This quote reflects a moment from the speaker’s teenage years when they were around fifteen or sixteen. The speaker's father, who was also a secondary school teacher, would often check up on their homework to see what assignments had been given and would look over their shoulder as they did it. This action suggests a level of engagement between parent and child that goes beyond the typical supervision.
The deeper meaning of this quote highlights the importance of parental involvement in education from an early age. It shows how parents, especially those with experience in the educational system like the speaker's father, can play a significant role in their children’s academic lives by providing guidance and support. This kind of involvement fosters not only better learning outcomes but also a stronger bond between parent and child based on shared understanding and mutual respect for education.
The quote is from Michael Rosen, an acclaimed British author known for his poetry, plays, and essays. He has had a distinguished career in children's literature and has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Eleanor Farjeon Award and the Hans Christian Andersen Award. His work often touches on themes of family life, education, and social issues, reflecting personal experiences similar to the one he describes in this quote.
