The declaration of a national emergency of the H1N1 virus known as the swine flu is this part of an elaborate plan to get the country in a panic over the H1N1 virus. When people panic they do not use their critical thinking skills to uncover the actual purpose of the actions taking place. We are questioning the motives of the government on several levels.
Currently, they are unable to get the health care reform passed even with the Democratic having control. One theory is if they can create enough fear people will feel the need to have this universal health care. Unfortunately, when people think logically the health care like what is proposed would actually kills more people. The reason the vaccine was able to be dispensed in the timely manner that it arrived was because it was channeled through the private sector.
The other theory is it a simple diversion for the administration away from the economy. We highlight the potential underlining motives to insure that as American we have not forgotten the critical thinking skills that we learned in school. Look below the surface message.
We are following this issue and safety of the H1N1 vaccine too so say tune.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Swine flu national emergency
President Barack Obama declared the swine flu as a national emergency on Friday night and it was announced on Saturday. This declaration allows the Secretary of Health and Human services, Kathleen Sebelius, the authority to by-pass the federal rules for opening alternative care sites. These alternatives hospital care sites would be care centers at schools, community centers if the hospital seeks permission and other off-site locations.
The idea is to minimize the number of people infected. Hospitals are opening drive-thru and drive up facilities to keep flu patients out of the traditional emergency room. This change was a financial concern because typically if the treatment is done off-site it is not reimbursed under the federal guidelines. This declaration answers that financial issue of treatment off-site by allowing payment with authorization.
H1N1 vaccine clinics were open Saturday, October 24, 2009 for all high risk categories in several locations in Maricopa County. During, the clinics yesterday the supply of H1N1 vaccine was depleted. Maricopa Health Department does expect to receive additional H1N1 vaccine.
Until additional H1N1 vaccine is received here are some hints to reduce the spread of the flu at home; cough/sneeze in elbow, wash your hands, drink plenty of liquids and individuals in the high risk categories should consider the vaccine. Prevent the spread of the flu by teaching your children good hygiene, keep sick children home and consider the flu vaccine. These practices will help to keep our schools healthy.
The idea is to minimize the number of people infected. Hospitals are opening drive-thru and drive up facilities to keep flu patients out of the traditional emergency room. This change was a financial concern because typically if the treatment is done off-site it is not reimbursed under the federal guidelines. This declaration answers that financial issue of treatment off-site by allowing payment with authorization.
H1N1 vaccine clinics were open Saturday, October 24, 2009 for all high risk categories in several locations in Maricopa County. During, the clinics yesterday the supply of H1N1 vaccine was depleted. Maricopa Health Department does expect to receive additional H1N1 vaccine.
Until additional H1N1 vaccine is received here are some hints to reduce the spread of the flu at home; cough/sneeze in elbow, wash your hands, drink plenty of liquids and individuals in the high risk categories should consider the vaccine. Prevent the spread of the flu by teaching your children good hygiene, keep sick children home and consider the flu vaccine. These practices will help to keep our schools healthy.
Baby Einstein refund
The Baby Einstein offered the extension of the refund policy in a press release on September 4, 2009. The refund allows families to get a refund of $15.99 on up to four Baby Einstein titles that were purchased between June 5, 2004 and September 4, 2009 is eligible.
The corporation decided to allow the consumers to determine whether they were satisfied with the quality of the products offered. These actions were lead by Susan Linn who asked the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to question the claim that Baby Einstein is educational. The FTC brought no action because they do not claim to be educational. Susan Linn continued her attacks on the company with the recent media blitz.
In response, Baby Einstein Susan McLain, the General Manager, of the Baby Einstein Company wanted to set the record straight and state that the company stands behind its products. This extended refund policy is a demonstration of the strength of the products. The refund policy allows the consumer to make the choice.
When we reviewed several of the Baby Einstein DVD’s, it was determined that they can be an effective tool in teaching your child. The same way a pencil can be used in teaching your child to write. If you simply hand your child a pencil that does not mean they can write. Children learn in several different formats. Parents should never think that a single product can be all things to all children. It is essential for children to learn in an interactive environment. The television should never be substituted for the parent reading and actively talking to the child. Again, the content of several of the titles have value and merit, but not as a stand alone tool in education.
