Two in the Middle

I recently received this email and wanted to share it with my blog readers.  I applaud Pamela's efforts to do something creative, effective, productive and loving for her daughter.  Please read her story:


Dear Kerry,

I so admire the effort you have put into changing the way your school district looks at homework.  I know you wish it were even better, but what you accomplished was huge.

Alfie Kohn's book The Homework Myth gave my UCLA professor husband and I the courage to reconsider the importance of having any homework during 7th and 8th grade, when we home-schooled our daughter.  When our daughter Natalie arrived home each day from her 6^th grade class (where the focus was preparing the children for middle school) looking as depleted as the most overworked adult we knew, we made a bold decision.  We decided to jump off the stress wagon to help her rediscover the joy of learning and healthy living.   By home schooling for two years, our daughter was able to wholeheartedly delve into subjects, which included not only history and math, but also music, dance and gardening.   She did not have homework, although she read every night for pleasure, which I know expanded her vocabulary better than vocabulary lists and quizzes.  By the end of 8^thgrade, she was totally prepared for high school, and all of us were healthier and happier.   And we purposely chose a high school with a healthy homework policy.  I've recently completed a memoir about our adventure, which I hope will be published sooner than later.  You might like to visit my website: Two in the Middle 


Best regards,

Pamela