Regarding the Research Shows column [“Teacher demos best for math instruction,” Nov. 5], I taught junior high school English and reading. I never got over the fact that so many kids who couldn’t read never had anyone read a story to them when they were younger, nor played word games such as “Scrabble.”

I understand that students are no longer drilled on the times tables, nor given 25 spelling words a week. So what are they really being taught? Thumbing away on Smartphones and filling in the blanks on test forms?

Thank goodness there are some children who are being brought up in homes where their parents do things with them, read to them and teach them basic things so they get to school already knowing how to read and write the letters of the alphabet, numbers, colors and manners.

Raye Glick Schwartz, retired
(via Facebook)
 

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I actually think kids should attempt to solve the problems before receiving direct instruction; but that’s because that’s how I learn. Others do better with procedural, rote learning.

Why do we always have to choose ONE way every few years instead of saying we should just be balanced in our approaches for the varied learners in our classrooms?

Ayesha Long, former public school teacher
(via Facebook)