The corporation decided to allow the consumers to determine whether they were satisfied with the quality of the products offered. These actions were lead by Susan Linn who asked the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to question the claim that Baby Einstein is educational. The FTC brought no action because they do not claim to be educational. Susan Linn continued her attacks on the company with the recent media blitz.
In response, Baby Einstein Susan McLain, the General Manager, of the Baby Einstein Company wanted to set the record straight and state that the company stands behind its products. This extended refund policy is a demonstration of the strength of the products. The refund policy allows the consumer to make the choice.
When we reviewed several of the Baby Einstein DVD’s, it was determined that they can be an effective tool in teaching your child. The same way a pencil can be used in teaching your child to write. If you simply hand your child a pencil that does not mean they can write. Children learn in several different formats. Parents should never think that a single product can be all things to all children. It is essential for children to learn in an interactive environment. The television should never be substituted for the parent reading and actively talking to the child. Again, the content of several of the titles have value and merit, but not as a stand alone tool in education.
Pregnancy test given to 12 year old at school
The allegation that a 12 year old girl at Seven Hills Middle School, in Nevada City was given a pregnancy test by the school counselor last spring was confirmed. (The parents did not authorize the pregnancy test.) This confirmation was received when another student came forward and confirmed that the student was forced to take the pregnancy test.
In order, to protect the privacy of the 12 year old girl she is being identified as C.R. in the court documents. The attorneys at Pacific Justice Institute are representing her in the lawsuit against the counselor and school district alleging the violation of the federal and state privacy rights. The school did not allow her to consult her parents or medical provider prior to giving the test.
The staff attorney from the Pacific Justice Institute Matthew McReynolds stated, “We have always felt the evidence in this case is compelling, and last week’s testimony by a former classmate with no stake in this lawsuit confirms our suspicions. We are also concerned that there may be more victims who have yet to come forward.”
Once again the rights of parents are being trampled by a school district. The PJI is continuing to protect the rights of parents. Brad Dacus, the president of PJI stated, “This case could have been quickly resolved at the outset with a simple apology and policy change. Since the school district has chosen to deny any wrongdoing, we will continue to fight to ensure that what happened to this 12-year-old girl never happens again in this or any other California school district.”
We will continue to monitor this case.
In order, to protect the privacy of the 12 year old girl she is being identified as C.R. in the court documents. The attorneys at Pacific Justice Institute are representing her in the lawsuit against the counselor and school district alleging the violation of the federal and state privacy rights. The school did not allow her to consult her parents or medical provider prior to giving the test.
The staff attorney from the Pacific Justice Institute Matthew McReynolds stated, “We have always felt the evidence in this case is compelling, and last week’s testimony by a former classmate with no stake in this lawsuit confirms our suspicions. We are also concerned that there may be more victims who have yet to come forward.”
Once again the rights of parents are being trampled by a school district. The PJI is continuing to protect the rights of parents. Brad Dacus, the president of PJI stated, “This case could have been quickly resolved at the outset with a simple apology and policy change. Since the school district has chosen to deny any wrongdoing, we will continue to fight to ensure that what happened to this 12-year-old girl never happens again in this or any other California school district.”
We will continue to monitor this case.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Daycare licensing fee increase and the affect on education
Daycare licensing change and the affect on education
The daycare licensing change would increase the daycare operator licensing fees. This increase in licensing fees could result in the increase in daycare fees for the children. Many parents will not be able to afford the increase in daycare fees. The child’s inability to attend preschool would influence a child’s academic achievement. The change in licensing fees could have a dramatic affect on a child’s development.
The daycare licensing fees proposed increase is huge. This increase is illustrated below;
1. For a child care facility with a licensed capacity of 5 to 10 children, $58;
2. For a child care facility with a licensed capacity of 11 to 59 children, $222;
3. For a child care facility with a licensed capacity of 60 to 99 children, $458;
4. For a child care facility with a licensed capacity of 100 to 149 children, $738; or
5. For a child care facility with a licensed capacity of 150 or more children, $1,344.
1. For a child care facility with a licensed capacity of 5 to 10 children, $581;
2. For a child care facility with a licensed capacity of 11 to 59 children, $2,218;
3. For a child care facility with a licensed capacity of 60 to 99 children, $4,578;
4. For a child care facility with a licensed capacity of 100 to 149 children, $7,380; or
5. For a child care facility with a licensed capacity of 150 or more children, $13,442.
This information was taken from the Arizona Department of Health website.
