for you?

[Anonymous]

What are DC's strengths? I would go with the school that catered to DC's weakness and supplement with outside activities for the strengths if need be. But keep in mind that most jobs require one to be good enough, not to be the best and soft skills are often more important once you meet the good enough minimum. Also, many times one finds success by doing what you love not doing something that has become drudgery.

[Anonymous]

... therefore the ideal 6 hour school day for my 7-year-old should focus on academics (speaking, reading, writing, counting and number sense, language, music, art, mathematics, and social studies)

I'm glad you're including music and art. It seemed from an earlier post (if you were the earlier poster) that you'd eliminate those as not sufficiently "academic."