Let Our Kids Be Kids!!

It seems like ages ago that I was sitting in an elementary school classroom. It has actually been over 25 years ago. Kindergarten was only half a day and all we were required to learn was colors, shapes, listen to stories, and sing songs. It was not stressful, and there was no pressure. Now I have children in elementary school. One of my sons is in first grade and already "required" to read. He is bringing home words like "ignore", "rather", and "sky scraper". You've got to be kidding me!!! Now, because of all the testing they put these children through, he is not right on target with his reading. They practically want them to write a book report by the end of the school year or he will be retained in the first grade. They cram so much into one day, how is any kid able to keep up. They become stressed when they are not able to grasp what is taught right away. They get labeled when all that information is not absorbed fast enough. And don't get me started about HOMEWORK!!! Homework is a daily intrusion of our afternoon family time. It is also a source of stress for me to try and get them to finish it when all they want to do is play. Our kids need a break!!! They will eventually learn the word "sky scraper", do they really need to know that in 1st grade. Nowadays, it is too bad that our kids have to worry about getting shot at school, staying away from drugs, or a teacher trying to take advantage of them. Let's free our children from stress and pressure, get rid of the mandatory testing, and LET OUR KIDS BE KIDS!!!