Shel Silverstein has some great advice for parents dealing with their children’s education.
In the past…
Until recently, teachers focused on teaching the basics. My third grade teacher made the only political comment I heard any educator make.
“I hate that my tax dollars pay for the US to police the world!” Mrs. King announced on April fifteenth. She nor any of my others teachers ever revealed their political affiliation. However, they did teach me to enjoy and value the process of getting an education.
I cherished books and learning. One of my favorite children’s authors was Shel Silverstein. I loved trying to discern the underlying meaning of every poem he wrote.
For twelve years, my teachers taught how to think critically, not what to think. As I grew up, I formed my own political ideas. I based mine on what I observed in the world around me, and they’re different from those of my family members.
Even in college, my instructors never gave me a lower grade for expressing a view different from their own; instead, they required me to explain why I felt the way I did in both papers and classroom discussions. I earned straight A’s all the way through college.
Yes, I’m still the independent thinker my education trained me to be. I observe those running for office, paying more attention to actions than words. Then I cast my ballot for the candidate who can lead every American to the highest possible level of health, safety, and prosperity.
But now
education has changed.
While some educators still focus on teaching their students the basics, others try to instill values in children that contradict those of their parents. Some teach that one race is superior to another and instill in students the belief that their race isn’t acceptable. Others direct their charges to become activists.
The world I grew up in seems like a fairy tale from long ago. and now some parents are trying to change the topics teachers are allowed to teach.
We all need to remember the meaning of the Shel Silverstein Don’t Tell Me: Children care more about what they see you do than what you tell them.
If you agree with schools today, you can just do nothing. But, if you disagree, peacefully communicate your beliefs to those with the power to change your local schools. Explain what you’re doing to your children. Let your children see you making a difference and make your words and actions clear to your precious young Americans.
You cannot take words that your child has heard
out of his or her mind,
but remember Shel Silverstein’s advice:
what your child sees you do
makes more of an impression
than what anyone else tells them.
Vote for the best future!
Fair or unfair to your children?
Always help others any way possible…
Teach your children to avoid invisible threats.
