“We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today.”

~Stacia Tauscher

I chose to post this quote because throughout this course we have learned about each stage of development in a child from pre-birth through the middle years of age.  As parents and educators I feel it is important to appreciate each stage of development and realize the beauty of each stage. 

I would like to thank each of you who responded to my postings and also all of the thoughts that you shared with us in each of your posts.  It is hard to believe that this class is coming to an end, but I have learned so much through each of you and our assignments that we have completed.

Week 6 assignment

In Japan the elementary school curriculum is similar to that of the United States in that subject areas such as social studies, science, math, music, art, and P.E. are taught.   However, weekly moral education is also included in the curriculum.  Emphasis on respect and being thoughtful to others are taught as part of Japan’s “whole person” education.  Teachers in Japan focus on evolving the holistic child and feel that it is part of their responsibility to teach such topics as personal hygiene, nutrition, and sleep.  Along with the moral education children are taught manners, how to speak politely, and how to speak to adults as well as their peers in an appropriate manner.

What is interesting to me is how the United States has put such topics to the side when it comes to educating our own children.  We are so focused on test scores such as Standards of  Learning that we are missing such key components  and are veering so far from a holistic approach.  I do feel that manners and respect should initially be taught at home but reinforcing such moral ideas could be beneficial as well and create a wonderful partnership between families and school.