Also can we talk about PE lessons? I have always struggled with coordination and learning all the rules and really could not cope with competitive team sports such as hockey and netball and recently my daughter is the same. I’m all for a healthy lifestyle but I spent my school years and an embarrassingly long time after thinking that I just couldn’t do physical activity and I was therefore an ‘unhealthy person.’ I don’t want to go into all the issues about it that came with me into adulthood. Let’s just say PE lessons in school did me way more damage than good. It took me a long time to realise that walking and yoga are healthy choices and I can just enjoy them and if I trip over and lose my balance that doesn’t make me a failure. Of course if people love sport and want to do it that’s great but I feel that there should be options in school for people like me (and now my daughter) to go on a nature walk or do some gentle stretching instead. And don’t even get me started on the price of a PE kit for a child that doesn’t even enjoy it.
There’s so much to be said about PE. I was made to feel like I was terrible at it and I even remember PE teachers rolling their eyes at me. As an adult I’m like how can anyone be bad at exercise?! I’m not a yoga teacher and I hike mountains regularly. The damage PE can do in its current form is mind blowing.
I feel like you put all the thoughts in my head into words. I’m a burnt out teacher still looking for a way forward. I know back to hustling, striving for more and better isn’t one.
I agree so much on the criticism and the hopeful vision you paint here on the current education system. In Germany it’s just the same and the people in power seem to not care. There aren’t even any numbers recorded on teachers „leaving“ the profession in most regions.
I saw the signs in my colleagues and I saw them in my students. 2/3rds of these young people were struggling with mental and physical symptoms enough to „stick out“, the remaining were also very high functioning girls who might have a few decades until they’ll realise like me that this isn’t a way to live life fully.
I’m still learning to thrive and be present, I am grateful for all the security I’ve worked for until here but I am also aware of the open questions that are still there: most importantly what to do with this spark that got me into teaching, that makes me very good at working with people but also puts me at risk living in systems that dehumanise people and are slow to learn that success is something very different from what we’re taught from a young age.
I am inspired by your path (or what I know about it so far) and want to trust that we as humans can and will evolve towards real health and love.
Ulrike I love this so much, you already show so much bravery. I am sorry about your experience, and I hope that seeing the experience in others gives you some comfort. I still hold hope that the world can change for the better, I feel we are holding on to some very archaic systems at the moment, and although people say they are willing to change it isn't revolutionary. Know that you have so many skills that mean you can be of service, teachers are brilliant humans, truly brilliant and have so much to offer. Are you still teaching?
I took the leap this year and am lucky enough that I have been able to give myself a 3 month break from everything to pursue that tiny spark within me, it is likely that in January I will have to take some general work (not teaching) to get me by but I am willing to take that risk, I feel that the world responds to our courage.
I hope that different posts that come up here will help you to navigate the path ahead, that's my aim, to help people take the steps even if they are more kitten than lion at first. Everyday courage sometimes comes before courageous leaps.
There is a great speech from Ram Dass you might like called 'Sit around the fire' and it says this;
As if in each of us
There once was a fire
And for some of us
There seem as if there are only ashes now
But when we dig in the ashes
We find one ember
And very gently we fan that ember
Blow on it, it gets brighter
And from that ember we rebuild the fire
Only thing that's important is that ember
That's what you and I are here to celebrate
That though we've lived our life totally involved in the world
We know
We know that we're of the spirit
The ember gets stronger
Flame starts to flicker a bit
And pretty soon you realize that all we're going to do for eternity
Is sit around the fire.
Jon Hopkins has added some very beautiful music to this which you might be able to find on your music platform.
I am so glad you are here, and here's to evolving x
You’ve seen it from all angles haven’t you? I’ve really enjoyed reading your opinions. And so glad to find so many people that think the same, it’s moving and gives me hope change is possible!x
I was a middle school science teacher for five years, and it was so refreshing to hear your thoughts about the education system. While I walked away from the classroom in 2021, I am still recovering from the absolutely epic burnout that came from pushing my personal well-being aside in "service" to my students.
