Reflections: Education & Emancipation Denied….
Many children take for granted the education they receive here. But around the world, many would give anything to be able to go to school.
Elizabeth of Mirth and Motivation provides soul-searching video clips that I had to share. Being so involved in the care and education of young children, I was very moved by them…I think you will be as well.
Back-to-School Jitters are experienced by many children.
Even parents have them.
But did you know that many teachers also fall prey to Back-to-School Jitters?
If you’d like to find out what some teachers are thinking before the first day of school, please check out some of the teacher blogs that are part of the linky party organized by “A Turn To Learn”.
I joined in on the fun also!
Unfortunately, I couldn’t figure out how to copy with linky picture AND put my own words in…tech savvy I am not…although A Turn to Learn did provide a great tutorial…I’m sure almost everyone else would have been able to do it.
So here are my answers to the categories:
I’m excited for…sharing my passion for picture books with eager kindergarteners.
I’m nervous about…finding the time to do school visits and write picture books and work for a living.
I’m loving…encouraging children to become lovers of books and reading.
I need to remember…to speak with each child individually during the storytelling and crafting time.
I’m looking forward to a new year of school visits…this year I plan to include my own picture book stories in the list I provide to the teachers. Last year I had the privilege of reading The Balloon Man to a Montessori Early Childhood class…the children LOVED it…and I was thrilled to share the story of the balloon salesman whose encounter with a mouse almost ended his career.
Please check out the link to A Turn to Learn. Her blog provides amazing content…she sounds like a super teacher…the kind we all wish our children could have. I’ve also put a link to the Back-to-School Jitters linky party on my sidebar…you’ll get the inside scoop on lots of others teachers’ feelings, hopes and dreams if you click on there.
The Show Me How School Initiative is still looking for nominations. If you’d like your favorite school or classroom library to receive a free copy of Show Me How! Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking, please leave a comment on this post. At the end of September, we will choose a dozen winners using Random.org.
I hope you’ll be back for my next post in the Back-to-School Series…Tips on Having the Healthiest School Year Ever!
In some districts, the school bells are already ringing. Stores are crowded with parents and children, shopping for the perfect backpack and outfit for the first day of class. Teachers are busy setting up classrooms and studying the curriculum for the new school year.
In my next few posts, I’ll been sharing thoughts about how to transition a child from home to school and how to have the healthiest school year ever.
But children are not the only ones who may be anxious about the first day of school. Many parents have concerns about their children attending school and the concerns can mushroom as the children get older. Perhaps that is why homeschooling has become a popular option in recent years. According to an article in USA Today (1/2009) based on a government survey, homeschooling increased 74% from 1999 to 2007.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2009-01-04-homeschooling_N.htm
What are some of the top fears and concerns parents may have about sending their children off to their first day of school?
In my next post, I’ll give some simple steps parents can take to address many of these concerns which may alleviate some of the parental anxiety associated with sending kids off to school.
THE SHOW ME HOW SCHOOL INITIATIVE IS LOOKING FOR NOMINATIONS
If you know of a school or classroom that would benefit from having an award-winning resource of picture book recommendations and correlated activities that build self-esteem and develop stronger literacy skills, please leave a comment on any post in August or September.
At the end of September, we will be donating a dozen copies of Show Me How! Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking to schools and classrooms across the country.
If you don’t want your favorite teacher to have to wait or you’d like to have a copy of your own (great for homeschooling families or parents who want quick and easy fun-filled educational activities), you can order a copy at a saving of over 50% off the cover price, right here: Amazon or My Website.
It’s not too early to be thinking of great Christmas gifts for teachers, moms, expectant parents, daycare providers, babysitters, grandparents, nannies…virtually anyone who is involved in the care and education of young children. Where can you get an eco-friendly gift that keeps on entertaining…no batteries required, powered by a child’s imagination? Only $19.95…personally inscribed (just let us know what you would like it to say) and signed by the author. Order now and avoid the last-minute Christmas rush!
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 