Summer’s end gives way to back-to-school thoughts with traditional articles doling tips and advice to kick off the school year just right. Usually– no, always these thoughts are derived from the experts, teachers and parents. No one ever asks those who ultimately should get to define that experience. When asked, kids have their fair share of what would make for a great school year. Enjoy the thoughts of students from pre-school to senior year of high school, when asked, “What would make for a great school year?”
“Reinstitute recess. And, I mean, a real recess that the teachers don’t try to control.” – Charlie, 8th grade
“Elementary school should have more science and experiments so kids can have fun learning.” – Joseph, 5th grade
“No NJASK! It doesn’t count as a grade & it builds too much attention for something that almost means nothing. Prepping for months long is not a learning experience. What did I learn?” – Shawn, 8th grade
“For writing kids should be able to meet and interview authors to get tips on how to become better authors.” – Joseph, 5th grade
“I want a field trip to an amusement park with lots of roller coasters. I want to know how they work.” – Caleb, 5th grade
“Some days, I want to be able to scream at the top of my lungs without getting into trouble.” – Nick, 2nd grade
“I would like to do more math and get rid of reading.” – Justin, 2nd grade
“A great school year has lots of play dough!” – Jessie, Kindergarten
“We need video games, like math video games in every room and a half day of school with recess every day.” – Justin, 3rd grade
“I’m happy to get to go upstairs with the big kids and bubbles. We should have bubbles.” – Jasmine, Preschool
“To receive equal respect from teachers. They are demanding respect from us but it seems like they don’t give it back to us.” – Avery, 12th grade
“I wish we had basic life skills being taught to us. Everything is so academic and I feel like that it really doesn’t prepare me for life.” – Lily, 12th grade
“Also, we learn so much about history that I feel disconnected to what is going on in the world today. I wish we learned more about current events.” – Lily, 12th grade
“I think there should be breaks throughout the day to hang out with friends, better lunches and no homework. I would rather spend an extra half hour a day at school than do homework. I just want to be done! “- Phillip, 8th grade
“Elementary school should have a baseball team and clean bathrooms, a glass dome with a huge opening so I can sky jump from a private jet right into the building. And, reading, lots of reading, I wish we had more time to read.” – Michael, 4th grade
“My school year would be great with lots of outside time! Did you know my favorite letter is E, like egg, elephant. . . I think we will learn more about the letter E. “– Emily, Kindergarten
“Great friends that are there, teachers that support, not adversary and a nice atmosphere. “– Riley, 9th grade
“It’s difficult to learn subject matter that is not enjoyable but important. Wish teachers could make it fun. And, students stop being mean to others that have different interests. I see kids being mean or just ignoring others because they do not have shared interests. Wish that could end.” – John, 9th grade
“Down with the yellow buses. They smell disgusting!” – Charlie, 8th grade
“The pressure to be more ahead of where you are is insane. I wish there was an acceptance from adults that not everyone needs to be so advanced. We should be motivated by our learning experience not always trying to get ahead.” – John, 9th grade
“Having a choice in what we learn would be nice. We are always told what we should learn but no one asks what we want to learn.” – Riley, 9th grade
Students were incredibly eager to voice their feelings about their education. Between the bubbles and smelly yellow buses were some profound messages. I hope as teachers and parents we are listening and willing to have a great school year.
Good luck with the upcoming school year and enjoy the last days of summer.
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Sammy@TURNING STONEchoice
TURNING STONEchoice 