We reviewed an article in the September/October issue of the journal of Child Development. This article revealed that the importance of having a good preschool curriculum from 6 months old to 3 or 4 years old. The article identified how critical it is for child to have a good preschool education. This foundation prepares the children for elementary school and their academic career.
We should attend the Arizona Department of Health Services public hearing October 27 in Phoenix and October 29 in Tucson. Let them know how you feel about this issue.
The daycare licensing change would increase the daycare operator licensing fees. This increase in licensing fees could result in the increase in daycare fees for the children. Many parents will not be able to afford the increase in daycare fees. The child’s inability to attend preschool would influence a child’s academic achievement. The change in licensing fees could have a dramatic affect on a child’s development.
The daycare licensing fees proposed increase is huge. This increase is illustrated below;
1. For a child care facility with a licensed capacity of 5 to 10 children, $58;
2. For a child care facility with a licensed capacity of 11 to 59 children, $222;
3. For a child care facility with a licensed capacity of 60 to 99 children, $458;
4. For a child care facility with a licensed capacity of 100 to 149 children, $738; or
5. For a child care facility with a licensed capacity of 150 or more children, $1,344.
1. For a child care facility with a licensed capacity of 5 to 10 children, $581;
2. For a child care facility with a licensed capacity of 11 to 59 children, $2,218;
3. For a child care facility with a licensed capacity of 60 to 99 children, $4,578;
4. For a child care facility with a licensed capacity of 100 to 149 children, $7,380; or
5. For a child care facility with a licensed capacity of 150 or more children, $13,442.
This information was taken from the Arizona Department of Health website.
We reviewed an article in the September/October issue of the journal of Child Development. This article revealed that the importance of having a good preschool curriculum from 6 months old to 3 or 4 years old. The article identified how critical it is for child to have a good preschool education. This foundation prepares the children for elementary school and their academic career.
We should attend the Arizona Department of Health Services public hearing October 27 in Phoenix and October 29 in Tucson. Let them know how you feel about this issue.
Harvey Milk's day and California's curriculum
The Harvey Milk Day was signed by Governor Schwarzenegger last Sunday. Last year he vetoed the bill honoring Harvey Milk. Since, President Obama awarded Milk the Presidential Medal of Honor and the film of Milk’s life was Academy award winning According to Aaron McLear, Schwarzenegger’s spokesperson, President Obama award of the Medal of Honor to Milk and Academy award for his film influenced Schwarzenegger’s decision. This bill will affect the curriculum taught in the public schools of California.
Governor Schwarzenegger proclaimed that each May 22 as Harvey Milk Day. This will not be a state holiday. Yet it does encourage public schools to create lessons to inform students of the life of Harvey Milk. Equality California will develop curriculum for schools and teachers. (Equality California is the largest gay rights organization.) The Campaign for Children and Families opposed the bill and they encourage parents to take their children out of anti-family public schools.
The bill is SB 572, states that all future governors must proclaim May 22nd as Harvey Milk day, “and would designate that day as having special significance in public schools and educational institutions and would encourage those entities to conduct suitable commemorative exercises on that date.” Unfortunately, the bill does not include an opt-out for parents that do not want their children to focus on Harvey Milk all day. The bill does include all grade levels.
Whether you want your children to participate or not as a parent you should always have the right to opt-out. We will continue to monitor the curriculum being taught to our children. It is important to watch the changes that in the curriculum being taught to our students.
Governor Schwarzenegger proclaimed that each May 22 as Harvey Milk Day. This will not be a state holiday. Yet it does encourage public schools to create lessons to inform students of the life of Harvey Milk. Equality California will develop curriculum for schools and teachers. (Equality California is the largest gay rights organization.) The Campaign for Children and Families opposed the bill and they encourage parents to take their children out of anti-family public schools.
