Reaching your full potential

"We don't stock many any more because parents of children who have just started school, try and push the children further than the school is"

The response from the Librarian when I enquired about the lack of early reading books. My initial feeling was one of guilt.....that I had already begun to teach my child to read when he has not yet started school and then I felt shock. Is this what we are truly trying to do? Prevent parents from encouraging their children to read and achieve their full potential?

I am not an anal parent, I have never pushed them further than they are able to go. M was ready to start reading and his quick progress is proof of that. Why should I not continue to teach him to read when he is clearly willing and able to do it? My photo the proof! 8 times out of 10, it is M who brings the books to me or his words off the fridge because he wants to make some sentences.

I know that there will not be many children already reading when they start school, all children are different and they are not ready to do things all at the same time, but does that mean that the ones that are ready should be left because it will be easier for the school to teach to one level? Maybe the schools are too busy concentrating on the children who affect their league table results (usually that middle section!) instead of trying to do what is best for each individual child, whether they be bright or require a little more help.

Quote from M's Transfer document from his playschool to his new school which I received yesterday after his final parent consultation; 'Max is an absolutely delightful little boy. He shows an interest and enthusiasm in everything. He is a sensitive, polite and kind little boy who shows concern for others'

Music to my ears and so I will continue to parent the best way I know how.

BTW this was not my intended blip for today, I just got a little riled!! Sorry rant over :D