Quote: Most of the classes are geared towards the classics, I noticed. I could not BELIEVE that they are still reading them to the extent they are.
I think my oldest son read The Odyssey 3 times before he graduated high school!
Frankly, my oldest graduated high school with a more complete background in the classic than I had when I graduated college. Most of the things he read in high school I didn't get to until college - and some of it not then!
Now, I personally LOVE classic literature - but both my youngest kids were totally creeped out by Of Mice and Men, and frankly, in 9th grade I don't believe they had the emotional maturity necessary to appreciate it fully. Just because it's a short book doesn't mean it's age-appropriate!!!
And I must say, I don't really get why they never read Jane Austen in school - I mean, if you're going to read classic English lit, why not read someone who's so funny and relevant her books can still be made into teen movies today????
Just remember, when you're in that classroom, sometimes it only takes one teacher who sees the positive in a kid to turn them around. I know you can be that one.
