The Black Hole

My apologies for taking so long to respond. I wanted to discuss your situation a bit with my sister, who works with kids 11-14.

Her response was that she sees much the same thing. As far as something like spelling goes, kids are being taught phonetics. As long as their point is conveyed, however badly, they'll get passing grades.

I shudder at the thought of interpretive reading; if I wanted to do that, I'd read stories in Old English.

Every time I see an ad for video game learning games, for children as young as three, I cringe. At three you should be reading your child Dr Seuss and watching them run around outside, not giggling manically while punching buttons on a controller.

My parents didn't allow me to have a gaming console until I turned 18, they made sure I read and got fresh air and exercise. I just don't see that today, and I'm not that old to begin with.

I applaud you on your "disservice" to your son, because in the long run, the critical thinking skills will do him a world of good.

If he's as good at art as you are though, he'll serve the world quite admirably should he choose that route.