I guess the column I wrote about school supplies hit some nerves, brought back some memories and just plain irritated some people. With all the input I received, you can bet I also heard some other stories relating to the way school is "nowadays".
Now brace yourself (this includes my generation and older) because some of this stuff is downright bizarre.
One of the comments made to me concerned the school activities. I took particular note of this because when we moved here from Estevan 19 years ago, I was fascinated that there was no Track and Field Day, just a Play Day. When I was growing up (yes, I know, maaaaaaany years ago), we took Track and Field Day to heart. We trained diligently, went to the school grounds after supper to practice long jump and got our older siblings to help with any "tricks of the trade". After the school track day, there was inter-school (within the separate school system) track day, inter-city track day (all the schools), then Estevan against Weyburn and then provincials, etc. How do we nurture our children to be "athletes", if what we have is "Play Day"?
I understand that these activities aren't for everyone but when I went to school, there was a wide range and usually you found your niche in one of them. If you weren?t any good at running, you bet that you could throw a ball a mile. Apparently at the play days now, they have a very physical activity called bubble gum chewing. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Honestly, they have a bubble gum chewing station at which the kids get a piece of bubble gum, chew it, make a bubble, spit it out and move on to the next "activity" (I say this word lightly). How ridiculous is this?
Please don't get me going. We now have "bound ball" in our school systems. I know, have a seat, I'm only getting started. Apparently we don't want little Johnny (don't phone me if your son?s name is John because my hubby is already at the front of the line) to feel left out if he sucks at volleyball so we'll call it bound ball so everyone is happy. There is no net, no score and heaven forbid, no winners or losers. You actually let the ball bounce before you hit it. WHAT???!!! If we don't teach our kids how to win and lose gracefully, how are they going to function when they get out into the real world? I have to stop here on this subject as smoke is coming out of my ears, I'm sure.
The second comment I heard, that I thought was interesting, was the amount of homework the kids are bringing home. Now this varies (according to my own survey) as some of the parents I talk to, said their children NEVER have homework. The big beef on the side of the spectrum, is that they are in school all day and do things like watch movies, have play days, watch more movies and yet never do in-school work. They send it home and expect the parents to muddle through it with their kids. Apparently you used to be taught how to tie your shoes in school. Yes, you had an actual half hour to one hour session each day until everyone in grade one (or kindergarten) knew how to tie their shoes. I think that's terrific. It taught togetherness, accomplishment and most of all.....how to tie your shoes! Now the kids are asked to bring white-soled shoes, preferably velcro, to school. Once again....ARE YOU KIDDING ME? That may be the reason you see so many kids with shoes two sizes too big because they are 12 AND CAN'T TIE THEIR SHOES!! It's easier to buy them bigger, already laced-up runners and then the kids can just slide their shoes on and off.
After all these conversations with parents, I think maybe it's time we implement classes such as Manners 101, Etiquette 101 and yes, even How To Dress for Your Age 101 (and not like a floozy - oh my, did I really use that word? My Mom would be proud). Hopefully with some of these parents "venting" through my column, the powers that be will sit up and take notice. With the increase of social networking the kids are losing their sense of co-operation, compassion and definitely communication. Facebook and cell phones have robbed our children the ability to realize breaking up with someone or fighting with someone over the computer or phone isn't proper. They can't see the emotion created on the other end, whether it be tears, anger or laughing, they are not dealing with this person face to face and that alone is causing trouble all over the globe. It's very sad but not uncontrollable. Come on parents, teachers, friends, co-workers! Let's not sweep this under the carpet. It's happening!
With a final comment, I don't want you school officials, teachers and parents to send me hate mail. Remember positive input helps everyone and besides, I think the old saying goes...."don't shoot the messenger"!
Maxine's Advice: With the announcement of a November election, I found one of Maxine's saying quite fitting. "How's this for a political platform....don't lie through your teeth! Good one Maxine...we'll see!
Pet peeve of the week: People, young and old, with 500 to 1000 Facebook friends (even 300 bugs me). Honestly, it's not a competition. You never knew (and definitely never kept in touch with) that many people before Facebook. Why now? If this person, does not enrich your life somehow, don't add them as a friend. It's not a popularity contest.
Maybe that's just me...let me know what you think!
