The Face of Education

Why do millions of children arise each morning, and rush off to a largely over crowded building in which they are confined to the standards, and doctrines of a people who mostly have the best of intentions, but no clue as to the needs of those they strive to serve?

Education is the most important factor in the success of ones life. It directs ones path through life. But what is education?

Is it a simple list of facts to memorize, and than regurgitate on a test, only to forget what was allegedly learned only day's prior.

Or is education knowledge of ones self, ones purpose, and important information that will provide you with solutions to problem solving, critical thinking, and serving others.

How do we know if our children are getting the Education that we all hope, desire, and make sacrifices for?

It's simple, ask your children. Do not wait to get a report card or progress report from their teacher. A parent is not released from the responsibility of Educating their children simply because they turn age five, and can now attend public school.

Be involved in your child's education. You don't have to sit on the PTA board, or volunteer for every event, and project.

It does not take much time!

Simply talk with your children about their day, what's going on in their social lives; what they are concerned and confused about. Find out what is important to your children and talk to them about it.

It's not up to the system to determine what is best for our children.

You will be able to do a personal assessment, simply by conversing with them on a regular basis. Does it seem that they are obtaining the skills that you as a parent require that they have.

Do they have excellent conversation skills? Are they articulate when telling you what's important to them? Are they able to rationalize and offer options as to how to solve the problems they are facing? Do they get along with others enough to work with them?

Education, knowledge, and learning. Often many think they are the same thing, but yet they are not.

One receives an education, by learning in various ways, so that he or she may increase in knowledge.

What does it look like?

Learning may look different depending on the person. It can be surfing the web, reading a favorite book, cooking a meal, helping others solve problems, planning a party, socializing with friends, playing a game, writing a letter or a song, or a poem, or anything for that matter. Going shopping, categorizing CD's.

When your children are doing these things, they are not wasting time, they are learning, and showing that they have gained knowledge and thus are educated.

Educated to obtain their own goals and objectives.

It is our job as parents to guide them and assist our children in figuring out what their goals and objectives are, and than providing the tools and resources to help them obtain them.