The bill is SB 572, states that all future governors must proclaim May 22nd as Harvey Milk day, “and would designate that day as having special significance in public schools and educational institutions and would encourage those entities to conduct suitable commemorative exercises on that date.” Unfortunately, the bill does not include an opt-out for parents that do not want their children to focus on Harvey Milk all day. The bill does include all grade levels.
Whether you want your children to participate or not as a parent you should always have the right to opt-out. We will continue to monitor the curriculum being taught to our children. It is important to watch the changes that in the curriculum being taught to our students.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Childhood literacy
Reading to children is essential for long term literacy. The survey commissioned by the Pearson Foundation discovered that parents are not aware of the importance of early childhood literacy. Literacy includes the child’s ability to recognize letters, letters that make words, the difference between the front of a book from the back and the fact that you read from left to right. When we are not aware of the importance of the early literacy we really affect the child’s future.
According to the survey many people believe that even if the student starts off behind they are able to catch up during their elementary years. Unfortunately, this is not true for the majority of students. Especially if the students are from low-income homes compared to the more affluent students. The key is early intervention in assisting with the preparation of reading literacy.
Jumpstart, Pearson Foundation and Walmart are sponsoring a Jumpstart's Read for the Record campaign. The other corporate sponsors of the event are American Eagle and Sodexo. This campaign is designed to increase the awareness of the literacy for our children. This campaign raises money to provide preparation for low-income children to be equipped with the skills necessary to succeed in school.
The book for the 2009 Read for the Record is a limited edition from the Philomel Books classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. This book will be sold in Walmart today October 8, 2009. All the net proceeds will be donated to Jumpstart from the sale of the book. Jumpstart’s Read raise over $3 million to assist children in being prepared for success in school over the past three years. They have also donated over 500,000 books to children in need.
"Access to books, especially quality literature, is one of the major factors of early educational success for children, and Walmart is committed to doing our part to communicate this important message," said Walmart Foundation president Margaret McKenna. "From our associates who are reading in Walmart stores on October 8th, to customers who support Jumpstart by buying The Very Hungry Caterpillar at Walmart, we're helping to instill a love for reading in children, planting seeds for later success."
Today in Walmart’s across the country The Very Hungry Caterpillar will be sold to assist children in being prepared for school.
According to the survey many people believe that even if the student starts off behind they are able to catch up during their elementary years. Unfortunately, this is not true for the majority of students. Especially if the students are from low-income homes compared to the more affluent students. The key is early intervention in assisting with the preparation of reading literacy.
Jumpstart, Pearson Foundation and Walmart are sponsoring a Jumpstart's Read for the Record campaign. The other corporate sponsors of the event are American Eagle and Sodexo. This campaign is designed to increase the awareness of the literacy for our children. This campaign raises money to provide preparation for low-income children to be equipped with the skills necessary to succeed in school.
The book for the 2009 Read for the Record is a limited edition from the Philomel Books classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. This book will be sold in Walmart today October 8, 2009. All the net proceeds will be donated to Jumpstart from the sale of the book. Jumpstart’s Read raise over $3 million to assist children in being prepared for success in school over the past three years. They have also donated over 500,000 books to children in need.
"Access to books, especially quality literature, is one of the major factors of early educational success for children, and Walmart is committed to doing our part to communicate this important message," said Walmart Foundation president Margaret McKenna. "From our associates who are reading in Walmart stores on October 8th, to customers who support Jumpstart by buying The Very Hungry Caterpillar at Walmart, we're helping to instill a love for reading in children, planting seeds for later success."
Today in Walmart’s across the country The Very Hungry Caterpillar will be sold to assist children in being prepared for school.
Friday, October 2, 2009
More controversy in the classroom
As parents we have a real dilemma with some of the curriculum that is being taught to our children in schools. The students in California may be shown pro-gay videos. The posters introducing the videos are displayed in the school now. The videos have been ordered by the various California school boards. There are two films one is of a boy “coming out” by wearing his mom’s bikini and the other is one that uses the spiritualism of Native Americans' to cast LGBT (lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender) persons as “two-spirit” people.
This video and support materials are from the Youth in Motion, this group is a partnership between Frameline and Gay-Straight Alliance Network. The support materials include the curriculum guide and action guide. The Youth in Motion films for education are designed to shown in the classroom or assemblies. This controversial curriculum is marketed to schools and with the proposed passing of Harvey Milk Day there will be more controversy. The Harvey Milk Day will be considered Gay Day because he was a civil right leader that was gay.
