Posts filed under 'Kids & Parents'
Former students would probably attest to the fact that few things tried my patience as much as did the statement, “This is boring!” As I reflect back on my many years in the classroom, I can’t help but feel a tad bit sorry for the first kid who made the mistake of uttering those words each year. (It was rare to hear the phrase a second time because most kids vividly recalled my “sermon,” and they didn’t want to risk a repeat performance.)
The sermon went something like this. “Nobody is BORED in my classroom. I work hard to plan fun and interesting activities that will allow you to learn. When you finish your work earlier than others, there are many choices of quiet things to do. You may use the book nook, puppet theatre, computer, writing center, art center, or the manipulative math corner. Now please, do NOT let me hear the word “bored” again!”
I suspect that each school year’s first offender felt like Calvin in one of my favorite Calvin and Hobbes cartoons. In the first two frames Calvin is sitting at his school desk looking totally bored, but saying nothing. In the third frame Calvin screams, “BORRRING!” In the final frame Calvin is heading for the Principal’s office muttering, “Yeah, yeah…kill the messenger.”
Although not many kids made the mistake of verbally uttering the “B” word a second time, I suspect they thought it (or mouthed it to their friends) more than once. Why do all teachers - and many parents - hear this complaint on a somewhat regular basis? Is it because most kids find the day-to-day classroom work too easy? Not hardly.
Contrary to popular opinion, the “bored” child is not always the academically gifted child who is not being challenged. As a matter of fact, that is rarely the case. More often than not, the “bored” student is one who is frustrated because he is not really understanding the material being presented, or does not yet possess the skill that he is being asked to demonstrate. (None of us like to admit that we aren’t up to doing a task that we’re expected to accomplish, or that we haven’t the foggiest notion about what is being explained to us. And for most of us, it’s easier to say, “I’m bored” than it is to say, “I’m struggling.”)
When a student of any age - that includes the high school kid - says he is bored, he oftentimes means something quite different. He is really saying, “This isn’t fun. This is work and I don’t want to work. I want to be entertained! Furthermore, I don’t understand what she (the teacher) is talking about or what I am supposed to do. ” In the mind of the student (albeit subconsciously), his cry of boredom shifts the blame and the responsibility from himself to the teacher.
If the child is unlucky, the “boredom syndrome” will give the parent a hook on which to hang criticism of the teacher, and no one will win. The parent blames the teacher, the teacher reacts defensively, and the child continues to flounder. An opportunity for helping a kid gets lost somewhere between the pointing fingers of the parent and the defense mechanisms of the teacher.
And what do I suggest you do if your child says, “School is boring”? Run (forget walk) to the telephone and request a conference with your child’s teacher. Advise the teacher of your concern. Assure “him” that you are not requesting a conference to assign blame to anyone, but rather to get his opinion as to what is really going on in the classroom that might prompt a declaration of boredom. I can assure you that your child’s teacher will appreciate your concern and do everything possible to work with you to determine the cause, and work toward a solution.
“Boredom, after all, is a form of criticism.”
-William Phillips
*This article is an excerpt from Chapter 8 in my book, From the Teacher’s Desk. http://www.booklocker.com/books/
About The Author
Jacquie McTaggart is a recently retired 42-year career teacher and author of, “From the Teacher’s Desk.” She currently travels throughout the country speaking at teacher and parent conventions. You can find more of her teaching and parenting tips at http://www.theteachersdesk.com.
mctag@indytel.com
May 24th, 2008
Prom: it’s loaded with expectations. For some, it’s merely a dance. For others, it means that first great step into adulthood, while savoring one’s position at the top of the grammar-school food chain. And for some, it means a night of pure Cinderella magic. Combine all this with a youth-oriented culture, and you have an event that demands a serious fashion plan.
So what fashion forces are driving Prom 2004? The answers are: curves, glamour and loads of color.
“Prom 2004″ is actually a bit of a misnomer, as most dresses tend to follow Fall 2003 styles. This make sense: prom dresses are high-ticket items, and retailers need a chance to test out trends in the shopping malls. (Hair is more adaptable, so prom hair is more attuned to the present).
As for fashion in general, it’s still reeling from the ultimate anti-fashion incident: the 9/11 attack. You may recall that the industry stopped in its tracks. Major fashion shows were cancelled, or scaled down to a roomful of attendees on folding chairs. “Can fashion still matter?” was the question no one could ignore.
But of course, fashion didn’t die. As always, it reflected the newly-altered world view. “World views” contain many interlocking strands, as does fashion, but strong themes emerged and are still in play. Here are some of the best-articulated trends in Prom 2004:
// The Solidarity Uniform
Dressy, formal looks from the 30s and 60s. Think Hollywood glamour, and Jacquie Kennedy. Beneath this trend is the new focus on attending family events and dressing up for them.
Expressing the 30s are the curvy, Screen Siren prom gowns: smoky mermaids in luxurious ruched satin, and Latin-style ruffles and trains.
Reviving the 60s are Grace Kelly/Jacquie-O A-line skirts, sometimes tea-length, with crinoline slips. These classic beauties are updated with simpler, more natural hair and makeup, not to mention some mod-style colors (bold black and white, bright red, or submarine yellow). Gloves and a small shiny pocketbook are must-haves, but for 2004, you don’t have to stick to ordinary colors!
Timeless prom queen gowns are fully *au courant* as well — no amount of beading, boning, crinoline or shine is over-the-top, so enjoy the license for glamour. Perhaps this is the right year to indulge in a delicate tiara!
