So interesting to note the differences in age & development level in my classes. Several younger students can't wait to share what they've done with me. They are chatty and eager. 5th graders can be surprisingly business-like; in a 'get-it-done' mode of interaction.

The oldest certainly feel a greater pressure to perform, to keep up. They've already internalized the messages about what it means to be ahead, behind, progressing and exceeding. With the most social parts of school stripped away, you can feel the strain of their adaptation.

We say 'they'll be prepared for middle school," and what we mean is they are choosing the preordained path of academic compliance that assures our approval. This is part of what we understand as a function of school and it may work for lots of kids (& adults).

And I still have questions. As I have let go of interfering in the academic affairs of mr 12 as much as possible, I do wonder how and when his individual passions will find space in school...What's this workload actually good for?