Semi-legible loopy long-handed photocopied writing made me blink in surprise the first time my husband brought extra paperwork home from daycare. This isn’t a home daycare either, but an independant center with probably 30 kids full-time plus an after-school program.
Only when I tried to interpret it did I realize how awful the writing really was. Some important words were left out of sentences and had to be inferred. Multiple words were spelled wrong. The grammar was confusing and the ideas were mixed up instead of organized into groups.
I actually had to go talk to the owner to make sure I understod what she wrote. She knew exactly what was needed, for vaccination documentation to the state in this case, and it took only a couple go rounds verbally before I understood as well. She proudly displays her certifications and the continual education information for her staff and has successfully run this business for at least a decade.
How well she writes doesn’t matter.
This blew me away.
I live in a world where writing matters, whether it is conversations on the internet, documentation and collaboration at work, or in my personal realm of interests as a reader and a blogger.
But she gets everything done and communicated without the level of skill I would have thought necessary. Most likely her business and image could benefit by improving her skills or using someone else’s, but how much of a difference would it really make?
It’s a disconnect for me that spawned a whole host of questions.
For how many people in the US who consider themselves successful does writing really not matter? How far is my view skewed by personal prejudices, past education, and constant exposure to the internet, where ”content is king?” Do I undervalue my ability to communicate clearly since I am ever conscious of how I could improve?
Another letter came home last week, this one about making sure all the children are present by 9am for roll call in case of fire. It was just as convulated and drove me just as nuts, but the message came across. Eventually the frustration may be a factor in my finding another daycare, but in the meantime my daughter is receiving great care, and that’s the real point.
I think in this case I would look at the daycare provider’s strengths. If they are in the areas of childcare, kindness, and attentiveness to the children, then don’t worry about her writing skills. Maybe offer to help her with a newsletter if you have time.
I think there are many jobs where written skills are not required. My father is a top notch, award-winning mechanic whose run his own business for over fifty years but can he write a coherent letter? No. Would I let anyone touch my car but him? No.
Great post,
Lisa
Funny I find this post of yours today . . . convoluted sentences (usually) drive me CRAZY. I was on the road today, crossing several state lines, switching from one radio station to another. Translation: I heard a LOT of convoluted sentences that kept me laughing all the way.
I’m with Lisa on this one, Beth; but the “writing” thing does drive me nuts.
I’ve had to think about that, since there are a lot of successful and terrifically enjoyable folks who can’t seem to jot down a series of coherent thoughts on paper. And then it came to me:
Not unlike you, I work in an area that values clarity in writing. And, I went to a grad program that emphasized written communication skill and expertise. And, my parents valued it.
So really, when I start to get ticked off at a superstar who can’t write, I’m just wanting them to be more like me
I’ll take the confidence in good day care any day.
Lisa and Steve,
I agree with you about the providers’ strength in other areas being more important. I erred in letting part of the larger conversation in my head leak out without context. I chose this daycare because I was happiest with their infant care, including the stability of the providers. However, we have a wealth of quality centers in the area that offer additional features, including food, fieldtrips, and certified kindergartens, that will become more attractive as Alanna gets older
Steve, I really liked your comment about wanting those with strength in other areas to be more like oneself. Good point.
Jeanne, I’ve done that before, too. It can be quite entertaining.