Rebecca Hastings
Dear Parents: An Honest Letter from a Teacher Dear Parents,
These words don’t come easily. I am left with no choice, but to ask a favor. Will you please give your children time and space to play? I miss the days of having a dress-up trunk, play kitchen, block corner and craft table in the classroom. Children need these things, but I can no longer provide them because we are in a new era of education. I want you to know I recognize the changes. Social-emotional learning (SEL) and academic rigor are necessary, but they push other important activities aside. Academics, SEL and nonfiction fill our days. Children learn high level math concepts at a younger age. While we make connections in social studies and science, we don’t have as much time for creative writing or exploring geometry through LEGOS and wooden blocks. Computers put more information at the fingertips of students than we ever found in an encyclopedia, but it means more time in front of screens and that typing has replaced cursive.
As you think about ways to encourage movement, exploration and imagination after school, consider these afterschool programs that offer creativity, exercise, performance opportunities and more.
Creative Arts Little Fish Comic Book Studio www.lilfish.us/camps
Students have limited exposure to art, music and PE. I don’t have the time or resources to pull out paint in the classroom anymore. There are too many other things that must be taught.
The Hot Spot www.thehotspotstudios.com/ sandiego
Reading is, of course, still an essential part of our day. We read books, articles and primary sources. While it’s wonderful to open up new worlds of information, it took the place of “free choice” reading for fun.
Performing Arts
This is why I need you. I need you to bridge the gaps. I know you’re busy with dinner and homework, but when your children go home, please help fill these voids. • Let them be messy with glitter and paint. They need time to be creative. • Let them be loud and run around outside. Their bodies need to move. • Let them read a book “just because.” The beauty of words inspires children to dream. • Let them try new things. Sign up for fun programs. • Let them experience neighborhood gems. Go places and explore. • Let their imaginations run free. Play tag. Build towers. Play helps children of all ages become better learners, thinkers and creators. I will do my best for your kids in the classroom, but please give them space and time to play. Sincerely, A Teacher Who Wants the Best Freelance writer Rebecca Hastings traded the classroom for writing when she decided to stay home with her three children.
18 • SanDiegofamily.com • February 2024
San Diego Junior Theatre www.juniortheatre.com Scripps Performing Arts www.scrippsperformingartsca.com City Ballet www.cityballet.org
Athletic Endeavors Aqua Pros www.aquapros.org
Variety of Programs Boys & Girls Club www.sdyouth.org Bay Terraces Community Park www.sdrecconnect.com
