When Should Kids Return to School?

by Myra Turner | More from this Blogger

20 Aug 2007 09:42 AM

When I was a kid we started school after Labor Day. Seems like more and more school districts are starting school earlier. Here in Mobile, school started on August 9. That seems extremely early to me. To top it off it's so darned HOT can kids really be expected to learn when their brains are fried?

As I end my first full-week of homeschooling Tyler, I find that it was a difficult week at best. As much as he likes learning, I sensed that he's not ready to formally return to school just yet. Also, he knows his school in New Orleans has not started yet, so I guess he figures why should he. Did I also mention that it's HOT? It's been so hot Tyler has not had much outside time this summer. We've also been really busy with the move back to New Orleans. I've tried to incorporate as much fun into the summer as I could but my mind has been elsewhere.

Friday, I had to stop short of teaching because it was obvious he wasn't listening. I was getting frustrated and so was he. Seemed as if all he wanted to do was play. Rather than continuing and getting more frustrated I stopped and allowed him some free time to play. After all I reasoned, he's not behind in his work so one day off won't matter.

I realize that if he was in school he would have to work and a part of me feels like I should have made him sit still and work. But let's face it can you really make a six year old sit still? One of the great things about being a parent is we can always change our minds when we find something isn't working. Right now I feel maybe it's not the best time for Tyler to "return" to school. Perhaps we can wait until after Labor Day. Or maybe instead of a half or full day of work, we can work two hours each day.

At one time I was all for year-round school. But I've since changed my mind. Kids need a break from learning. Time to recharge and simply play. If we incorporate every day opportunities to learn into our kids daily routine, technically they are learning year-round. But cutting short summer breaks to begin formal teaching may not be such a good idea. What do think- should kids return to school before or after Labor Day?

See also:

Back to School Germs

Help! I'm Scared to Homeschool!

First Day of School

Learn more about Myra Turner

I'm a proud mid-life single mom with an active seven-year-old son, Tyler.

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karabu (980) 22 Aug 2007 10:31 PM

My niece just started Kindergarten in July. July! It seems awful early to me, especially since she won't even be five until November.