Getting a “Good” Education in the 21st Century

September 1st, 2009 - 

Many debates are brewing across the country on how to ameliorate our failing school system. Billions of dollars are being poured into the latest curriculum, all with the hopes of delivering our children to the promised land of the intelligentsia. Amidst this political discourse are children who innocently await the hope of a competitive education and as a parent; you might find yourself fearing that your child will not be ready for the ‘real world.’ With all of this, what can you as a parent do to ensure that your child has a first rate education? Surprisingly you don’t have to spend a lot of money. There are a few simple strategies that you can naturally introduce to your child.

First, you can start by asking your child authentic questions. Give them an opportunity to grapple with real issues. If you child is 4-6 years old, it can be as simple as asking them what ingredients will you need to prepare a particular meal or you can extend this question for children 5-8 years old by asking them to calculate the cost of the ingredients. Next, by engaging your child in discussions such as, should everyone get free healthcare, is an important conversation that you should partake in with your child regardless of their level of understanding of  the issue. The point is that you are valuing their voice about a particular topic. Just remember the goal is to give children plenty of opportunities to dialogue about authentic issues and the world around them. Doing this will enhance your their educational development.

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