Slow down the school syllabus, it’s producing five-year-old nihilists
The author argues that the school syllabus is moving too quickly, stripping young children of their innocence and imagination at an early age. He illustrates this with anecdotes about his five-year-old grandson, who has become skeptical and world-weary after only a few months of school. The piece laments the loss of childhood magic, such as belief in pretend play and fictional characters, suggesting that education should preserve wonder longer.
- ▪The author's grandson started school and quickly became skeptical of imaginary figures like Bluey.
- ▪Children are losing their sense of play and belief in fantasy at increasingly young ages.
- ▪The author believes the education system moves too fast, eroding childhood innocence.
- ▪Pretend play with toys like Tigger and Piglet is being replaced by early cynicism.
- ▪The article suggests that maintaining childhood wonder is more important than rapid academic progress.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Sydney Morning Herald.