Dear Educator,
Though we haven’t met yet, our paths will cross soon, and I wanted to take a moment to reach out. I must confess upfront that I might be one of those parents who tends to check in a bit too often, perhaps even bordering on overprotective.
My background may give me a different perspective on education. I’ve spent years teaching children in our hometown and now find myself training future educators in a distant city. This experience has equipped me with insights about modern classrooms and the evolving educational landscape.
I also teach university courses that delve into educational policy and psychology, and I have to say, there’s often a disconnect between what research shows about how children learn and what policies dictate in schools. Neuroscience indicates that every brain is unique, which begs the question: why are we trying to fit all children into the same mold?
This brings me to the purpose of my letter. I know that part of your responsibilities includes ensuring that my son can “write numbers from 0 to 20” as set forth by state and federal requirements. While he can count to 10—especially when it involves his favorite game—he struggles with numbers beyond that, though he is excited to learn more!
Honestly, I’m not overly concerned if he doesn’t leave your class able to write up to 20. He is only five, and we even considered delaying his start because kindergarten has evolved into what used to be first grade. His summer birthday makes him one of the younger kids in the class.
I do have some reservations about the expectation for him to “explore digital tools to produce and publish writing.” Here’s the thing: he can’t write yet. It’s worth noting that some countries don’t introduce reading and writing until children are seven years old. Perhaps there’s merit in that slower approach, especially considering the significant developmental shifts occurring in a five-year-old’s brain.
If it were up to me, I’d prefer a more hands-on approach rather than standardized tests for my son. In fact, I’m exploring the possibility of opting him out of high-stakes testing altogether. The Fourth Amendment might protect us from unreasonable search and seizure, and I believe that a testing schedule that stretches over 40 days could be seen as excessive.
This summer, we received a list of sight words to teach him before school, which, I must admit, we didn’t get to. Instead, we built a robot out of a large box, transformed our living room into a Lego fortress, and spent plenty of time outside enjoying the sunshine. While I recognize the importance of those sight words, I believe children benefit more from engaging in meaningful experiences that cultivate their curiosity and creativity.
As for what I hope he learns this year, my wish list is straightforward. I want him to be a little kinder, braver, and more compassionate by the year’s end. I know how competitive the environment can be, and I want him to feel proud of his progress without comparing himself to others.
It would be fantastic if he could also develop perseverance, impulse control, and resilience during this time. These qualities will serve him far better in life than mere proficiency in mathematics.
Most crucially, I want him to leave your class with a love for learning. If he walks away with that, you will have succeeded in your role, and I will forever be grateful. Right now, he’s eager to learn and discover how the world works, and I hope to help you maintain that enthusiasm despite any pressures you may face.
I am here to support you in any way I can. If you need materials for learning centers, counting blocks, or supplies for creative projects, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I believe it’s vital for all children in the classroom to have enriching experiences that foster their interest in learning. After all, we want to avoid raising a generation of uninspired individuals.
As we embark on this journey, I want to emphasize that I truly appreciate your role in shaping the future of our children. Please let me know how I can assist you this year. And just one last thing: if possible, please steer clear of worksheets!
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to working together for the benefit of all our children.
Warm regards,
Jessica Miller
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