Addressing the Issue

Saturday, March 12, 2011

As a concerned parent and teacher, I know we have to address the issue of "who's responsible?"
It is certainly debateable by both sides.
Well, I was actually reading an article and in a staff development, the same issue reared its head again. Why is this even a question to debate? Isn't it all of our responsibility to play positive roles in children's lives.
It takes a village to raise a child~African proverb.
When did the notion of teacher vs. parent become a rival debate?
We (parents and educators) work T-O-G-E-T-H-E-R to assure every child's success.
We need each other. I can't imagine my children not having their teachers in their lives to help shape their imaginations, build their intelligences, and show them that their academic and social potential are precious jewels.
is of the essence! So we should stop spending time debating who's at fault and ALL of us (parents or not) need to mentor, adopt, share, create, and be active participants in the lives of children COLLECTIVELY!
We're in this together.
Okay, I just had to address the issue... Comments are positively !

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CCASKEY1 3/15/2011 10:02AM

Yes. The more time we waste pointing fingers, the less our students and children get out of their schools. Don't forget that when a child sees two 'sides' blaming each other, the child learns this behavior. Report Inappropriate Comment

AKAFIT 3/14/2011 11:03AM

I CONCUR!! As parents, we can definitely sit back on our BOOTY and think that our children's teacher should be their teacher, parent, counselor, etc. Well, there isn't enough time in the day for that, so that means that as the people responsible for bringing said children in the world, we have to do our parts. As the teacher, it is their awesome responsibility to teach and train our children academically to be successful . I believe that the teacher who loves their job is a dying breed, unfortunately. My kids' have had great teachers for the most part, but they have also had turds too. When their teachers aren't who or what they should, it has been my responsibility to step up and fill in the gaps which I don't mind doing because at the end of the day...their success is my GOAL! In the end, I am appreciative of those teachers who have been amazing and the ones who have not. I am grateful for the village that my kids have ALWAYS had in their lives in the form of my church family, our family, and other friends who have pitched in a time or two. I know I couldn't do this alone and I am thankful for everyone who has taught all of us the meaning of giving and loving! Comment edited on: 3/14/2011 11:05:31 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

After the "Sty"

Wednesday, March 09, 2011

I don't know why
I have a sty
It bothers my eye.
I wanted to cry
when the school nurse said,
"It's a sty."
But my eye was dry.
Who'd know how irritated it was for me.
Damn! I can not see. Why?
Oh heck! It's because of the sty!

I had to make fun of my situation, to build humor, and be able to laugh at myself.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

AKAFIT 3/14/2011 11:08AM

Hilarious soror, thanks for the comic relief. I wish I had thought of a poem for this confounded fever blister that appeared at the corner of my lip right before my birthday. Report Inappropriate Comment

56-58 The Final Score...

Saturday, March 05, 2011

My high school team just lost the basketball game taking away the chance to go to region. Dang! I'm so disappointed. It was a good game, but I wanted my boys to win so badly.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

WRITINGBLUEHAWK 3/12/2011 11:12AM

It sure can be tough to watch kids work hard only to experience disappointment. Still, its an important lesson in life and I'm sure that one day, they'll experience the thrill of victory instead of the agony of defeat. Report Inappropriate Comment

Well... On to another chapter in the "Life of Teaching"

Wednesday, March 02, 2011

Yesterday my 7th grade students completed the state-mandated Writing Test and I know they all worked extra hard and tried their best.
Today, the students were required to take a practice Math test.
Well, since so many were tired from yesterday, I suppose they felt, "Dang! Didn't I just finish testing yesterday?"
Why can't they seem to understand that each day is a new one where it is not the end of an era, but the beginning of a new chapter. I think I'm going to tell them that, too.
Isn't that life?
We work so hard to accomplish goals then we must understand that our true purpose is to be kind. Love others. Respect nature, and survive w/o compromising our integrity. Maybe I'm the one who is confused.
Middle school students tend to have that effect on the adult brain at times. (Head scratch moment)

Oh well... I still love those little rascals... "Mini-adults trapped in elementary minds"

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

YORHYNESS 3/3/2011 9:53AM

What a flashback! I actually remember taking that 7th grade wrting test. I have been preaching some of those same words to my senior in high school. I love it that you enjoy what you do and are able to draw from your own life experiences to teach them. They are lucky to have you as a teacher. :-) Report Inappropriate Comment

Virtual Reality

Saturday, February 19, 2011

After attending a Gifted/Talented training, I was truly enlightened about how our children rely heavily on technology and media. Many are even raised by media images.
Of course being a parent and teacher, this struck me as being incredibly disheartening. Where are the parents who look forward to attending parent-teacher meetings, homeroom moms [dads, too]. I want to see some of the old school methods of hands-on parenting not obsolete.
Am I asking for too much?. Turning the pages of a new book and even reading the Acknowledgements (or am I the only one who does that?) Now we have the e-books and other electronic means. Certainly we can save trees, but what about the authors? Will other book stores have to file chapter 13 like Borders?
We are making great strides, but as a society, we should really consider what effects technology can have on our economy in all areas.
Let's continue to grow while living in a safer, eco-friendly environment.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

AKAFIT 2/23/2011 8:53AM

I see both sides of the coin. Both as a working mother and as a stay at home mother who was more involved when I wasn't employed. I loved being involved in my kids' classrooms and at the school. I was the Treasurer for the PTA and loved it, but what I didn't love was the DRAMA of the PTA and that is part of the reason I am not as involved now. However, just because I don't attend a meeting doesn't mean that I am not involved in my childrens' education. I routinely check in with their teachers' and make sure to know what is going on in the classroom. I think, as a society, we have to find ways to be involved and we can't always rely on the teachers to do our jobs as parents. I really appreciate and applaud all you do as a teacher because I know that it can't be easy by any stretch of the imagination. Report Inappropriate Comment

BROWNIEISLANDER 2/20/2011 8:09PM

This is a growing trend of concern....Even down here....Parents "some" who aren't doing their duty...My daughter is secretary of my grand kids school P.T.A...and some of the parents never bother to come to the meetings....that's why the morals of lots of the 'young' are in Decay!!! Report Inappropriate Comment