"Caution" - A road sign

On Monday and Tuesday, I was able to watch three of my grandchildren – ages 2, 4, and 7.  I reported on Facebook, to my friends, how we did not watch any TV nor was any technology in use.  We had lots of fun and made it through both days with happy children. 
 
Caution:  So does this mean that I will never allow my grandchildren to watch TV nor use technology while at my home?  Think again!  I have allowed my grandchildren to watch TV in the past and will do so in the future.  I also know that there will be days the kids will bring their I-Pads, and I will watch how they “expertly” maneuver technology.  Everything in moderation – a balance!

​You want to enroll your child in a private school.  The school requires that children be tested before they enter.  The test score will determine if the child will be accepted into the school.  The score might also determine that the child, even though they are the correct age, will not be allowed to enter kindergarten.  Instead they have to do Pre-K based on their score not on their age. 
 
Caution:  School is supposed to help kids learn.  If a score on a test is being used to help determine learning goals – no problem.  A score on a test should not be used to determine if a child attends a school.  School readiness is not a bad concept.  But when taken to the extreme and when a school limits access to kindergarten programs because of a test score -this is a caution sign.  These are the very kids who SHOULD be in full day kindergarten.     
 
A school proudly says, “We are a paperless school.”  Or they say, “We never use textbooks or workbooks or worksheets.”  Or they say, “We want our teachers to follow the textbook series with fidelity.”
 
Caution:  Is it possible for a teacher to provide an excellent learning environment while using a textbook, a workbook, or worksheets?  Is it in a child’s best interest to only use technology?  What if a teacher decides not to use the textbook for a day or a week?  Be careful of extremes.  It is also in HOW these things are being used that is important.
 
Sometimes education becomes a game of extremes.  We have to use caution when we witness extremes in action.  Is it really necessary to lean to one side or another?  What will be in the best interest of kids?  Use caution.
 
BEcky