I feel like our kids’ elementary education has shifted since we first sent Hallie 16 years ago. I remember Hallie coming home with so many projects that had to be completed at home. Make a poster for this. Make a diorama for that. Maybe it’s because she was a girl and cared about it so it seemed like the projects were more significant.
I can’t remember the last time one of my elementary kids had to complete a tri-fold poster. Instead, they create PowerPoint presentations!
So I was surprised when I got an email talking about a salt dough map that had to be completed for Briggs’ Spanish class. I don’t think any of my kids have completed a salt dough map. Our school system has shifted away from homework for elementary school because it favors the kids whose parents are at home helping them out.
Which I get, because Briggs wasn’t making and dying the salt dough! I had it ready for him when he walked in the door after school so he could work on his project. Which he did 100% on his own, but he had parental help getting his supplies ready. I’m a crafty person at heart so I do like seeing my kid create a clay masterpiece, but I also see the benefit of learning computers and creating slideshows.
Briggs spent over an hour sculpting and labeling his map and was proud of his masterpiece. I love our independent child who isn’t a perfectionist!
