To the editor:

An interesting letter in Sunday’s edition written by David Buckna. (Children Don’t Benefit From Early Education.)

I retired two years ago after a career of 51 years in the school system. As a teacher of 35 years, a student for 16 years, a parent of two sons, and now a grandparent of three, I would gladly challenge Mr. Buckna’s claims, assertions, beliefs and so-called experts he quotes in his letter.

In the past 50 years, education has thankfully been very progressive, evolving and challenging. Fortunately, although everyone has not been able to keep up with change, we have encouraged the majority to “go for it” and attempt to reach their potential.

In the mid-1950s in Kelowna in School District 23, none of my classmates had an opportunity to even try kindergarten. We all started Grade 1 as five- or six-year-olds. Elementary school was Grades 1 to 6 and high school was Grades 7 to 12. This would scare the heck out of all the parents today if their children had to face the system that we all thought was normal in the 1950s and ‘60s.

In the early 1980s, my two sons started half-day everyday kindergarten as five-year-olds for the entire year. They, and most of their classmates, enjoyed and excelled at the experience. Sadly, a few didn’t, but if someone at five years of age cannot tie shoes, count or remember colours, do you discourage all not to try?

Now in the 2000s, my sons have become proud parents. Our granddaughter, now six years old, is in Grade 1 in Burlington, Ontario. School for her is an absolute joy. However, this is her third year in school. As a four-year-old she started junior kindergarten, going to school every Tuesday and Thursday and every second Friday. (Full day school from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.) As a five-year-old she attended senior kindergarten, with the same schedule as in junior kindergarten. Our grandson is now three and he cannot wait to get to junior kindergarten as a four-year-old next year.

My son’s neighbourhood has parents whose children have all gone through this system in Ontario and I have heard nothing but positive comments regarding both the public and Catholic school systems.

Mr. Buckna, you state an opinion that I, as a teacher and parent, would choose your option of Grade 1 at age seven—not a hope in your wildest dreams! For those who want to start Grade 1 at age seven, eight, nine, or whatever—go for it, but do not lower the bar for those who are willing and able at an earlier age.

Ivars Dravinskis,

Kelowna