Kinders in my home

I have been tutoring for 6 weeks now. I started with 3 kids from 3 families and now I have 5 kids from the same 3 families. The parents decided to add the younger siblings. So, for the first time, I am tutoring the JK/SK age group.

 

Initially, I flat out refused. I wasn't sure of my own abilities. Also, I wasn't sure if those kids actually needed any lessons. After 3 weeks of working with the young ones, I can honestly say that distance learning does not work with kindergartners. It will most likely work when a parent or a caregiver is involved in the process and provides adequate support to the child as necessary. Otherwise learning does not occur.

 

I can relate to certain concerns out there that this batch of JK/SK children will not have a strong basic foundation to build on - they had the last school year (which was their first school year) disrupted and they are looking at the upcoming school year wrought with fundamental disagreements and disputes between educators and politicians.

 

ASid recently remarked that he felt “under prepared” for his first year of university. It was strange hearing that phrase from a student who was in an enriched high school program. ASid actually did a few AP (Advancement Placement) exams in his last 2 years of high school and did well on them. They are supposed to be equivalent to first year university courses. However, after meeting some international students, ASid felt that their knowledge of certain subjects was superior to his own. ASid, since then, has been very vocal about wanting to see some changes in how curriculum is being taught in Canadian schools.

 

Maybe people in education should be consulting with first year college and university students across Canada to receive some constructive feedback on high school curriculum.

 

Meanwhile, as a parent who observed Hans participate in distance learning, I found out that it works to an extent with older students. They don’t need as much parental support; however, they don’t have balanced learning outcomes. Hans continued to do well in Math and never got a chance to improve in French. It was disheartening for him to see his first ever C! Now, he has doubts about his preparedness for high school! Thankfully it is 2 years away and hopefully there is time for damage control.

 

I am sure some parents are feeling that way as well - wondering if their children are adequately prepared for the next phase in their academic lives.

 

On that note, I am glad I took on the 2 little ones as my students. I feel like I am making a tiny drop of difference in the vast ocean of education.

 

Perhaps I should be writing “world of education”, but I will stick with my metaphor.