CARL BOGARDUS spoke of The Real Story 2 to DAN TRIPLETT on 10-03-96
CB>Perhaps it is the wide age range I have taught. I still have troubles
CB>with  the way WL is being taught here, many of us recognize that it
CB>is being blamed  for something that is really out of the control of
CB>teachers -poor training  and poor support economically.
Yet there are so many other factors that contribute to a child's quality 
education (or lack there of).  Home involvement has a great deal to do 
with a child's success in school.  Children who are read to at home, 
children who are "taught" values at home, children who come from homes 
that show an obvious value toward education and our schools stand a 
better chance and are usually the brighter kids.  
Children who come from dysfunctional homes are usually a bit 
dysfunctional themselves (and many time they are extremely 
dysfunctional).  I have seen many many examples of this myself.  
Typically (must be over 90%   just a guess) my brightest kids have all 
come from very stable home environments.  And looking back at all the 
dysfunctional kids I have ever had, with some exceptions, those who were 
the most dysfunctional in school came from homes that were equally 
dysfunctional.
Another factor is nutrition.  I have kindergarten children who come to 
my classroom every day without having had breakfast.  They complain 
about being hungry.  I asked one 5 year old why he didn't eat breakfast.  
He told me that he got up late and didn't get ready on time.  When his 
4th grade brother came to pick him up that day I mentioned I was 
planning to call "mom" about breakfast.  The 4th grader said "Don't call 
my mom, I'll get in trouble."  I asked why he would get in trouble for 
his brother not eating breakfast.  The 4th grader told me it was his 
responsibility to get his 5 year old brother up in the morning, get him 
dressed, and feed him breakfast, and get him to the bus on time.  When I 
asked what "mom" was doing he told me she was "zzzzzzzzz."  No wonder 
the schools have a breakfast program.  This kid now eats at school 
everyday.  Can't feed their brains until we feed their stomachs.
 
CB> 
CB>As a little question, do you consider reading a skill?
Is this a trick question?  There are many skills required for a child 
(and adult) to be a successful reader.
Dan  
CMPQwk 1.42 445p
I'm not tense, just terribly alert!
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