1.

BLOG

I think what Sinclair did with her writing regarding children was revolutionary. I believe that as we grow
older, our perceptions of the actions of children get distorted. We see these actions as a nuisance, a
form of mischief, and something to be corrected. However, by spending time with children and
incorporating what Sinclair observed into her writing, she had captured how children really are.
Furthermore, by having children contribute to the stories, Sinclair added the true essence of how a child
views the world. I also agree with Sinclairs view that children are not necessarily up to mischief, but are
more curious with regard to their environment. With these curious minds, children will learn better by
themselves through exploration of their curiosity and not by being forcefully fed information. I think
there is still a merit to children being a tabula rasa, but adults need not to control every aspect of their
lives to be able to learn. From what I observed, children that were left to their own devices to learn but
guided by the love of their parents grew up to be more well-rounded individuals. I also think that books
or stories reflect the outlook of the author. Sinclair projected in her works how she lived her life and her
views on child rearing while Blake reflected his views on how underprivileged children were abused by
adults. I believe that neither view was wrong as they both reflect a different side of the same coin, how
privileged and underprivileged children experience life as a whole.

2. JOURNAL

Sinclairs concern with how children are being raised is still an important issue today. There is a
continuing debate as to which methods are more effective the tiger mom approach which involves a
strict and rigorous regiment, or a more liberal approach which allows for more play time and letting kids
just be kids. In the chapter Uncle Davids Nonsensical Story about Giants and Fairies, Uncle David tries
to teach the children a lesson by showing them the pitfalls of excesses. The story involves a young boy
who chose the life of gluttony and sloth, and in doing so ends up in danger of becoming a giants meal. It
can be noted that in the first part of the chapter, Uncle David observes how the times have changed,
that everything from toys to storybooks are geared towards instructing children. This is the reason why
the young boy was driven to choose the easy life. The misery the boy was in, curiously enough, is also
what studies show about the effects on the children of tiger moms depressed and detached children.
Considering the way in which Sinclair came up with Holiday House (i.e. involving her nieces in writing the
story), childrens stories may become an effective means to shape public policy. Not only does it show
the realities childrearing and the educational system, it allows people to make personal connections to
the characters in the story.

3. STUDENTS POST

I agree with what Carlyn posted regarding how children should be able to learn through their own
curiosities. However, I believe that children should be guided by adults or their parents when it comes to
exploring their curiosities. A loving guide or parent will complete a childs experience and learnings. I
partially agree with Carlyn that the lesson the uncle was trying to convey was to never be lazy and
always be good. At the end of the story, Master No-Book became violent in his ways of teaching lazy
children on how to be productive members of the society. It seems that Master No-Book reflected the
character of Mrs. Crabtree by the end of the story. This seems to be in contrast with how Sinclair views
teaching children in that she believes that guiding them is more effective than forcing them to learn
through beatings. It seems that Master No-Books intentions were good-hearted, but the way he acted
upon them were in line with the English education system at that time which Sinclair pointed out as
flawed. Other than a few points I made above, I agree with most of what Carlyn posted.

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