tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8434768368145739040.post2532301197677793659..comments2023-05-29T14:08:24.825-03:00Comments on Brazil in My Eyes: Reading Mum - São PauloKris Brazilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16536404250677125262noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8434768368145739040.post-56684053267020081372013-06-09T23:09:48.208-03:002013-06-09T23:09:48.208-03:00I definitely did not think you were saying anythin...I definitely did not think you were saying anything of the sort! It just brought up those thoughts for me.<br /><br />I totally agree about how important reading is. I had a hard time making the time to read with my kids when they were younger, but I did it despite the difficulty. I'm glad they are both avid readers. <br /><br />One thing, maybe food for thought. My kids were very different in when they picked it up for themselves. Ryan, with whom I would say I spent significantly more time reading, really didn't do it well for himself until around late 2nd grade / early 3rd grade. Jessie, on the other hand, starting reading to me when she was just 3. I almost couldn't even believe it and thought she had just memorized the books, but then when she was asked to read a new book she had never seen she remarkably could read quite fluently.<br /><br />So perhaps some of those kids are just slower than others. Ryan went straight to Harry Potter at the end of 3rd grade and would read one per week after that. Hopefully they will likewise catch up.<br /><br />I have really enjoyed hearing about your reading mum moments. So adorable. And it really does sound like you've gotten as much as you've given, but it's been a fantastic service to those kids. <br /><br />I have always felt appreciative of those moms that are able to spend more time than me helping at school, especially those who I've seen never had that judgy attitude and who treat all the kids there equally. It really does take a village.Kathy K.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16990650996907625620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8434768368145739040.post-47541997236113267032013-06-09T19:05:40.981-03:002013-06-09T19:05:40.981-03:00I think you know that I am not criticizing moms th...I think you know that I am not criticizing moms that don't have time or wherewithal to help out AT the school. I am fortunate to have the time to do so. I won't always, I know. I actually was saying the opposite in the case of my kids' school--they don't ask parents for enough involvement. I think other folks would make time if the school let them do so. <br /><br />My point about parents was about seeing which kids have parents who read with them at night. I do think that we all have responsibility for this as parents. Or if there is no time at night, read in the morning before school. Whatever works. It's knowing that your parent is interested and involved in your school work.<br /><br />I have not found parents too cliquish here...though the Brazilians tend to stick together, and the South Africans are pretty closed and the rest of the expatriates stick together. We mix at parties but in general we each stay with our own. Interesting point that one, Kathy, I hadn't thought about it before now.<br /><br />Thank you for your very thoughtful response.<br /><br />KKris Brazilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16536404250677125262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8434768368145739040.post-25473397912432127192013-06-09T19:01:00.297-03:002013-06-09T19:01:00.297-03:00It went to spam...I put it back!It went to spam...I put it back!Kris Brazilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16536404250677125262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8434768368145739040.post-66718893172401545472013-06-09T11:27:09.375-03:002013-06-09T11:27:09.375-03:00Did it not publish my really lengthy comment? Pooh...Did it not publish my really lengthy comment? PoohKathy K.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16990650996907625620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8434768368145739040.post-83970246714950943932013-06-09T11:25:44.945-03:002013-06-09T11:25:44.945-03:00Here we have an interesting dynamic about helpers....Here we have an interesting dynamic about helpers. First of all, our school could barely function without them. There are mystery readers up to 2nd grade (my favorite), math facts quizzers, general room moms, party or event organizers, and much much more. I'm sure it depends on the school, city, state etc.<br /><br />What's most interesting is the demographic. Probably 90% of the helpers are from the three most affluent subdivisions in our school. In fact probably 70% are from one specific neighborhood: the most affluent by far. (Incidentally I would count myself as living in the #3 neighborhood.)<br /><br />Of those helpers I would say probably 70% are stay at home moms (I'm not sure of the politically correct term now. I can't use "work at home" because we have a policy at work about working at home regularly.)<br /><br />I feel a slight stigma about helping there in that I don't do so much. My work hours are not conducive. And since the divorce I have far less time than I once did. I was always mystery reader for my kids K-2 classes. I usually organized one party or event per year, but they've changed things so no longer. I'm likely to bring store bought baked goods when requested. I've never done any of the other jobs. <br /><br /><br />I know moms who are at the school helping as much as 2-3 hours per day. And when they are together in a social setting (and of course with other equally or closely affluent moms, most of whom are also helpers) I have heard them complain about those who do not help. They quickly say they know I can't. But I don't think they really believed it till the divorce. I have also heard complaints generally about the kids from the less affluent neighborhoods, some verging on racist. <br /><br />Ultimately what strikes me is just how very cliquish the parents are. So judgy. How can the kids not be?<br /><br />It's a very integrated school and yet white kids generally do not mix much with Latino or black kids and vice versa (those are the predominant demographics, which incidentally follows the same demographics of those neighborhoods I mentioned.)<br /><br />And I live in the most affluent county in the state. Not the most affluent school though. I shudder to think how much worse it is in those schools!Kathy K.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16990650996907625620noreply@blogger.com