My 5 year old will be finishing preschool this week.  She’s spent the last two years learning her ABCs and numbers.  She’s become familiar with some of the procedures of the education system:  lining up, raising her hand, speaking in front of a group of people, and waiting her turn.  Make no mistake:  the child has learned a lot; I’m proud of her.

But I’m flabbergasted at the big deal that’s being made of the end of her preschool years.  Her teachers, sweethearts that they are, have planned a full-fledged “graduation ceremony” consisting of songs, caps and gowns, and diplomas.  Most of it, of course, is for the benefit of the parents.  We’ve been paying for our kids to go to preschool and, I suppose, many want to see the fruition of their spending.   They want to see a finale – a big show.   I guess, too, the teachers feel they’re helping the children move from one phase of their lives to another.

But a graduation?  [Read more...]