Ultimately I left because I felt like I was preparing my students for a world that wouldn't exist when they graduated. It is becoming less important to know the right answers and be compliant and more important to develop a strong sense of self, critical thinking, and adaptability to these wild times.
I miss being a teacher. In some ways, it will always be a part of me and I still look for ways to share my genuine love of learning. But I can't participate in the public school system ever again. It was out of alignment with who I am at my core. Out of all my friends who were in my education program in college, I can think of only two who are still in the classroom. I do wonder what it will take to catalyze real change for the next generation of students and teachers.
I do wonder what we are teaching our students when they see us absolutely exhausted, not having time to look after ourselves. We should be able to be role models.
"I felt like I was preparing my students for a world that wouldn't exist when they graduated" absolutely this. I think we are so missing the point with education right now, it is as if we have our hands over our ears to the world and keep doing the same thing. Such a great point.
I taught at a college for about 6 years before I decided academia wasn't for me. Part of it was the students.
I started right before "common core" only students were in my class.
They could think. They could critically assess. There was a greater "well-roundedness" to them.
And that changed. The ultra standardization led to students only being assessed on specific measures, which led to a formulaic approach geared toward higher scores on the federally mandated tests...
I loved your note earlier, and I agree. We have such an opportunity in school to teach so much more than we are. And yet, I still truly believe that a foundational and holistic education is important. A base knowledge of our world and how it works ultimately helps people choose what they want to do.
I wish there was a balance. Listen authentically to students about their interests and follow where their "wonder" takes them. Teach them a variety of skills (outside of the normal curriculum...). And ultimately impart a strong foundation about the world.
There is so much of this that I agree with Alexander. I am not sure what schools are trying to achieve by this standardization, and I worry that students think there are only certain routes that are acceptable. Here in the UK although there has been an increase in apprenticeships, the track to University is more widely offered and pushed, and I feel we are missing a trick, there are so many people who have their potential untapped by being forced into a specific route.
I so agree. Part of it is the construction of “education” by society, I think. Skilled trades through apprenticeship programs are equally valuable… and arguably are probably more valuable at this moment in time because of the severe shortage we have.
Yes, I totally agree about the push to go to university (speaking as someone who works in a uni haha) It is expected that if you are reaching certain grades you will go to university and very often other options like apprenticeships aren’t even given as an option.
More on topic and how it came together in my head… is that part of the burnout cure, at least in my opinion, is finding something that you love and are passionate about…
I agree with you about the burnout cure too! Don't worry I thought it was totally on topic, there is so much to discuss around this, it is a huge topic and I do love it when things divert too. Everything is connected. So appreciate your thoughts so thank you.
Anna, Anna, Anna, you have WHACKED the nail on the head with this one and I read this with much aggressive nodding and the occasional cry of "YES EXACTLY!!"
As an ex-primary school teacher this is something I feel incredibly passionate about and I just could not agree more with ALL your causes and cures. In fact I made the decision to leave the profession because of these things - I could feel myself becoming a teacher I didn't want to be, and doing/saying things I didn't agree with. In some ways I still feel guilty for letting down the kids who have no choice but to be there, but I just had to leave. You're absolutely right our education system has forgotten that kids are kids - they deserve joy, space to be curious, to make mistakes, to learn how to care for themselves and others, how to have and be a good friend, navigate conflict, figure out what they enjoy doing, what skills they'd like to learn or discover and explore any they might already have. Not be forced to spend hours sitting at a desk (from 5 years old 😵), be penalised if their tie isn't long enough and told they must study maths until age 18! It's insanity, we really do need such a radical change to the system. I could talk with you about this for hours! Thank you for sharing this, really important piece 💥
Ah Jess, I love this so much. So sorry for the delay in replying, last week was busier than expected. I resonate so much with what you said, when we set out as teachers I think we wanted to bring the joy, curiosity, help people to discover who they are. Although snippets of that remain it gets so dwarfed by all of the rules, exams, admin. I read an article in the newspaper a few days ago (which partly spurred my move away from watching/reading the news anymore), which was the horror people felt when reading the NEU’s response to the Curriculum Review. They were suggesting to cut the curriculum, remove SATs at year 6 and reconsider how we examine. The responses were that this would let children down?! That in someway this was because teachers and schools were lazy and wanted it easy. It is such a bizarre world we are living in, and I am not sure how we can turn it around, but I do believe the more of us that talk about this, the more likely it will be heard. Like you I could talk for hours on it! I hope we have this superpower where somehow we can help with all this!x
I couldn’t agree more. This was absolutely my school experience in the 1970’s and 80’s.
