Schoolish Thoughts

Did you like school? I don't mean liking college or grad school, I mean elementary-middle-high school, or as I used to call it, School school. 

Elementary school for me was a day school for Jewish children, and I think there was a lot about I liked. I made one spectacular friend there, and still know her, so in that sense it was more than worth it--plus I learned Hebrew and could speak it fluently (though sadly, not any more).

Middle school went badly for me when I switched to a public school and encountered complete culture shock. Fortunately I found one friend in eighth grade who saved the experience for me. 

High school turned out better as I started trying out and winning leading roles in plays, and hung around with the theater kids. I did well in English-based subjects, but struggled with math and science. I got through algebra, geometry and chemistry because the teachers knew how to make their subjects understandable. My calculus teacher in junior year tried to explain things to me, but I didn't get anything she was saying.

I'm thinking about all this because it's vacation time and kids are supposed to be home for a week. I always used to experience vacations as freedom--which makes me wonder if kids feel the same today. I do love hearing from parents who say their kids really like going to school.

I don't know how schools are teaching math and science these days, and I'm glad more girls are doing better with it. I feel like I missed that boat entirely, and just being able to fulfill a recipe or balance my checkbook is a pretty wondrous accomplishment. (New math went in and out of my head like a rocket).

At this point, I can't help wishing I'd had more attention from science and math teachers, but of course there wasn't time or funds for that. When my son was in first and second grade, he was able to get individual help in reading, and I have to say that really helped him understand what he was reading. 

I know many communities need much more money than they have for schools, and the pandemic was horrible for a lot of kids who need a classroom setting. I don't know what to do about any of this, but I do hope more kids are happy with their schools this year, and getting the help they need and deserve.

Because school lasts a long time, you know? And you only get one chance to go through it.

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash