Having missed a year of American elementary school while we were in Turkey, I can see a big difference between controlled second grade and free-wheeling fourth grade. My son and his classmates are developing tremendous self-discipline. They work on their own for long stretches of time, on multi-step projects. For example, the nine-years-olds are creating Powerpoint shows: researching topics online, downloading photos, making slides that often incorportate fancy backgrounds, fonts and transitions. They help each other. But a few kids are distracted and may be left behind without intervention or help with organizational skills.
I am astounded that so many of the kids, including my son, do well, when at home a simple list of get dressed, make your bed, and brush your teeth can’t be followed. It’s all about expectations.
(photo: inside of kid’s desk)
2 comments:
Oh, how I relate to this since we left after the 2nd and returned to the 4th. But the best part of the post was the scene at home. Were you writing about our house?
Hi Jane,
Glad to know you're in the same boat. Makes for stressful mornings, doesn't it? Our neighbors must think we picked up Turkish and Italian yelling techniques...
Keep on smiling!
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