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.
Monday, September 28, 2009
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.
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