That Was Fun! Let’s Do It Again.
Well, that was fun!
Last week I sent out a call for people who’d be willing to talk about test anxiety for an article I’m writing for Time magazine. To my surprise I got dozens of thoughtful replies from readers who had lots to say on the subject. I enjoyed the exchanges so much that I’d like to do it again.
Last week on Time.com, I wrote about the critical importance of third grade—about how kids who are not reading proficiently by this point in their academic career will likely continue to fall farther and farther behind, owing to what education researchers call “the Matthew effect”—that is, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. (Read the article here.)
I’d like to hear from you about what you think about this phenomenon. Have you seen it unfold in real life? Do you know a student who read poorly in third grade who managed to make up the difference later on? Do you have ideas about how we can intervene at this critical point to turn a vicious cycle into a virtuous one?
Please email me at annie@anniemurphypaul.com to share your thoughts. At the end of the week I’ll post excerpts from the most interesting messages (only with your permission, of course). Can’t wait to hear from you!
Hi Annie,
I enjoyed your article, as always, and made sure to Like it, Tweet it, post it and blog about it as I am sure most parents would be surprised to learn that grade three is such an important year.
I didn’t realize it until a few years ago when a literacy expert explained it to me as you did; we learn to read then in grade four we must read to learn.
My daughter was in grade 3 last year and most of the class was reading well enough to move up but one little boy clearly was not. He had a hard time with the beginner readers and just as much trouble of course writing. He had a great head for numbers but the wordy problems stopped him from enjoying math. He acted out a lot and it was clear he would rather be labelled a trouble maker than dumb.
We have changed schools this year so I don’t see him but he was, of course, moved ahead into grade four with the rest of the gang. I hope he is getting help and will catch up before his confidence is irretrievably lost.
How it is that children are allowed to get to the next step without have the mastered the one before it? If mastering the fundamentals is no longer function of the system then why send the kids there at all?
It’s not for phys. ed., that’s for sure. But don’t get me started.
Many thanks for your time today and indispensable wisdom,
Patti
here is a link to my repost of your article. http://www.confidentcalgarykids.com/1/post/2012/09/the-most-important-year-in-your-childs-education-grade-3.html