Are We Teaching Kids to Pass a Test or Actually Learn? Ep. 149
From The Home Education with Ease Podcast · 33:30
Show by Christine Furman
149: Are We Teaching Kids to Pass a Test or Actually Learn?Release Date: To be confirmedShow NotesAre our children truly understanding what they're learning, or are we simply preparing them to pass the next test?In this week's episode of Home Education with Ease, Christine Furman, former classroom and special education teacher, homeschool mom, and home education expert, shares her concerns about the growing emphasis on standardized testing and what it means for our children's education.Drawing from her years in the classroom and her current experience supporting students, Christine discusses how the pressure to perform on assessments can sometimes overshadow what matters most: building strong foundational skills and helping children become confident, independent learners.From lengthy online reading comprehension passages to children relying on skip counting instead of developing multiplication fact fluency, Christine shares real examples of where children may be moving forward academically without fully understanding essential skills.She also explores the important role of assessments, why technology should remain a tool rather than replace meaningful instruction, and how parents can advocate for their children when something isn't working.Whether your children attend traditional school or you're homeschooling, this conversation will encourage you to look beyond grades and test scores and focus on what your child truly understands.Because education isn't about checking boxes or keeping up with a pacing guide. It's about meeting children where they are, strengthening their foundations, and equipping them with skills they'll carry throughout their lives.Join the ConversationHead over to the Home Education with Ease Facebook Group and answer this week's question:Do you feel children are being taught for understanding or simply being prepared for the next test?Share your answers with the community, ask questions, or DM Christine! I'd love to hear your perspective, whether you homeschool or your children attend traditional school.Takeaways1. Assessments should guide instruction, not drive it. Testing can help identify what children understand and where they need additional support, but preparing for an assessment shouldn't become the entire focus of learning.2. Strong foundational skills make future learning easier. Reading, writing, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are essential building blocks that help children approach more advanced concepts with confidence.3. Understanding comes before moving on. Just because a child has completed a lesson doesn't necessarily mean they've mastered the skill. Sometimes slowing down, revisiting concepts, and teaching in a different way makes all the difference.4. Technology is a tool, not a replacement for meaningful learning. Online programs and assessments can be valuable, but children also benefit from books, paper and pencil, hands-on activities, meaningful conversations, and real-life experiences.5. Parents are their children's greatest advocates. Whether homeschooling or working alongside classroom teachers, parents can ask questions, identify learning gaps, and help children receive the support they need.Quotes"I want them to be problem solvers. I want them to have critical thinking skills. I want them to know where to go to find information."— Christine Furman"We are taking these skills, and instead of teaching to the test, we are building a strong foundation."— Christine Furman"Let the assessments be the guide. Okay. Instead of the whole purpose for teaching."— Christine Furman"But your child is who you're teaching. Keep that in mind. They are the most important thing."— Christine FurmanResources & LinksEduPlay® Learning Academy: Personalized, meaningful, hands-on learning experiences designed to meet children where they are and strengthen foundational skills.IXL: IXL Learning — A supplemental tool Christine uses to practice and monitor specific skills.Home Education with Ease Facebook Group : Join the community to continue the conversation about assessments, foundational skills, and meaningful learning.EduPlay® Learning: https://eduplaylearning.comChristine Furman: https://christinefurman.comConnect with Christine: Facebook or InstagramPrevious Episode 148: Continue the conversation about technology, screen time, and its role in children's learning.
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