Going from summer to fall in Wilmington isn’t that much of a change weather wise until later in the month. Although I love seeing the leaves change color, unless I go away from the coast, there are only a few spots near me that have some trees with fall color changes. I look forward to bringing out sweaters and lightweight jackets, clothes I haven’t had on for months and some new ones that I am anxious to wear.

Autumn means changing the decor from cool colors to those warm, vibrant ones that go well with the glow from lit logs in the fireplace. After looking at the same items out and about in my home, I love the change to pumpkins, wreaths with fall leaves, items denoting Halloween (even though they’re mainly for my grandchildren) and, later, a few to celebrate Thanksgiving.

The season also means soccer is back on with Saturday games close by for three of our grandchildren, and tournaments that take us to the ones that are out-of-town to see our eldest grandson play. Dance classes, practices, taekwondo, cotillion, school events and more keep the grandkids busy and their parents, too. I enjoy summer with most of its days being somewhat unstructured – doing things when the mood strikes you – instead of having set plans every day outside of school. School starting brings up many situations that impact children and schedules. 

There are a lot of changes in curriculum from when my daughters were in elementary, middle and high school. I have problems with some of them and am glad I don’t have to deal with helping anyone with homework. Two of my grandchildren attend their neighborhood schools. One is in third grade, and the other has just started middle school. I know that neither of them had homework in elementary school other than an occasional worksheet. I haven’t asked the one in sixth grade if she has had any so far. I know the other five grandchildren have something every night. I’m opposed to a lot of homework. I understand that some think it teaches students about time management, but I also see the pressure of having a well-rounded transcript when applying to colleges. It makes for many nights of less sleep than needed in order to be their best. 

I despise the new math concept for students who have no trouble understanding the way it used to be taught. For those who need it broken down in order to grasp a problem, I believe those can be taught the new math. There is more than one way for a child to learn, but taking an entire page to find the answer to a basic problem needs to be taught only to those who need that help. I spent a number of years tutoring elementary school students in math and reading. It was so rewarding seeing them understand how to solve a math problem or finally grasp the sounds letters make and how words are formed. Watching a child who could barely read excited about checking books out of the library just a few months later was extremely rewarding. Their smiles said it all!

There are a number of nice things that come with growing older. One is knowing that you don’t have to go back to school unless you want to. The other is knowing your older grandchildren assume there is no way you will understand their homework, so won’t ask for your help. 

Enjoy the fall weather. I’m going to go see if the leaves are changing!