I feel that children do not get enough socializing at that age. Almost everything they do is planned/structured for them. We are not allowing them to make the mistakes as to which they will learn from. With that said, I also feel that reading is of utmost importance. If you can't do anything else academic you should at least be able to read. Elementary math is another discussion in itself.
I have 2 elementary age children. I punish one by taking his books away (really gets his attention) and the other by making him read a book.
2006-08-12 05:24:57 · 7 answers · asked by perplexed 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
Sorry, I do mean the 1/2 hour before school starts. There doesn't seem to be much time elsewhere. The curriculum doesn't have much wiggle room. And Yes, they do get 1 hour for lunch and recess.
2006-08-12 05:40:14 · update #1
I knew I was going to get a comment on reading as a punishment. Should have worded it different. It is not a punishment. Both of the kids are the top readers in there class. One just happens to really like it and the other chooses to do other things.
2006-08-12 05:43:23 · update #2
It depends on your goal I think. I'm assuming you mean right before school? If the purpose is to get them in a good frame of mind for learning then - books. It is hard to keep elementary (and older!) student "quietly socializing". They generally don't have the self-awareness to keep it quiet unless an adult reminds them.
If the purpose is to let them let off steam before school then socializing is good if it is transitioned well.
2006-08-12 05:30:33 · answer #1 · answered by mathlady 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All my children are excellent readers. And at different points in their life were obsessed with books. Only 1 did I have to remove the book as he was rushing through schoolwork, skipping chores, etc.. so he could read. His grades suffered and he was constantly running out of books to read. So I totally understand about removing books at certain times.
I do not feel reading should be forced before school. Some of them are barely awake or excited after a bus ride. I do have one child who does read in that 20 minute period of assembly before school. But not every day and she's never been forced to have to read anything. I think the few minutes of social time can be good for kids to develop friendships outside of their own classroom.
In our school district, reading is big! Not meeting their reading goals gets kids inside for recess, missing out on parties, etc..
I'm a firm believer - if kids can have time for baseball, ballet and ballparks, then they have time to read! A poor reader isn't doomed for life, he just needs some encouragement and assistance.
2006-08-12 06:34:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When it's raining outside and the students have to line up in the gym before school starts, they have to read or work quietly. Otherwise it's just way too noisy! On nice days they play on the playground until it's time to line up. I think it's a good arrangement. Reading quietly in the gym helps calm them down right away. On those rainy or snowy days they most likely won't be outside at lunch or recess, so it's good to start settling them down as soon as possible.
2006-08-13 11:45:37 · answer #3 · answered by GiraffeGirl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off, you shouldn't punish any child with reading. Reading is one of the most improtant things a child can do in his life. Try encouraging them to read instead of using it as a punishment. As for socializing try getting them into a childrens reading group. That way they get the reading they need and by talking about their books with others they will build on they're social skills and perhaps make more friends.
2006-08-12 05:33:04 · answer #4 · answered by BookLovr5 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While it differs from school to school, the main reason children aren't given the freedom to quietly socialize before school starts is because they don't do it quietly. Last year my morning duty was to monitor 3rd & 4th graders in the hall before students were dismissed to their classrooms. They usually start off talking with one another quietly (or reading- those are my favorite), but as they wake up and as more kids file in, they just get louder. There has to be some semblance of structure in that morning time in order to keep their chaos controlled. I have absolutely no problem with them talking to one another as long as they're not loud...but they're kids, and being loud is just in their nature.
2006-08-13 12:18:38 · answer #5 · answered by elizabeth_ashley44 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I honestly think elementary students should both socialize and read. They need a small break for themselves to do that and a good solid education with reading.
2006-08-12 05:28:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
they should play
2006-08-12 05:28:12 · answer #7 · answered by lobis3 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