Are schools failing our boys?

[acommondisaster]

Only read the quote, not the article -

Anyone want to explain to me how we've had ANY successful men in generations past? Because as far as I know, "The rules and restrictions of school – Sit Still. Be Quiet. Do What You Are Told, Nothing More, Nothing Less" were pretty much the accepted rules in school prior to this Unique Snowflake generation.

AFAIC, one of school's lessons is that you can't always have it your way, that it isn't all about you and what you want and how you want it and sometimes, you're just going to have to put away the phone or the tablet with all the apps and listen quietly to a carbon based unit (HUMAN) for a few hours.

And now, back to the off topic of Larry's dating life .....

 

[inkah]

"Someone's son I know" got in trouble in elementary school "once" and I had the privilege of going in for a chat. During that chat, I asked to observe the disciplinary tactic. At first glance, it seemed mild since the reality was that the handful of boys in the room probably really did need a little spanking (followed by a HUGE hug). It was a VERY small, crowded room with visual stimulus ALL. OVER. THE. PLACE. They were elem boys, but each was quickly outgrowing the tiny table and chairs they were sitting at. About 7 of the rowdiest boys in 2nd grade was squished into the space and in front of each was a blank paper and pencil. Each was instructed to identify a feeling and write it on the paper. I am not even sure they knew what "feelings" were, let alone how to identify and then spell them out. The "disciplinarian" was older, tender and pretty impatient with her set of naughty boys. She spent most of her time trying to get them to actually write with the pencils instead of poke each other with them, all the while scolding them for their sins (my so...er....the kid I heard of... had decided to use the bathroom w/o permission instead of pee his pants in front of the class - not that the sweet little cupcake hadn't committed his fair share of true grievances, mind you!).

My opinion was that the world would have been MUCH BETTER served if those little boys had been taken out to the edge of the playground and "forced" to race it out. They would have run, someone would win, they would heckle each other some, brag about their skills a LOT and would have gone back to the class a wee bit tired and much more docile.

Those boys are now half grown. Most of them started smoking weed in order to comply with the educational system demands that they chill (ok, ok, maybe there are other issues too, but this is about school). Dear God, I hope none of them ever discovers crack or heroin when they decide they want to wake back up and participate in something.

I DESPISE what schools (especially public elementary schools) have been doing to little boys.

 

[vraiblonde]

When I was in elementary school, recess usually came right about the time we were all acting like animals. Occasionally we'd have two recesses. Not sure how it works nowadays but my impression is that everything is more structured and teachers don't have the option of going, "Okay, you know what? You guys are getting wild and stupid, so put your things away and let's hit the playground for a quick game of kick ball."

But we also played dodgeball and other games designed to settle grievances, so there was less nonsense in the classroom.

 

[pebbles]

When I was in elementary school, recess usually came right about the time we were all acting like animals. Occasionally we'd have two recesses. Not sure how it works nowadays but my impression is that everything is more structured and teachers don't have the option of going, "Okay, you know what? You guys are getting wild and stupid, so put your things away and let's hit the playground for a quick game of kick ball."

But we also played dodgeball and other games designed to settle grievances, so there was less nonsense in the classroom.

Dodgeball? Are you insane?!?! Someone might get hurt! & everything HAS to be fair because we don't want anyone to get their little feelings hurt!

 

[libertytyranny]

I agree with the article. School has shifted to include so much more seat time than in days past. Add that to the fact that most kids do not get the physical exercise that children did in the past makes for a very restless generation. Think about it. Back in the day the 6 hours or so at school was bracketed with morning and afternoon chores, farm work, housework. With lots of free play in between. They could sit still for a few hours because it was a respite from the activity. Now an average elementary kid gets right up, has a sugar filled breakfast, gets driven the 1/4 mile to the bus stop, sits for 6 hours with a 15 min recess break, loads the bus, gets driven the 1/4 mile home where they watch tv or do endless hours of busy work homework until bed. If they are LUCKY kids they get to go to an hour of soccer practice once or twice a week. And we wonder why kids are obese and hyperactive and have attention issues. They are bombarded with sugar and carbs and constant stimulation in the form of tv, video games and computer screens then told to sit for hours with very little physical movement.


And it is generally worse for boys. However, my daughter is extremely active. She's a do-er, a worker. she likes to be active and make things. She's not yet even 4 and loves to watch "how its made" and replicate the machines with her toys and things she's found in the house. That's the kind of kid she is. She is going to have the same issues in school no doubt. I love her school now as they go out rain or shine, hot or cold. She plays in muddy puddles and comes home crazy filthy. She told me all about the water cycle the other day..which she learned about while jumping in muddy puddles. There is no reason that sort of play and learning cannot be incorporated into public school. Activity, playing, learning from something other than gluing popsicle sticks and worksheets. Especially for the younger ones. But schools are now too focused on test scores and feeding everyone whole grains that they can't see the forest for the trees and I think its sad.

 

[Monello]

My opinion was that the world would have been MUCH BETTER served if those little boys had been taken out to the edge of the playground and "forced" to race it out. They would have run, someone would win, they would heckle each other some, brag about their skills a LOT and would have gone back to the class a wee bit tired and much more docile.

My son had a male gym teacher as lunch monitor in elementary school. He'd line the boys up and pass the football to them. He made them all 'go long' every play then he'd heave the ball as far as he could. Then the whole gaggle of kids would have to run back and do it again. When I spoke with the classroom teacher she mentioned how unruly the kids were on days when it rained and they couldn't go outside after eating lunch. It was no coincidence that classroom behavior improved with some physical exertion. It was enough for the teacher to notice the difference and comment about it.