I wanted better for my own daughter. I had the privilege of sending her to a small private school which promised better. Until GCSE’s they were slightly less bad. But no way as good as their promises. I wanted to save her from this, to home educate, to protect her; but my own hustle culture job and my burnout made that impossible. She finally burned out severely at University. Age 28, she is finally beginning to recover.
I think it’s amazing that you tried to protect your daughter as much as you could Karyn. It really needs to change doesn’t it. And you hear so many stories like this it shouldn’t be happening. I’m praying to cause a stir with this one, even if it’s just a mini one!
You have made some great points in your article Anna. I am a support for learning assistant and teachers have so much to juggle, something needs to change.
I work in a primary school. The children have to work so hard and are pushed through the day every day. It can't go on this way. I'm undoing all the knots I got myself into from my school days and I'm 49
Claire your last statement is so true. Undoing the school knots from school days when we are adults. Absolutely and it shouldn’t be the case. I think that is what struck me the most, particular since I’ve moved to working in psychology research, how crucial what we teach is as the brain is developing. It forms the blueprint for the rest of our lives. The number of notes I’ve seen people write about how something at school convinced them they couldn’t write or do something they desperately wanted to do is high. Heartbreaking that this is also the case at primary school, I had hoped that was still protected.
I wholeheartedly agree Anna. My 2 girl’s secondary school is crushing them. They are both dyslexic and find the whole experience to be totally soul destroying. In fact, the year 10 and her fellow inmates have been treated to a pep talk assembly, warning them that from now on it gets serious and that basically nothing else matters. My poor daughter said “I don’t know how I’m going to make it to GCSE’s, Mum”.
I can’t help but wonder if the ADHD times we are experiencing are a direct result of an inflexible, skewed and outdated teaching system that expects children to sit still and concentrate for 60 minute lessons x 5 times a day and yes, if you are lagging behind, we’ll help by giving you even more.
I have recently decided to step my children off the mainstream treadmill in the hope we can restore some self belief, meaning and perspective to learning.
It breaks my heart hearing stories like this. The sad reality is is that schools are being driven by targets which drives these kind of assemblies. One of the things that made me really wake up was a few years ago when there was a boom in using cognitive psychology to support students learning. There was a lot of discussion around cognitive overload, everyone nodding, knowing we should break down our work into smaller chunks, but then when you step back you realise every child no matter what you do is cognitively overloaded every day. There is so much content and so many lessons it’s exhausting. I think we need to really step back and look at what it is we are trying to achieve. I completely agree with you, I don’t know that children should be sitting still and concentrating for 5 x 60 minutes a day? Well done for making the choice to step off the treadmill, I’m sure the girls are so relieved.
Such a vital discussion that needs to be had on a larger level! While COVID was a tragic time and full of different kinds of stresses, we had a beautiful opportunity to reimagine schools and the US education systems. We squandered that & seem to have doubled down on "traditional" or "by the book, keep it in its box" ways.
