Wu Weining, who is married to Israel, observed that after his children entered primary school, they had no family contact book! This is really hard for Taiwanese parents to imagine: How to record homework and exams? How to communicate with the teacher? Behind the small differences, hidden is the expectation of Israeli education for children to be independent and responsible for learning.
After my eldest son entered the first grade of elementary school, I began to observe Israeli elementary education seriously. There was one thing that impressed me deeply in my children’s elementary school life: there was no “family contact book”!
In Taiwan, parents and teachers communicate mostly through family contact books, and use this to understand and monitor children's behavior at school. Parents have to sign every day, and tutors have to make corrections every day.
In Israel, educators believe that children need to understand from an early age that "completing things assigned by school and teachers" (whether it is homework or administrative matters at home) is part of learning, and they must be responsible for themselves rather than relying on others. Parents and tutors give advice all day long. Teachers notify parents through e-mail and WhatsApp groups to communicate about school administrative matters and weekly learning status.
Not just "complete", but "complete by yourself"
As the children grow older, the teacher's requirements for the children's self-discipline and sense of responsibility will also increase. Increasing year by year: In the second grade of elementary school, there were only two fixed days of homework every week. Tutors require children to inform their parents on their own and ask for help (usually there is only one homework assignment, no need to write it down); after reaching middle grade, children will get a calendar and record the homework for each subject and some special requirements on their own. The tutor is not responsible for ensuring that the child has copied all homework items, and parents are not required to sign. Children have the obligation and responsibility to complete their own homework and inform their parents of the school's requirements.
By completing the "requirements of tutors and subject teachers" every day, children's sense of responsibility, independence and self-discipline will be gradually established. Tutors and parents play a role of assistance rather than supervision. If a child has difficulties, tutors and parents will provide various tips to help the child find a way to complete the task that suits him or her. The focus is not just on "completing" the things assigned by the school but on "self-completing" the things assigned by the school.
Many Taiwanese parents find it incredible when they hear about this system! What to do with children who are more passive and have no sense of responsibility?