SCHOOL FOR THOUGHT

Timely Advice

Dear Aunt Malkin,

Every night I spend two to three hours working with my eight-year-old son and six-year-old daughter teaching them the basic skills and knowledge they’re not learning at school. Coupled with the fact that I also have an active preschooler to attend to, I definitely have my hands full! But I am wondering whether there is something else I should be doing (please say no). Signed, Busy in Brampton

Dear Busy,

I’m afraid I do have one more suggestion for you - but you should think of it in terms of an investment that might save you a lot of time in the future, as opposed to just one more chore. Based on what you have written, it sounds to me as if your kids are attending their neighbourhood school even though it’s not doing such a hot job. You never know, there may be another school in your area that is much better… And April is such a good time for school shopping!

In my book, How to Get the Right Education for your Child, I outline ways of searching out and evaluating other schools. I also make suggestions regarding tactful ways to request a transfer to a better publicly-funded school. And, if it turns out you’re stuck with your neighbourhood school, I include advice on how to identify and request the school’s best teachers for next grade. I would be happy to send you a free copy of my book on request.

Regards, Aunt Malkin