English at Schools

[XRchic]

I think some people are under the impression that people are "having a go" at teachers in this thread. I would like to point out, that I for one, was most definitely NOT! I think I stated that at least once myself, and I have not seen anyone else in here doing that either - analysing the capabilities of teachers today is a fair thing to do, and in our society, required. As a parent I will always analyse the capabilities of the people who teach my children, and importantly, analyse them in the context of the current education system, policies and politics generally. There is no blame to be attached to any individual I dont think, teacher or otherwise. It is a range of things combined. And analyse them I will, as the education of my children is important.

If calling it as I see it makes me on a "high horse" then so be it. I would rather be aware and be able to make a judgement regarding what is best for my kids than remain happy in my ignorance.

I also note that a few have commented that parents have escaped responsibility in this thread. I disagree with that also. I did point out that indeed parents have a massive responsibility towards the education of their children. That is connected to the point above, in that parents SHOULD analyse, question and examine the education system their children are involved in and make decisions on that basis. It is a poor parent who does not make judgements about those issues.

I also think parents are responsible for their kids' futures in many ways. I think parents need to make sure their kids attend school, make sure they do their homework, and help them with it. Parents need to make sure their kids read at home - my kids read to each other, read to us and they also now read to their baby brother who is 10 months old today, and who loves being read to. Parents need to encourage their children to love books - not just reading, but reading real books. Get to know what interests them, what they love to learn about and what they want to read about. My son loves reading about science, astronomy and generally non fiction books. My daughter loves fantasy, dragons and books on animals.

Only last weekend we went on a family trip to the local book shop and put a $500 labyby on - there were a few books on the solar system, a big atlas of the universe, one on the big bang theory, a book about weather, a book about exotic cats, a fantasy novel, a set of books on wizards, demons, dragons, pirates and something else I cant remember, a book about the theories and science behind the show CSI, the Guiness World Records 2007 and Ripleys Believe it or Not. I think there were others. Quite a bizarre range, but they love them. Most of the books are home now, and they have taken them all out to show their friends in the street and some of their mates think they are strange, and some find the books equally fascinating.

We just have one big family book case where we have a huge variety of books for everyone and they are well worn. My kids love reading them, and my baby son will too. I think this is something important that a parent can do... teach them to love reading. I cant stress enough how important that is for kids these days, not only for literacy but for general knowledge education and its just food for their brains.

So yes, I absolutely agree that parents are responsible for their kids learning, in so many ways, but I think a good parent should always question the education system too, as long as it is fair.

This post may, as I said, make me seem like I am on a high horse and if people choose to think that, so be it. Im sorry if I dont want my children to end up spelling and writing like some Ive seen on here, that may seem elitist and judgemental. But at the end of the day, my kids are my priority and I want them to experience life, learn about lots of things, experience the wonder of learning new and amazing facts and just want to keep on learning....

Sorry this is a bit long too, but it is something I believe in. I wont necessarily succeed in my hopes for my kids, but I can try and that's all a parent can do really.