Anonymous
Post 05/03/2012 00:22     Subject: Eaton or Mundo Verde for PK - 4?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:It is not just Eaton, there are plenty of "old school" teachers in DC with this attitude (haven't changed much since my childhood!). We left a school because I didn't like the fact my son and other boys in the class were always labeled as having behavior problems and the "traditional" approach to classroom management and teaching. I don't think 3 and 4 yr olds period can sit and pay attention for long periods of time and there is research that boys need to move around. My son is doing well at another school that takes a projects-based approach and allows kids to move around, sit on the carpet, etc.


We are at Eaton and yes our K son had some issues at the beginning but is doing quite well right now. We also had the same experience in both PK3 and PK 4 at Appletree. I don't really see it as an issue of sitting or paying attention, my son always could if he cared about the subject. The problem I see in the early grades is that too much of it is social education and the boys especially don't care. Once they started doing science units my son's issues disappeared. Frankly this is an American education problem for all genders our boys are just the canary.


At Mundo Verde, the "science units" start early and continue throughout the year. That is the beauty of having an expeditionary model with a sustainability focus. So far the kids have explored the human body, ants, the water cycle, and plants, among other things. Every class is always focussing on some type of science.
Anonymous
Post 05/02/2012 22:16     Subject: Eaton or Mundo Verde for PK - 4?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Eaton without a doubt for all the reasons previously listed. Well-established and well-functioning DCPS trumps a new charter any day.


There's a former Eaton family at IT. Different strokes for different folks. Thinking the different educational philosophies make a difference (DCPS vs charter).


I know at least 4 families that left Eaton for IT. Various reasons but common ones were weak teachers and discipline (not sure about boys vs girls).
Anonymous
Post 05/01/2012 19:49     Subject: Eaton or Mundo Verde for PK - 4?
Anonymous wrote:It is not just Eaton, there are plenty of "old school" teachers in DC with this attitude (haven't changed much since my childhood!). We left a school because I didn't like the fact my son and other boys in the class were always labeled as having behavior problems and the "traditional" approach to classroom management and teaching. I don't think 3 and 4 yr olds period can sit and pay attention for long periods of time and there is research that boys need to move around. My son is doing well at another school that takes a projects-based approach and allows kids to move around, sit on the carpet, etc.


We are at Eaton and yes our K son had some issues at the beginning but is doing quite well right now. We also had the same experience in both PK3 and PK 4 at Appletree. I don't really see it as an issue of sitting or paying attention, my son always could if he cared about the subject. The problem I see in the early grades is that too much of it is social education and the boys especially don't care. Once they started doing science units my son's issues disappeared. Frankly this is an American education problem for all genders our boys are just the canary.
Anonymous
Post 05/01/2012 16:17     Subject: Eaton or Mundo Verde for PK - 4?
Anonymous wrote:Op here. Yes, it's very important, plus my DC is already learning Spanish and I'd definitely like her to continue on that track. Plus, I really thing MV would be a good match personality wise.


PP here who said that Eaton would be my choice for various reasons (2nd language not a priority, established program is, etc.). I also said to each his own because we all prioritize things differently and OP, I encourage you to listen to yourself here. Go with your instincts...if you think MV will be a good match and foreign language is important to your family then go for it! While the lottery can make us all crazy we should all appreciate the varied choices we have for our children in DC. If only it were easy to get into a program once you KNOW what the best program for your child is!
Anonymous
Post 05/01/2012 15:27     Subject: Eaton or Mundo Verde for PK - 4?
Op here. Yes, it's very important, plus my DC is already learning Spanish and I'd definitely like her to continue on that track. Plus, I really thing MV would be a good match personality wise.
Anonymous
Post 05/01/2012 15:03     Subject: Eaton or Mundo Verde for PK - 4?
Is bilingual education important to you? That's huge for me. I really want my children to have the gift of a second language.