There's no joy on his part. Only a perfunctory sense of obligation and routine. Should this be? Is this preparation for the "real world?"

Why does this bother me so much? Maybe because with the benefit of hindsight, I realize how precious these years really are.

it just this year that this started?

Am I foolish to think that something that occupies so much of his time should bring a measure of joy and excitement?

skipz: It started when "real" school began; after the 1st grade. He's a fine student; it's just the absence of joy that concerns me.

But I see this same rote and mechanical blahness on the faces of so many kids...not just him.

There's something dark and depressing about the buildings, the process...I don't know, I remember when learning new stuff was fun.

Perhaps you have to look for alternative schools/settings?

I'm not criticizing anyone, not pointing fingers, it is what it is. I just have a hard time imagining 10+ more years of this.

skipz: I'm giving a lot of thought to that. Baseline belief (call me an idiot) learning new stuff should be fun.

MikeNWESQ: So should being around classmates and teachers and if it's not, you should question.

MikeNWESQ: I know exactly how you feel. My daughter's in 3rd grade and I've had the same feelings lately. She's a great student but all of

her wonder and excitement for learning comes outside of the classroom - books she chooses to read, science she's curious about. Her level

of creativity has tanked in the past 2 years, and school is just kind of the place she goes for hours each day. DW and I got her blogging to

try and foster some of that creativity at home. Like you- not blaming her teachers. It's the entire system of school that does this to kids

msoskil: Agree completely. I'm not faulting the teachers or the school...it's systemic. Most of the "fun" learning occurs outside of

what Ginger Lewman refers to as "schooly/school." And that's too bad.

skipz: He likes the social part. He LOVES recess. He likes his teachers (to a point) but clearly not the process.

3rd grade means assessments. No time for "fun" anymore. But it's NOT like that everywhere. I encourage you to listen to your heart and do

what you can for your son.

MikeNWESQ: When are we going to start that school?

I'll stay in-country for a few more years for that type of project...

I'm with him. I think school should be fun, challenging, frustrating, social, engaging. Too much time on test prep and mundane garbage.

GingerTPLC: Funny you should ask. We'll chat privately about that.

If you ever start that school, I want to have the opportunity to apply to be on staff!