The Country School is an independent, coeducational, Pre-K through 8 school founded in 1934.
News
Balancing After-School Activities with Family Time
Our learning specialist suggests ways in which you can carve out family time and free play in the midst of activities.
My parents provided me with an almost Norman Rockwell family life when I was a child, complete with my mom picking my sisters and me up from school, a snack at home, outdoor play time, homework, and a family dinner that always included my father--who came rushing home from work by 6:30 to join us. We watched the same TV program together every night and, at the commercial break, my mom served us a coveted bowl of ice cream for dessert. When the program ended, it was off to bed for reading time. I was an active kid, playing team sports at school, with tennis, piano, gymnastics, and sailing lessons interspersed throughout the year. I did not want for anything, and am very aware of how lucky I was.
My children, now in their 20’s, had almost the same childhood, with many of the same routines, rules, and expectations that my parents had for me. As a teacher and parent, I frequently wish that families could return to these simpler days. Conspicuously absent from my descriptions of my childhood are cell phones, laptops, and tablets. Cell phones and social media have added a layer of complexity to our children’s lives that I can only imagine. It was much easier when the house phone would ring and a child would say, “Hi, Mrs. Rajacich. May I speak to Michael, please?” You knew exactly who your children were speaking with and could listen to at least one end of the conversation...because the phone was in the kitchen! These days, parents have to be mini-detectives and work hard to know how their children are using technology.
In addition to the technological changes of the last decade, there are many more community-based activities for young children. School sports teams or community recreational teams were the primary options when my children were young, but now club teams that require try-outs are abundant for children as young as age 8. Community theater and music programs provide artistic opportunities for children as young as 6. With the many options for after-school enrichment, it is no wonder that our children are so busy. Trying to participate in these great programs and still find time for free play and family time is much harder than it used to be.
My children, now in their 20’s, had almost the same childhood, with many of the same routines, rules, and expectations that my parents had for me. As a teacher and parent, I frequently wish that families could return to these simpler days. Conspicuously absent from my descriptions of my childhood are cell phones, laptops, and tablets. Cell phones and social media have added a layer of complexity to our children’s lives that I can only imagine. It was much easier when the house phone would ring and a child would say, “Hi, Mrs. Rajacich. May I speak to Michael, please?” You knew exactly who your children were speaking with and could listen to at least one end of the conversation...because the phone was in the kitchen! These days, parents have to be mini-detectives and work hard to know how their children are using technology.
In addition to the technological changes of the last decade, there are many more community-based activities for young children. School sports teams or community recreational teams were the primary options when my children were young, but now club teams that require try-outs are abundant for children as young as age 8. Community theater and music programs provide artistic opportunities for children as young as 6. With the many options for after-school enrichment, it is no wonder that our children are so busy. Trying to participate in these great programs and still find time for free play and family time is much harder than it used to be.
Finding the right balance among free time, family time, and structured activities is difficult. However, research from The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) can help in making these tough scheduling decisions. This group reports that free play is important for healthy brain development and is an opportunity for parents to engage with their children. Rather than feeling pressure to sign children up for more sports teams and structured activities, the AAP encourages parents to be comfortable with free play and “down” time, and to consider its important role in the development of creativity and self-reliance for kids.
Despite these challenges facing young families, there are still activities that I hope do not become relics from long ago. First, phone-free family dinners are a good place to start. Laughing together, sharing snippets of each person's day, and developing good eating habits are very beneficial for children. Secondly, free time to play! Throwing the ball in the backyard, assembling a puzzle together, playing board games, and doing art projects create long-lasting family memories. Third, I hope that families find time to read together to discover favorite stories and a love for learning. And lastly, but most important: just BE together. No sports practice or piano lesson can replace being together as a family.
Recent News
List of 5 news stories.
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Kindergarten Students Serving Others!
Kindergarteners have been participating in a 3 part HOHO (Helping Others; Helping Ourselves) project lead by Ferris and Laura Butler. Students packed boxes to be shipped to veterans and their families. The boxeswere filled with child friendly, donated items. Also in the boxes were handwritten letters from the students along with a handmade American flag craft. The Butlers carefully orchestrated this project, and we are very grateful for their time and efforts. -
Spring Athletic Award Winners
Congratulations to all our spring athletics award winners and to all our Cougar athletes who participated in sports and clubs! This spring, TCS offered Boys’ and Girls’ Lacrosse, Pickleball Club, Running Club, and Volleyball Club. Providing so many athletic opportunities took a village—thank you to our amazing coaches, volunteers, and parent drivers for making it all possible! And thank you to our students for setting an example of dedication and sportsmanship!Read More -
Summer Trips for Upper School Students in 2025
It is with great excitement that The Country School announces the addition of 2025 summer trips for our Upper School students!Read More -
The Country School Celebrates 90 Years and Installs Jay Parker
Read MoreThe Country School is proud to be celebrating its 90th school year. This milestone year also marks the beginning of a new chapter with the appointment of Jay Parker as the 7th Head of School. -
Conversation & Homecoming - Saturday, February 24, 2024
Read MoreThe Country School, Talbot County Free Library, and the Avalon Foundation, sponsors, join with fourteen other community organizations to present Conversation & Homecoming with Carole Boston Weatherford and her son, Jeffery Boston Weatherford, a program free and open to all.
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