Field Trip #1

I'll start this blog with an explanation of the type of program Eli is in.  Federal Programs Preschool (similar Head Start) is a federally funded program that is held within our public schools.  The curriculum, the food the kids are offered, and all field trips are planned and paid for by the federal government. They just happen to share a public school building with children receiving education by the county.

So this field trip was an eye opener, and I'm also taking it as a warning, that I may have to choose carefully which field trips I allow Eli to attend this year. This "ballet" was sooo not what I was expecting for a large room full of young children. This was a Latin, theatrical musical with dancers dressed in complex costumes, dancing in ways I could not understand. I understand body has language, but I still could not follow much of any story line. And you know these children didn't, those that stayed awake that is.

The show started off with the lights turned down very low, empty stage, closed curtains, but an image of "VERDE" with an Spring-like outdoor scene projected on the curtains. Then on the loud speakers a woman's voice starts talking something about the earth, and beauty, and some other stuff related to nature. Her Spanish accent was extremely thick and I could not follow most of what was said. And if I couldn't, I'm sure the majority of these kids could not. This monologue over the loud speakers lasted for several minutes, and must of felt like an eternity for the kids. Forced to sit in their seat, in the dark, and listen to a bunch of blah blah about the earth.  These kids don't even know what the earth is!!!

At the end of a painfully boring show, one of the dancers came on the stage to talk to the audience. But I have no idea what she said because she spoke in Spanish!! She did say a few words of English mixed in, but nobody knew what she was talking about.

This is what happens when the federal government gets control over children's education. This is a wake up call to those who thought it's okay to have education controlled by the white house, and not by the county the child lives in. This field trip should be limited to High School kids currently enrolled in theater, Spanish courses, or some other world culture extracurricular activity.

Another thing lacking from this program is art class, music class, and gym class. While Eli is still taught all of these things, its done within his classroom. They do however have library day once a week, and recess 4 out of 5 days per week.  One huge thing missing is show and tell. Disgrace! Thankfully Eli has not asked about or seem to miss it.

Okay, I'm done venting, but want to add I believe Eli's teachers are doing the very best they possibly can with what they are given. All my 'issues' with this program is not a reflection of their teaching abilities.