The lists of schools that are set to receive these videos are numerous high schools, a few junior high schools and middle schools and at least one elementary school. The parents’ should have the right to determine what they want their children exposed to in school. Although the parent can choose for their child to opt-out. What about the posters and other support material visible in the school? The president of Pacific Justice Institute, Brad Dacus, stated, “PJI will continue to investigate whether any opt-out laws are being violated by the showing of these films. Any parents whose opt-out requests are denied by their child’s school should contact PJI immediately.”
The Pacific Justice Institute is handling the parents’ cases and a former special education teacher. This special education teacher has filed a suit because he was forced to quit due to his inadequate support of pro-homosexual presence in his school. We need to watch what is happening in California and continue to monitor our schools. It does not matter if you are heterosexual or homosexual it is the parents right to determine the exposure to sex education for their child. Many parents will not allow students to participate in traditional sex education classes. This should not be any different therefore the posters should not be displayed in the halls and classrooms.
This video and support materials are from the Youth in Motion, this group is a partnership between Frameline and Gay-Straight Alliance Network. The support materials include the curriculum guide and action guide. The Youth in Motion films for education are designed to shown in the classroom or assemblies. This controversial curriculum is marketed to schools and with the proposed passing of Harvey Milk Day there will be more controversy. The Harvey Milk Day will be considered Gay Day because he was a civil right leader that was gay.
The lists of schools that are set to receive these videos are numerous high schools, a few junior high schools and middle schools and at least one elementary school. The parents’ should have the right to determine what they want their children exposed to in school. Although the parent can choose for their child to opt-out. What about the posters and other support material visible in the school? The president of Pacific Justice Institute, Brad Dacus, stated, “PJI will continue to investigate whether any opt-out laws are being violated by the showing of these films. Any parents whose opt-out requests are denied by their child’s school should contact PJI immediately.”
The Pacific Justice Institute is handling the parents’ cases and a former special education teacher. This special education teacher has filed a suit because he was forced to quit due to his inadequate support of pro-homosexual presence in his school. We need to watch what is happening in California and continue to monitor our schools. It does not matter if you are heterosexual or homosexual it is the parents right to determine the exposure to sex education for their child. Many parents will not allow students to participate in traditional sex education classes. This should not be any different therefore the posters should not be displayed in the halls and classrooms.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Our education system is it motivation or indoctrination
The news head lines are filled with concern for the information that is being taught to our children beyond the traditional reading, writing, and arithmetic. It now it includes the elimination of “capitalist” thinking from our children. Currently, we are experiencing underlining messages disguised as motivational and informational. It is not as bold as Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez with the Socialist ideology or Raul Castro with the Marxist ideology. Again the messaging here in the United States is subtle right now. If we do not continue to bring this to light it will become bold. We need you to be aware of what is happening to our education system.
As American we should not forgot why and how this country was founded.
This land was founded by three countries Spain, France, and England. France populated the Midwest. Spain populated the south and moved even further south Mexico and South America. England took over Spain and France. Under the British rule we were told what to eat, build, who to education and taxed without representation. Let’s us not forget why we fought the Revolutionary War. The founding fathers created a system for people by the people if they thought it was important to be Socialist or Marxist it would be in the Constitution. Why do people come to America? They leave the Communist, Socialist and Marxist countries because they desire to be in a land that does not dictate their life. In America you can be a poor child and work hard to become wealthy. Capitalism allows you to think. Socialism and Marxism do not allow you the ability to have creative thoughts.
As American we can not afford for this type of invasion of our education system. We are responsible for our children’s mindset, values and moral character. When we send them to school it is to receive an education in the core subjects and not to be programmed by any political doctrine. As parent we must continue to monitor our schools to insure that our students are getting the education that we send them to receive.
As American we should not forgot why and how this country was founded.
