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Why Does School Ruin Reading?

Why does school have to ruin something as beautiful as reading?

John Holt, a pioneer in the field of education, once said that kids learn best when they are allowed to follow their own interests and passions. Yet, in school, we're forced to adhere to a rigid curriculum that leaves little room for exploration and discovery. Instead of fostering a love for learning, school often crushes it under the weight of standardized tests and arbitrary deadlines.

Peter Gray, another advocate for alternative education, believes that play is essential for learning. He argues that through play, children develop important skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. But in school, play is often seen as a distraction rather than a valuable learning tool. Instead of allowing us to explore the world around us through play, school confines us to desks and lectures, stifling our natural curiosity and imagination.

John Taylor Gatto, a former schoolteacher turned outspoken critic of the education system, once said that the true purpose of schools is not to educate, but to indoctrinate. He argues that schools are designed to produce obedient workers who will unquestioningly follow orders and conform to societal norms. And in order to achieve this goal, schools must crush any spark of individuality or creativity that threatens to disrupt the status quo.

So why does school ruin reading? Because it forces us to read not for pleasure or enlightenment, but out of obligation. It robs us of the joy of discovering new worlds and ideas, reducing reading to nothing more than a chore to be checked off a list.

But it doesn't have to be this way. Laurie A. Couture, a parenting coach and advocate for self-directed education, believes that parents have a crucial role to play in nurturing their children's love of learning. Instead of pressuring them to conform to society's expectations, parents should encourage them to follow their passions and pursue their own path.

And for those of us who feel suffocated by the confines of traditional schooling, there are alternatives. Self-directed education, online school, homeschooling – these are just a few of the options available to those who refuse to be confined to the narrow walls of the classroom.

So if you're struggling to find joy in reading amidst the soul-crushing demands of school, know that your feelings are valid. You are not alone, and there is nothing wrong with you. It's the system that's broken, not you.

Posted in: Blog on March 7, 2024 @ 1:02 AM

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