I truly mourn this loss. We didn't have to go back to what we were doing. There's a multitude of ways we can educate our youth. As a homeschooling mom, I am thankful to have the great privilege to utilize this freedom and creativity. ❤️
That is exactly what changed it for me too Shannon. The pandemic provided such an opportunity. It became clear what was necessary and what wasn’t and I was so disappointed when there was this rush back to normal. I truly believe there was a split in the population following the pandemic, those that were desperate to return to the status quo and those that became more awake to how our lives could change for the better. It encourages me to have conversations like these as I hope the latter will tip the balance eventually.
I think it’s so fantastic you’re home schooling. I’m sure it can be challenging at times but what a wonderful opportunity your children have ❤️
I agree with every bit of this, it's a conversation I have a lot with friends and family. Have you heard of a Future School? There is one in Horsham, Southern England. My friend's son attends - they start the day with meditation/mindfulness, they have nature Fridays, classes are small and informal, lessons are project based - so applying their skills, imagination and creativity to solve problems, and play is encouraged for all ages, climbing frames for everyone! They are taught entrepreneurial skills and finances. They are being prepared for a new world. Radical change is definitely needed in our education system.
Also can we talk about PE lessons? I have always struggled with coordination and learning all the rules and really could not cope with competitive team sports such as hockey and netball and recently my daughter is the same. I’m all for a healthy lifestyle but I spent my school years and an embarrassingly long time after thinking that I just couldn’t do physical activity and I was therefore an ‘unhealthy person.’ I don’t want to go into all the issues about it that came with me into adulthood. Let’s just say PE lessons in school did me way more damage than good. It took me a long time to realise that walking and yoga are healthy choices and I can just enjoy them and if I trip over and lose my balance that doesn’t make me a failure. Of course if people love sport and want to do it that’s great but I feel that there should be options in school for people like me (and now my daughter) to go on a nature walk or do some gentle stretching instead. And don’t even get me started on the price of a PE kit for a child that doesn’t even enjoy it.
There’s so much to be said about PE. I was made to feel like I was terrible at it and I even remember PE teachers rolling their eyes at me. As an adult I’m like how can anyone be bad at exercise?! I’m not a yoga teacher and I hike mountains regularly. The damage PE can do in its current form is mind blowing.
I had the same experience. I loved walking and would have happily spent every PE lesson doing that.
I feel like you put all the thoughts in my head into words. I’m a burnt out teacher still looking for a way forward. I know back to hustling, striving for more and better isn’t one.
I agree so much on the criticism and the hopeful vision you paint here on the current education system. In Germany it’s just the same and the people in power seem to not care. There aren’t even any numbers recorded on teachers „leaving“ the profession in most regions.
I saw the signs in my colleagues and I saw them in my students. 2/3rds of these young people were struggling with mental and physical symptoms enough to „stick out“, the remaining were also very high functioning girls who might have a few decades until they’ll realise like me that this isn’t a way to live life fully.
I’m still learning to thrive and be present, I am grateful for all the security I’ve worked for until here but I am also aware of the open questions that are still there: most importantly what to do with this spark that got me into teaching, that makes me very good at working with people but also puts me at risk living in systems that dehumanise people and are slow to learn that success is something very different from what we’re taught from a young age.
I am inspired by your path (or what I know about it so far) and want to trust that we as humans can and will evolve towards real health and love.
Ulrike I love this so much, you already show so much bravery. I am sorry about your experience, and I hope that seeing the experience in others gives you some comfort. I still hold hope that the world can change for the better, I feel we are holding on to some very archaic systems at the moment, and although people say they are willing to change it isn't revolutionary. Know that you have so many skills that mean you can be of service, teachers are brilliant humans, truly brilliant and have so much to offer. Are you still teaching?
I took the leap this year and am lucky enough that I have been able to give myself a 3 month break from everything to pursue that tiny spark within me, it is likely that in January I will have to take some general work (not teaching) to get me by but I am willing to take that risk, I feel that the world responds to our courage.
I hope that different posts that come up here will help you to navigate the path ahead, that's my aim, to help people take the steps even if they are more kitten than lion at first. Everyday courage sometimes comes before courageous leaps.