This land was founded by three countries Spain, France, and England. France populated the Midwest. Spain populated the south and moved even further south Mexico and South America. England took over Spain and France. Under the British rule we were told what to eat, build, who to education and taxed without representation. Let’s us not forget why we fought the Revolutionary War. The founding fathers created a system for people by the people if they thought it was important to be Socialist or Marxist it would be in the Constitution. Why do people come to America? They leave the Communist, Socialist and Marxist countries because they desire to be in a land that does not dictate their life. In America you can be a poor child and work hard to become wealthy. Capitalism allows you to think. Socialism and Marxism do not allow you the ability to have creative thoughts.
As American we can not afford for this type of invasion of our education system. We are responsible for our children’s mindset, values and moral character. When we send them to school it is to receive an education in the core subjects and not to be programmed by any political doctrine. As parent we must continue to monitor our schools to insure that our students are getting the education that we send them to receive.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The Story of Stuff ?
We now are being undermined again as parents. The purpose of school is providing our students with the best education possible. Right now some teachers across this country of ours are using the video Story of stuff by Annie Leonard in the classroom. This 20 minute video provides statistics that are completely not true. It threatens our capitalist system. We are providing a link to the video so that you can make your own decision for your family. http://www.storyofstuff.com/
The foundation of your child’s core values are your responsibility as a parent.
We have outlined some of the misinformation, quotes and the manipulation of numbers throughout the video. The video states that “50% of the federal taxes goes to the military” this is not true. Our federal tax dollars include the Medicare and Medicaid as well. When you add all three together you have the total federal tax dollars deducted from our income. Another quote is “Where I live, in the United States, we have less than 4% of our original forests left”. This is completely untrue. The forestry data is divided federal, state, tribal, and private. Once again if you select only a single category to compare then the numbers will look like we only have a small percentage left. The video talks about the government responsibilities include taking care of us. We need to go back, read our constitution and realize that this is not the purpose of government. Lynn Harsh a former high school teacher is developing a response to this video. http://westvirginia.watchdog.org/2009/09/22/watchblog-eff-ceo-lynn-harsh-on-glenn-beck-tonight/
We are currently investigating the use of this video in our area. We thought it was important to make our parents aware of the possibility that this may to shown to our children. Then you will have the information needed to monitor your own schools until we are able to uncover the use of this video in our school districts.
The foundation of your child’s core values are your responsibility as a parent.
We have outlined some of the misinformation, quotes and the manipulation of numbers throughout the video. The video states that “50% of the federal taxes goes to the military” this is not true. Our federal tax dollars include the Medicare and Medicaid as well. When you add all three together you have the total federal tax dollars deducted from our income. Another quote is “Where I live, in the United States, we have less than 4% of our original forests left”. This is completely untrue. The forestry data is divided federal, state, tribal, and private. Once again if you select only a single category to compare then the numbers will look like we only have a small percentage left. The video talks about the government responsibilities include taking care of us. We need to go back, read our constitution and realize that this is not the purpose of government. Lynn Harsh a former high school teacher is developing a response to this video. http://westvirginia.watchdog.org/2009/09/22/watchblog-eff-ceo-lynn-harsh-on-glenn-beck-tonight/
We are currently investigating the use of this video in our area. We thought it was important to make our parents aware of the possibility that this may to shown to our children. Then you will have the information needed to monitor your own schools until we are able to uncover the use of this video in our school districts.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Review of President Obama's speech
Now that President Obama’s Speech is posted for all to review lets examine the actual contents. As a stand alone document it is not dangerous. The problem as mentioned in a prior article is the lesson plans associated with the speech are the issue. The press release from our Arizona Superintendent Tom Horne on September 3, 2009 was critical of the tone of the “curriculum supplied by the White House” (Horne, 2009) as well. Parents should remember that pools are not dangerous if properly monitored. The critic of this speech or any other speech to our children should receive the same scrutiny.
When he states “turning around schools that aren’t working where students aren’t getting the opportunities they deserve” (Obama, 2009). The problem with the word “opportunities” is used in various contexts. In this context it means appropriate education within the school. The issue is that in life as individuals we are responsible for creating our own opportunities and not the government. This statement will make students begin to think that government is accountable for creating our opportunities. This type of belief is what allows us to continue increasing the size of government. We should not allow our children to believe this statement.
