However, in preparing for this, I've been reminded again of how ironic in a way it was that I bought the book Rethinking School - How to Take Charge of Your Child's Education late last year. I thought it would be helpful as my first born was soon to enter his first year of school and a mum I admire had recommended it.
As 2020 has played out, it’s been a book I reflect on often and most importantly have taken empowerment from.
Sure, my son’s only in kinder but I like to be proactive and have resources handy to dip into when we need :) Plus, we’re the kind of family that likes to mix things up! Who knows what school will look like next year or in 5 years for our kids.
One of my favourite paras from one of my dog-eared pages reads as follows:
“Some children respond to our educational matrix with This is my natural home. But there’s a whole range of mismatches between that matrix and the rest of the actual human beings who are funnelled into it. Just past I’m good at school, we find I can do this, it’s just boring, progress through I can do some of this, but other parts of it are a complete mystery to me, continue on to If I grit my teeth I can probably squeak by, and end with I am stupid. I can’t do this. It’s just unending torture that I can’t get out of until I graduate.
If your child falls anywhere on this mismatch spectrum, there’s a very good chance that the problem is school, not your child,” (p.7 Rethinking School, Susan Wise Bauer). Yes! Yes! Yes!
Some of my favourite chapters are:
- The Three Biggest Myths About School
- You Can't Make the Earth Go Around the Sun Faster (Why Age = Grade)
- The Perils of the Gifted and the Good
- Basic Principles (Or, How Not to Be 'THAT' Parent) ;D
- The Child's Vision
- Radical Alternatives.
What resources have you found helpful during the schooling years?
To find out more about this book, here are some direct links for you to the stores I regularly buy books from:
Book Depository - free shipping worldwide - my favourite!
Amazon USA
Amazon AU
If you're in the schooling years or are a teacher and would like some extra resources on hand so you can be even more proactive and empowered when it comes to all things school, send me a message. I'd love to chat with you. Or join my free Proactive & Empowered Healthy Women group on Facebook.