There is a great speech from Ram Dass you might like called 'Sit around the fire' and it says this;
As if in each of us
There once was a fire
And for some of us
There seem as if there are only ashes now
But when we dig in the ashes
We find one ember
And very gently we fan that ember
Blow on it, it gets brighter
And from that ember we rebuild the fire
Only thing that's important is that ember
That's what you and I are here to celebrate
That though we've lived our life totally involved in the world
We know
We know that we're of the spirit
The ember gets stronger
Flame starts to flicker a bit
And pretty soon you realize that all we're going to do for eternity
Is sit around the fire.
Jon Hopkins has added some very beautiful music to this which you might be able to find on your music platform.
I am so glad you are here, and here's to evolving x
Excellent essay on a very important topic Anna. 👏 Teacher burnout is at similar levels (>50%) as the more publicized health professions.
The "systems" that drive burnout often flow from our CULTURE. Here is something I wrote about that in case you're interested.
(BTW: your decision to leave a system that was burning you out is, I believe, the correct one)
https://bairdbrightman.substack.com/p/stress-culture?utm_source=publication-search
Thank you so much, this looks like such a interesting article. I have added it to my weekend reading list!
I agree with all of this as does my 13 year-old daughter who I just read it with & I think that says it all!
Oh my goodness Laura, if that doesn’t confirm everything, wow. We so need to change.
I agree, but liking your comment seems wrong, I hate that your daughter is experiencing this x
Wow Wow Wow Anna Rose!
You are me 🫂
I’m on a mission to take the problem right back to its roots; the early years (0 to 4) and how this is currently approached in the UK.
I worked my way up through “the system” as I witnessed my twins growing up and soon become a part of it too;
volunteer reading support,
LSA, SNA, nurture group support,
undergraduate, trainee teacher, NQT,
10 years Childminding from home,
30 months homeschooling my 2 younger boys through 2020 and beyond,
forest school nursery teacher (close to 2 years)…
I know first hand, from EVERY angle, how 💩 it really is.
It desperately needs to evolve into something meaningful and worthwhile 😔
Would love to chat! x
You’ve seen it from all angles haven’t you? I’ve really enjoyed reading your opinions. And so glad to find so many people that think the same, it’s moving and gives me hope change is possible!x
I was a middle school science teacher for five years, and it was so refreshing to hear your thoughts about the education system. While I walked away from the classroom in 2021, I am still recovering from the absolutely epic burnout that came from pushing my personal well-being aside in "service" to my students.
Ultimately I left because I felt like I was preparing my students for a world that wouldn't exist when they graduated. It is becoming less important to know the right answers and be compliant and more important to develop a strong sense of self, critical thinking, and adaptability to these wild times.
I miss being a teacher. In some ways, it will always be a part of me and I still look for ways to share my genuine love of learning. But I can't participate in the public school system ever again. It was out of alignment with who I am at my core. Out of all my friends who were in my education program in college, I can think of only two who are still in the classroom. I do wonder what it will take to catalyze real change for the next generation of students and teachers.
I do wonder what we are teaching our students when they see us absolutely exhausted, not having time to look after ourselves. We should be able to be role models.
"I felt like I was preparing my students for a world that wouldn't exist when they graduated" absolutely this. I think we are so missing the point with education right now, it is as if we have our hands over our ears to the world and keep doing the same thing. Such a great point.
“I was preparing my students for a world that wouldn't exist”… exactly this!! 🤗
A thought provoking article.
I taught at a college for about 6 years before I decided academia wasn't for me. Part of it was the students.
I started right before "common core" only students were in my class.
They could think. They could critically assess. There was a greater "well-roundedness" to them.
And that changed. The ultra standardization led to students only being assessed on specific measures, which led to a formulaic approach geared toward higher scores on the federally mandated tests...
I loved your note earlier, and I agree. We have such an opportunity in school to teach so much more than we are. And yet, I still truly believe that a foundational and holistic education is important. A base knowledge of our world and how it works ultimately helps people choose what they want to do.
