Celebration and homelearning

Namaste!

I have been celebrated many things in my life. Birthdays, anniversaries, Fridays, school holidays, meeting people, leaving people, exams, weddings, sunsets and sunrises but I have never ever celebrated learning although I am a teacher.A week ago Carl started aes (american embassy school) and all parents are invited to attend "Celebration of Learning".The children will have individual presentations and some group presentations of their learning since Spring Break. I am looking forward to this celebration!

In school they are making an exciting transition from homework to home learning.As a parent I will guide how my child's time is spent after leaving school .

Key Findings on Homework and Play

•Reading has the single greatest impact on student achievement.
•Brain-based research has shown that unstructured, imaginative, child-centered play and physical activity enhance student performance and lead to better behavioral choices.
•Students often sacrifice time for authentic reading in order to complete their homework.
•There is no conclusive evidence that homework increases standardized test scores or improves academic achievement.(aes website)

I also believe that family time is important.I value and honor the time that we as a family spend with our children beyond the school day. I want to make choices that fit with my family values and needs.

Homelearning doesn't mean that the children don't do any work at all home. Carl has to read 11 books at home and in school before the end of this term. As a parent I don't need to remember to fill in a book to tell the teacher that we have read this book. Carl is having a paper to fill in at school. If I was a teacher in this school I could concentrate to help children with parents that doesn't support their children in their learning. It will be interesting to follow this exciting way of dealing with homelearning.

The next best thing to be wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are.
C S Lewis