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Which schools do you believe foster a love of learning, and why?
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Anonymous
| I started another thread asking for perceptions of the most academically rigorous independent schools in DC and MD. Now I'd like to know which DC and MD schools you believe foster a genuine enjoyment of learning in kids, and why you believe that to be true. Thank you! |
Anonymous
| The Alonzo Academy and St. Alphonse's |
Anonymous
| Parents. In education research, home background and parental factors always come up the most important for learning achievement and attitude toward learning. |
Anonymous
Thanks. I do know that, having worked in education research for some years when I was in grad school, and I am doing my best to foster that in our household. But as far as schools go, I would love suggestions. |
Anonymous
| Not any public school currently (well, maybe the kids are interested in the beginning but by 2nd or 3rd grade...) Why is this so? They are all so concerned about passing the test, that anything that isn't on the test is kind of a time waster (ie, art, music, recess). |
Anonymous
| PP, that's a gross generalization, as I'm sure you know. There are tons of dedicated teachers in the public schools, and tons of kids who love their public school teachers. |
Anonymous
| This is not the public school forum. If you want to talk about Public schools, go to that forum. |
Anonymous
| This thread got off track here, but let me say that I think my kids' school Lowell does a great job of fostering a love of learning. I actually had a great experience with my 4th grader today as I had to help her carry her project for a science class into the building. When we saw the science teacher to deliver the project, she was so warm and talked about how my daughter had taken charge of the project and designed what she wanted to do and how it was such an independent project for her. It was great to see my daughter light up as the teacher recognized her hard work on something and she then had a nice exchange with the teacher about what she had done and learned. It was exactly what I want from a school at that age: teaching my daughter to take responsibility, think creatively and rewarding her with praise for her hard work. They also have done a great job of teaching my daughter to love reading by continuous encouragement. There is a experiential aspect to much of the learning (although there are of course still spelling tests, math worksheets, etc.) such as reenacting a colonial settlement (3rd grade) or going out to the creek to study the environment. I know some people do not appreciate the progressive aspects of Lowell and it is not for every kid (no school is) but I know that my kids love school, love their teachers, and maybe most importantly love the process of learning things even outside of school because they are being taught how to be curious and think creatively. |
Anonymous
L'Academie d'Alonzo |
Anonymous
| I'm trying to get a handle on what "progressive" means in this context. For example, I hear that Lowell and Green Acres are progressive, whereas places like Norwood and Primary Day are more...traditional, I guess. But what does it mean to be in a progressive school for, say, kindergarten? |
Anonymous
| Progressive does not mean fun and loving learning, and traditional does not mean it's a drag. |
Anonymous
| Progressive education is more experiential. You do and you learn. |
Anonymous
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This is interesting, I keep getting a different take on Lowell...some either say it is a little crazy, some describe it as loving, some say it is too flim-flam, some say brilliant. I know it is individual, but I keep seeing these opposing views.
ANYWAY, I have had lots of experience with St. Anselm's and it is one of the most unique schools out there...can totally foster a love of learning... |