Education in Portugal is all about work.  To be more specific, it is all about working towards the tests. Period. 

I have no regrets that I enrolled my children in a Portuguese School. Goodness no. Their being bilingual and having a much stronger command of language than I do, is benefit enough for the experience. 

Let us not though speak of educational philosophy and pedagogy when referring to the Ministry of Education in this country.  My checklist of what I disagree with is just much too long. 

But here I am, on my first day of April break in my bed with my 4th grade son. The wee lad has at least 7 shortish books to read over this holiday period, with a short book summary to follow each. That’s not all of course. 

Our deal was that we’d read them together and I’d learn from him. I did. 

Portuguese Ministry of Education, I thank you for your required reading book list for the 4o Ano National Exam. Because of you, my son and I enjoyed a good read while having a great cuddle. Congrats on getting one thing right. 

Onto his book summary.