Purpose of Schooling
The purpose of schooling is so much greater than learning how to read and write. The true purpose of schooling is to introduce children to how to work collaboratively with others and to learn basic skills and knowledge to help them be successful in the outside world. I believe that teaching social-emotional skills specifically in the classroom (especially in the lower grades) is SO important for not only classroom culture but also the development of the students, and is an essential part of child development in school.
For a lot of ELL students attending school is the only way that they are learning English, so it is very important to have structured ways of teaching ELL students and not leaving them to fail alone.
Additionally, I do believe that it is important that students learn educational skills such as reading, writing, math, and science. I think it is very important that students get a full and enriching education that includes art, music, STEM activities, and P.E.
Curriculum in Schools
Curriculum is essential in schools because it gives teachers structure and standards to back their lessons and base their teaching off of. Without curriculum and standards, teachers would be able to teach whatever they wanted.
A well-rounded school curriculum should not only focus on the core academic subjects of learning, but also additional skills such as; Social Emotional Learning, Art exploration and skill, and Physical Movement.
Our school curriculums must reflect the skills needed for a successful adult in today's day and age, and teach them the social skills and awareness to be positive members of our world. Strategies that teach children to respect each other, and create a safe and inclusive space for all children. They also just reflect the diversity that is in our classrooms. Texts should have inclusive names and terms for all types of students to feel seen in the material that they are learning from.