I wish there was a balance. Listen authentically to students about their interests and follow where their "wonder" takes them. Teach them a variety of skills (outside of the normal curriculum...). And ultimately impart a strong foundation about the world.
But that is just me.
There is so much of this that I agree with Alexander. I am not sure what schools are trying to achieve by this standardization, and I worry that students think there are only certain routes that are acceptable. Here in the UK although there has been an increase in apprenticeships, the track to University is more widely offered and pushed, and I feel we are missing a trick, there are so many people who have their potential untapped by being forced into a specific route.
I so agree. Part of it is the construction of “education” by society, I think. Skilled trades through apprenticeship programs are equally valuable… and arguably are probably more valuable at this moment in time because of the severe shortage we have.
Yes I love that. The construction of education by society. If I had my way everything would be an apprenticeship….
Yes, I totally agree about the push to go to university (speaking as someone who works in a uni haha) It is expected that if you are reaching certain grades you will go to university and very often other options like apprenticeships aren’t even given as an option.
I often wonder why we aren’t encouraging other routes, and find that students potential elsewhere. It’s puzzling to me!
Also, I realize this is a tad off topic haha.
More on topic and how it came together in my head… is that part of the burnout cure, at least in my opinion, is finding something that you love and are passionate about…
I agree with you about the burnout cure too! Don't worry I thought it was totally on topic, there is so much to discuss around this, it is a huge topic and I do love it when things divert too. Everything is connected. So appreciate your thoughts so thank you.
Anna, Anna, Anna, you have WHACKED the nail on the head with this one and I read this with much aggressive nodding and the occasional cry of "YES EXACTLY!!"
As an ex-primary school teacher this is something I feel incredibly passionate about and I just could not agree more with ALL your causes and cures. In fact I made the decision to leave the profession because of these things - I could feel myself becoming a teacher I didn't want to be, and doing/saying things I didn't agree with. In some ways I still feel guilty for letting down the kids who have no choice but to be there, but I just had to leave. You're absolutely right our education system has forgotten that kids are kids - they deserve joy, space to be curious, to make mistakes, to learn how to care for themselves and others, how to have and be a good friend, navigate conflict, figure out what they enjoy doing, what skills they'd like to learn or discover and explore any they might already have. Not be forced to spend hours sitting at a desk (from 5 years old 😵), be penalised if their tie isn't long enough and told they must study maths until age 18! It's insanity, we really do need such a radical change to the system. I could talk with you about this for hours! Thank you for sharing this, really important piece 💥
- Jess
Ah Jess, I love this so much. So sorry for the delay in replying, last week was busier than expected. I resonate so much with what you said, when we set out as teachers I think we wanted to bring the joy, curiosity, help people to discover who they are. Although snippets of that remain it gets so dwarfed by all of the rules, exams, admin. I read an article in the newspaper a few days ago (which partly spurred my move away from watching/reading the news anymore), which was the horror people felt when reading the NEU’s response to the Curriculum Review. They were suggesting to cut the curriculum, remove SATs at year 6 and reconsider how we examine. The responses were that this would let children down?! That in someway this was because teachers and schools were lazy and wanted it easy. It is such a bizarre world we are living in, and I am not sure how we can turn it around, but I do believe the more of us that talk about this, the more likely it will be heard. Like you I could talk for hours on it! I hope we have this superpower where somehow we can help with all this!x
I couldn’t agree more. This was absolutely my school experience in the 1970’s and 80’s.
I wanted better for my own daughter. I had the privilege of sending her to a small private school which promised better. Until GCSE’s they were slightly less bad. But no way as good as their promises. I wanted to save her from this, to home educate, to protect her; but my own hustle culture job and my burnout made that impossible. She finally burned out severely at University. Age 28, she is finally beginning to recover.
