#7

Blog #7 Standards


Testing- I have such mixed feelings on. A test on a subject after they have spent some time on it I feel is very useful. It tells you if the kids understand what they just learned. It gives the teacher the opportunity to spend more time on the subject.

However when I was helping out in 3rd grade it was stressful for the teachers because they have to teach the children topics that most of the children weren't ready for. In which case it became stressful for the teacher and frustrating for the students. Which doesn't help anyone learn

My neighbor and good friend teaches 3rd grade and she hates all the testing. It isn't fun and she feels frustrated because she would like class to be a relaxed fun learning environment so she can teach and kids can be creative in learning. 3rd grade is such a hard year for children. They either make it through or they have to go to "special" classes because they didn't understand.  Because of the No Child Left Behind kids get labels and are sent to the "special" class. Kids can be cruel to each other. Along with the No Child Left Behind program schools are now having to hire more Special ED teachers or Reading teachers to help the kids who don't understand.  If teachers weren't so focused on all the testing they have to do at the end of the year they could use that time to  help the students who need it, instead of sending them to a "special" class.

Schools are forcing the kids to learn at a faster rate. Going to kindergarten already knowing the alphabet and counting to 100. Why? I think grown ups have turned out just fine. Maybe I don't understand why they are forcing so much on kids and at a faster rate. I definitely think there should be a core curriculum that is age appropriate. But I see it all the time on social media, how come kids aren't outside playing like we did as kids? Think about it. I don't remember all the homework when I was in 3rd grade, because we didn't have it. We were outside playing and exploring. Now our kids are inside when they get home from school doing homework and practicing for tests, and by the time they are done its dark outside so what can they do...play video games or watch TV. I want my kids to be challenged but I also think they need a childhood.  Happy children make better learners.