Yardsticks (Did it work?)

After reading Yardsticks I truly believe that every teacher and parent should be required to read this book. Yardsticks gave me more insight on past experiences and gave me great information that I will use in my career of working with children. One aspect that I want to hit more on is student’s physical needs. I truly think in the world of education today the pressure of the educational benchmarks that have to be met is compromising children’s physical needs. Schools enforce the importance on leaning materials but when the students don’t show progression they automatically assume that the child needs extra help. In some cases this might be accurate but in reality I believe the children’s physical needs are being overlooked. It's sad to think that children have such an urge to learn and succeed but their drive is more or less being slowed down by the 'need' to cram in so much information. If schools took a step backwards and realized that there is a more efficient way of learning, such as allowing students to have more free play and provide them with snacks throughout the day, versus just lunch, then the students will be able to respond more efficiently in the academic world. Having a balanced day for a child will carry within me throughout my days of an educator and I will help emphasize the importance of not only education but of physical needs. In reality, those two really go side by side.

Overall, my new main treasure that I encountered through Yardsticks is Yardsticks in general. This book is amazing. It not only will aid me in understanding the different development stages but it also gives valuable insight on what type of lesson plans are appropriate for what age. It captures what is going through the minds of children, which anyone that has worked with kids knows this can be a difficult task sometimes. I love how the author emphasizes on the importance "we must remember that academic achievement is not the only important part of school." There is so much a child can learn within a school grounds. It's amazing how their experience within school can affect them for life.

P.S. I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!