I think it’s amazing that you tried to protect your daughter as much as you could Karyn. It really needs to change doesn’t it. And you hear so many stories like this it shouldn’t be happening. I’m praying to cause a stir with this one, even if it’s just a mini one!
You have made some great points in your article Anna. I am a support for learning assistant and teachers have so much to juggle, something needs to change.
💯 and as a learning assistant you get to see how certain students may or may not struggle. The role is so vital and we need more of them!
💯
I work in a primary school. The children have to work so hard and are pushed through the day every day. It can't go on this way. I'm undoing all the knots I got myself into from my school days and I'm 49
Claire your last statement is so true. Undoing the school knots from school days when we are adults. Absolutely and it shouldn’t be the case. I think that is what struck me the most, particular since I’ve moved to working in psychology research, how crucial what we teach is as the brain is developing. It forms the blueprint for the rest of our lives. The number of notes I’ve seen people write about how something at school convinced them they couldn’t write or do something they desperately wanted to do is high. Heartbreaking that this is also the case at primary school, I had hoped that was still protected.
Hear hear! 🙌
Thanks David ✨
I wholeheartedly agree Anna. My 2 girl’s secondary school is crushing them. They are both dyslexic and find the whole experience to be totally soul destroying. In fact, the year 10 and her fellow inmates have been treated to a pep talk assembly, warning them that from now on it gets serious and that basically nothing else matters. My poor daughter said “I don’t know how I’m going to make it to GCSE’s, Mum”.
I can’t help but wonder if the ADHD times we are experiencing are a direct result of an inflexible, skewed and outdated teaching system that expects children to sit still and concentrate for 60 minute lessons x 5 times a day and yes, if you are lagging behind, we’ll help by giving you even more.
I have recently decided to step my children off the mainstream treadmill in the hope we can restore some self belief, meaning and perspective to learning.
It breaks my heart hearing stories like this. The sad reality is is that schools are being driven by targets which drives these kind of assemblies. One of the things that made me really wake up was a few years ago when there was a boom in using cognitive psychology to support students learning. There was a lot of discussion around cognitive overload, everyone nodding, knowing we should break down our work into smaller chunks, but then when you step back you realise every child no matter what you do is cognitively overloaded every day. There is so much content and so many lessons it’s exhausting. I think we need to really step back and look at what it is we are trying to achieve. I completely agree with you, I don’t know that children should be sitting still and concentrating for 5 x 60 minutes a day? Well done for making the choice to step off the treadmill, I’m sure the girls are so relieved.
Such a vital discussion that needs to be had on a larger level! While COVID was a tragic time and full of different kinds of stresses, we had a beautiful opportunity to reimagine schools and the US education systems. We squandered that & seem to have doubled down on "traditional" or "by the book, keep it in its box" ways.
I truly mourn this loss. We didn't have to go back to what we were doing. There's a multitude of ways we can educate our youth. As a homeschooling mom, I am thankful to have the great privilege to utilize this freedom and creativity. ❤️
That is exactly what changed it for me too Shannon. The pandemic provided such an opportunity. It became clear what was necessary and what wasn’t and I was so disappointed when there was this rush back to normal. I truly believe there was a split in the population following the pandemic, those that were desperate to return to the status quo and those that became more awake to how our lives could change for the better. It encourages me to have conversations like these as I hope the latter will tip the balance eventually.
I think it’s so fantastic you’re home schooling. I’m sure it can be challenging at times but what a wonderful opportunity your children have ❤️
I agree with every bit of this, it's a conversation I have a lot with friends and family. Have you heard of a Future School? There is one in Horsham, Southern England. My friend's son attends - they start the day with meditation/mindfulness, they have nature Fridays, classes are small and informal, lessons are project based - so applying their skills, imagination and creativity to solve problems, and play is encouraged for all ages, climbing frames for everyone! They are taught entrepreneurial skills and finances. They are being prepared for a new world. Radical change is definitely needed in our education system.
https://www.atelier21schools.co.uk/