Students, Amish Schools

Since the setting for A Promise for Miriam is an Amish schoolhouse, a lot of the plot revolves around STUDENTS and how they interact. Having taught for 15 years in a variety of different schools, I believe that “kids are kids” — city, suburb, small town — kids are kids!

That said, there are some differences. In my small town, lots of students wear boots, take care of cattle, and hunt. They also always held open the door for me and said “Yes, ma’am.”

So what about Amish students? How are they different?

• All are ESL (English as a Second Language students), since they speak Pennsylvania Dutch at home. Most Amish children begin speaking Englisch at school.
  

  Bill Coleman photograph

• Nearly all still walk to school.
• All bring their lunches – no cafeterias in an Amish schoolroom.
• All attend the same school as their brothers and sisters – that might seem obvious, but it does change family and school dynamics.
• All attend through the 8th grade.
• There is no kindergarten. They begin in 1st grade.
• While there isn’t a “school uniform” — as we know, what each students wears is very similar.

No school is perfect! I am sure there are challenges in an Amish schoolroom as there are challenges in any classroom, but I like the idea of families learning together–which reminded me of homeschooling. I also like the small size. No child is going to get “left behind” when you have one room, one group of kids, and one community looking out for them. At least that’s the way I see it.

What’s your opinion? And have any of you ever visited an Amish school?

Blessings,

~V

p.s. – July 1 is the official release date of A Promise for Miriam. You can now order it  from CBD and B&N and Amazon as well as other on-line sites and your neighborhood retail store. I’ve been told the ebook will be available July 1 as well. Also, remember to check back Wednesday for another give-a-way.