In the President’s Message he mentions many professions and their support for the growth of our nation. The first issue is the majority of the professions named where in the service industry. There is nothing wrong with service, but there has to be a balance. President Obama mentions “innovator or inventor” but he does not mention the entrepreneur or the words start your own business. The ability to start your own business is one of the things that makes our country great.
The activities following the speech do not allow the students to have stimulated conversation to question and analyze the speech. We should never teach our children to believe what a politician says at face value. The students’ should be taught critical thinking skills so that they can make an informed decision for themselves. Students should be taught to read and investigate so they are able to make intelligent decisions.
Many parents are debating right now whether they are going to allow their children to watch the broadcast of President, Obama’s speech. There are too many underlying messages and beliefs systems within the lessons and how they relate to Obama's speech. This speech is geared toward the good of the whole instead of the parts that make the whole. Remember "we the people", lets not forget.
When he states “turning around schools that aren’t working where students aren’t getting the opportunities they deserve” (Obama, 2009). The problem with the word “opportunities” is used in various contexts. In this context it means appropriate education within the school. The issue is that in life as individuals we are responsible for creating our own opportunities and not the government. This statement will make students begin to think that government is accountable for creating our opportunities. This type of belief is what allows us to continue increasing the size of government. We should not allow our children to believe this statement.
In the President’s Message he mentions many professions and their support for the growth of our nation. The first issue is the majority of the professions named where in the service industry. There is nothing wrong with service, but there has to be a balance. President Obama mentions “innovator or inventor” but he does not mention the entrepreneur or the words start your own business. The ability to start your own business is one of the things that makes our country great.
The activities following the speech do not allow the students to have stimulated conversation to question and analyze the speech. We should never teach our children to believe what a politician says at face value. The students’ should be taught critical thinking skills so that they can make an informed decision for themselves. Students should be taught to read and investigate so they are able to make intelligent decisions.
Many parents are debating right now whether they are going to allow their children to watch the broadcast of President, Obama’s speech. There are too many underlying messages and beliefs systems within the lessons and how they relate to Obama's speech. This speech is geared toward the good of the whole instead of the parts that make the whole. Remember "we the people", lets not forget.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Read for 20 minutes a day
Reading 20 minutes daily is essential for children of all ages. Whether the child is an infant and you are doing the reading. An early elementary school student should read a book and you should read to them as well. Your elementary school student should read any book that they will enjoy. Reading in all formats has a definite benefit.
The love for reading can be developed in the child as early as an infant. You should read various types of children’s books. Books with a rhyming format are always good. Counting books start developing that part of the brain. Then books with alphabets and colors as a part of the storyline are good too. The reading of these books develops the foundation that our children need.
The reading of books by our early elementary schools students builds confidence. When our children have confidence they strive. Then engage our children by asking questions about the story. This improves the comprehension of the story read. When you read to them you will be modeling for them how to use inflexion. When reading is a family event it creates a love for reading.
Our elementary students should be allowed to read a book they have selected. When they finish reading each day have them write a quick summary. Take the time to read the summary and engage them in a discussion. Showing a genuine interest in what they wrote. Again you have created a family event around something they like. Then as a family you have improved their confidence, reading fluency, comprehension and writing.
Ultimately, the creation of passion for reading is essential for life long learning. The ability to read allows our children to excel in all areas. They will be able to read and understand instruction. Let’s not discount the importance of confidence and the comfort that making reading a family priority.
The love for reading can be developed in the child as early as an infant. You should read various types of children’s books. Books with a rhyming format are always good. Counting books start developing that part of the brain. Then books with alphabets and colors as a part of the storyline are good too. The reading of these books develops the foundation that our children need.
The reading of books by our early elementary schools students builds confidence. When our children have confidence they strive. Then engage our children by asking questions about the story. This improves the comprehension of the story read. When you read to them you will be modeling for them how to use inflexion. When reading is a family event it creates a love for reading.
Our elementary students should be allowed to read a book they have selected. When they finish reading each day have them write a quick summary. Take the time to read the summary and engage them in a discussion. Showing a genuine interest in what they wrote. Again you have created a family event around something they like. Then as a family you have improved their confidence, reading fluency, comprehension and writing.
