Sending my kids to school this year felt a lot like the first day my oldest, Wren, went to kindergarten. I found my self anxious to get to her at the end of the day. To see her face. To know she was ok. This year, she started middle school.
Luckily, all three girls came home happy. They liked their teachers. They all had familiar faces and friends in their classes. I let out a sign of relief as we all fully launched into this new school year.
It wasn’t until this weekend that Adi started recounting some specifics about her first day in fifth grade. “We had this like 25 page science thing…We had to listen to it being read…it was so boring.”
“Were there questions to answer when it was over?” I asked, trying to make sense of what this “science thing” might be.
“Ms. G. said we could finish tomorrow. It was so long and SO boring,” she reminded me.
“You might have to get used to it,” I said. A look of horror spread across Adi’s face.
“What do you mean?”
“I think that might be your new reading program…”
“What new reading program?” she asked.
And so it begins. In February 2023, I wrote to process just what we stood to lose with all of the mandated reading programs becoming a reality in our state. The stakes felt high then. They feel even greater now as the programs are our new reality and we are left explaining to our kids why they will be subjected to this “science thing” that is so long and boring. Why their whole class will now be reading the same predetermined texts.
I’m trying hard to check my bias, as Sarah Valter recommended in her post ‘What if I’m Starting the Year with a New Program?”
It’s not easy.
Where There Is Joy 
Oof, it is so hard when you see your own children going through things you disagree with philosophically, Do you have the option to mpve them to your school?
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I could but there are so many things we value about them being part of their neighborhood school…we will have to continue to weigh the pros and cons.
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Sounds like you and your girls need to carve out some time for family read-aloud of INTERERSTING books! I recommend reading or rereading The Wild Robot and then heading to the movies on Sept. 27th to see the movie. YOU can still make reading exciting for your awesome girls, even if their school can’t.
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That is the plan. We’re currently finishing The City of Ember! The Wild Robot is an excellent recommendation! Thank you.
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What if the kids tell the decision-makers and followers? I’m actually not joking. I think we should talk.
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Let’s! They can use those persuasive writing skills…before they lose them.
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Melanie is on to something! What IF the kids spoke up (and started a movement of their own)?
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Jessica,
My heart hurts for your child, for all the children subjected to this bullsh*t, for the teachers who will surely have behavior problems to address. Don’t check your bias. Document your child’s response. Gather evidence to fight against this nonsense. 😩
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The year after I retired, my district piloted one of those types of reading programs. I taught a few lessons when I subbed after talking about them with the teacher (a friend of mine). The district adopted the program. It IS boring, boring, boring. I swear, is this another example of the “powers that be” trying to make public education fail?
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Exactly!
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Why can’t they trust teachers? We’re the ones in the trenches who know what our students need. Years ago my son’s class did writing according to a strict template. Years ago at my son’s school I pursued the stories the 3rd graders wrote about their summer vacations. One of the students had followed the canned essay formula, which of course made for a very strange narrative.
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Ugh, that really stinks. I hope it’s not TOO bad as the year goes on.
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My district and my daughter who teaches 3rd grade is in the same boat. It is a shame and such a waste of money, too. I hope their teachers can find a way to navigate this and still engage students. Good luck, Momma!
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Ooh – I remember that post & your incredibly valid concerns. I’ll tell you one way NOT to make a reader: bore them to death. Here’s hoping that it gets better – fast.
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It’s just so frustrating to watch all of this… I’m hoping it gets better… before I retire.
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