Maidstone Grammar school students take an exam. (©Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

UK teachers reportedly told not to correct kids' errors

5/11/2012

School teachers in England have reportedly been told to lighten up on correcting spelling errors by their students because it might hurt the children's feelings and lower their self-esteem. They're also being advised, say several alarmed members of Parliament, not to correct more than three mistakes because too much red ink will discourage the poor darlings. MP Andrew Selous said he fears the pampering policy, which he calls an "act of false kindness" and which is reportedly supported by parents' online forums, is being practiced in "thousands of schools across the country" and must stop if students are to be given the "fundamental skills needed in the job market." And no, spell-check doesn't cut it.

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Do you agree too many corrections can hurt children's self-esteem?