Ultimately, the creation of passion for reading is essential for life long learning. The ability to read allows our children to excel in all areas. They will be able to read and understand instruction. Let’s not discount the importance of confidence and the comfort that making reading a family priority.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
President Obama's Speech
President Obama’s speech planned for Tuesday, September 8th addressing our students’ K-12 has mixed reviews. The controversy is not just the hour long speech but the suggested lesson plan for activities after the speech. The question is this simply an educational or indoctrination for our students into a belief system and thought process.
The school districts here in the East Valley offered a variety of responses when asked if the speech will be viewed live on Tuesday, September 8th. The Florence Unified School District stated that the speech will be shown, the students will be offered other options if the parent desire for their children not to view. The Mesa Unified School District is showing the speech and they did not state another option would be given. The Gilbert Unified School District is showing the speech live to its students and they did not state that they were offering an alternative either. Chandler Unified School District is recording the speech, it will not be shown live, and they are offering it as resource if the various administrators choose to show the speech. When the Apache Junction School District was contacted we were unable to get an answer. American Leadership Academy in Gilbert will not be showing the speech. Benjamin Franklin Charter Schools will not be showing the speech either.
As you can see that the responses from the districts vary. It is important for parents to know the options that are available for their students in the various districts. Whether you agree or disagree with the speech as a parent you should be given the option of whether you want your child to view the speech. The lesson plans for K-6 lesson plans and 7-12 lesson plans. When the lesson plans are reviewed it is clear that the plans guide the students thought process. It reminds you of the controversial advertising of products to children in order to guide the parents buying habits.
As parents we need to remember that we are our children’s teacher and no one should have greater dominion over their thoughts and beliefs.
The school districts here in the East Valley offered a variety of responses when asked if the speech will be viewed live on Tuesday, September 8th. The Florence Unified School District stated that the speech will be shown, the students will be offered other options if the parent desire for their children not to view. The Mesa Unified School District is showing the speech and they did not state another option would be given. The Gilbert Unified School District is showing the speech live to its students and they did not state that they were offering an alternative either. Chandler Unified School District is recording the speech, it will not be shown live, and they are offering it as resource if the various administrators choose to show the speech. When the Apache Junction School District was contacted we were unable to get an answer. American Leadership Academy in Gilbert will not be showing the speech. Benjamin Franklin Charter Schools will not be showing the speech either.
As you can see that the responses from the districts vary. It is important for parents to know the options that are available for their students in the various districts. Whether you agree or disagree with the speech as a parent you should be given the option of whether you want your child to view the speech. The lesson plans for K-6 lesson plans and 7-12 lesson plans. When the lesson plans are reviewed it is clear that the plans guide the students thought process. It reminds you of the controversial advertising of products to children in order to guide the parents buying habits.
As parents we need to remember that we are our children’s teacher and no one should have greater dominion over their thoughts and beliefs.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Obama's Speech Brainwashing? Indoctrination?
As a mother of two children, if they were school aged children. I would outraged that the broadcast may be airred at their school. This broadcast is scheduled for September 8th at 12:00 (noon). Beyond the broadcast it also includes a lesson plan for k-6 and 7-12. This is a well planned poltical machine.
There are several issues with this broadcast. If it is played in your students school and you do not want them to participate. It creates division and can cause social issues with the other students as well as the teacher.
I will post more detail about the speech and lesson plan tomorrow.
There are several issues with this broadcast. If it is played in your students school and you do not want them to participate. It creates division and can cause social issues with the other students as well as the teacher.
I will post more detail about the speech and lesson plan tomorrow.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Back to School
The decisions that we make for our children will shape the rest of their life. We should not make these decisions lightly. Our children’s education is not a “one size fits all”. It is not simply checking with the local school board to determine the school based on your address. It goes for deeper than that; remember this is your child’s future.
You are your child’s first teacher will it be home school, private, charter or traditional public school. You have to decide. Many parent put more time in shopping for school clothes and supplies than the selection of the school.
I will post a check list so you can evaluate the needs of your students. Then you will be able to maximize their potential and create a “life long learn”.
You are your child’s first teacher will it be home school, private, charter or traditional public school. You have to decide. Many parent put more time in shopping for school clothes and supplies than the selection of the school.
I will post a check list so you can evaluate the needs of your students. Then you will be able to maximize their potential and create a “life long learn”.
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