You’ll be surprised by the number of strapless gowns on offer. Every one of these “solidarity” gowns lend themselves to classic strapless glamour.
// The Eastern Bloc
Fashion influence is drifting, and the East is gaining ground: Londoners do their best to dress like Persians, and Bollywood antics make the global radar more often. You’ll see the lovely outcome in those 2004 prom offerings with an elegant sari look and extraordinary hand beading.
// Sporty Spice
J. Lo lives on in the sporty side of Prom 2004, where two-piece gowns (some midriff-bearing) continue to make a splash. This look is not only fresh but practical; those beautiful bodices can be paired with jeans long after prom night’s become a matchbook and a memory. “Sporty-prom” fashionistas can augment their costume with sparkling navel gems and exotic paint-on body tattoos.
// Celebrity Fashion
Can it go any lower? The prom world’s not immune from red carpet antics, and several sultry 2004 offerings call for double-sided tape. This year’s ‘necklines’ sometimes plunge so far that there’s nowhere else to go; look for ‘backdrift’ to follow (no pun intended) in the next few years.
// In Truth, 2004
The dresses genuinely in sync with 2004 runways are the ultra-feminine pastels, with delicate ruffles. Think “prom dress meets the park.” Don’t be afraid to go with soft green, coral and pink paeons to girlhood, simply because most offerings are jewel-toned and sizzlingly seductive.
// Hair
Soft, shiny waves are new for spring (think lovely Charlize Theron at the Golden Globes); Aniston-straight is out. Whatever you do, don’t torture your hair into some unnatural confection; it’s simplicity and naturalness that updates these retrospective looks.
// Shoes
Clunky is dead. Open-toed stilettos are red-hot. Sure, the gorgeous silver (or transparent) sky-high creations on the market are the ultimate in impracticality. The romantic prom-goer will buy them anyway, get a great pedicure, and slip them off halfway through the night for a ‘best of both worlds’ (if not ‘best for the pocketbook’) experience.
// Jewelry and Makeup
With all those strapless fashions, take care not to over-accessorize. Unless you’re going for a vintage look, don’t spoil that beautiful expanse of clavicle with a necklace; don sparkly, dangling earrings instead to create a long line. If the Nicole Kidman look is more to your taste, consider one of those retro multi-strand chokers (in black, of course), or a slim black ribbon paired with a silk rose. Chandelier earrings might be “outre” at the Oscars, but they’re definitely not a done deal at
Prom 2004.
About The Author
Blake Kritzberg is proprietor of the Prom Dress Guide 2004, at http://www.prom-dress-guide.com/. Visit the site for 2004 prom offerings, news and trends.
April 10th, 2008
The choice for a baby or an infant gift can be a difficult one. One of the best baby or infant gifts that you can give is a gift basket. A gift basket is that one present that comes in many shapes, themes and of course price ranges. A gift basket is lovely gift to for a baby shower.
The diversity of gift baskets is never-ending. For a baby or newborn you can give a diaper gift basket or a baby necessities gift basket. If you’d prefer there is a baby bath time basket or an everlasting baby time capsule basket. In fact the list is endless.
Here is a simple basket that you can easily create yourself:
For the Gift Basket use a Baby Bath or try a Bucket. Then fill it with the following;
A ton of baby product coupons;
A Rubber Duck;
Bottles of lotion and baby oil;
Small toy books for baby;
Teething ring;
A few bottles;
2 pacifiers;
A few sturdy bibs;
A few sleepers;
A receiving blanket;
To add a little extra you could put together for mom:
Lotions;
Bath salts;
Pretty soaps;
Candles;
A few books;
Coupon holder with coupons in it. (Moms love these! ; )
Or try a small basket of:
Baby oil;
Baby bath wash;
A washcloth;
A rubber Duck;
Baby powder;
and baby lotion.
For Mom a picture frame, a disposable camera to record the event, a record book, photo album, along with a voucher for photo finishing.
When you are finished, wrap the Gift Basket with cellophane paper and a nice ribbon to give it a finishing touch. Tie a gift tag with a message for that added touch and include a pair of booties.
About the Author: Donna Hamer is the author and publisher of eBook “101 Gift Basket Ideas”. For a Free 5 part Mini Course on how to create your own “Personalized Gift Baskets” visit http://www.101giftbasketideas.com
February 26th, 2008
When it comes to home schooling the social skills is a topic that is of primary importance. Many people think that in home schooling the children is deprived of any social interactions or interaction with other children leading to less growth and development.
Continue Reading February 11th, 2008
Having to be able to bring home entertainment may be a luxury. This is because only very few households can afford home theater audio systems. Of late, only the rich and the famous can afford such luxury. This notion is now a thing of the past. Home theater systems may now be available to greater number of households because of the knowledge of basic home theater design. The basic home theater design may only require three basic components and these three components may already be affordable for the working class.
However, before you may need to think of the basic home theater design for your home theater system, you may need to know the size of the room for the home theater set up. The size of the room to where the home theater will be set up will depend on how basic the home theater design needs to be.
Home theater experts recommends that if the room is quite small, all you need for your home theater design is a television set, three speakers and a DVD player. The home theater design may be dependent of the shapee of the room; however, the position of the speakers remains to be the left, the right and the center of the room.
Basic home theater design may require a television set bigger than 27 inches. Too small screen for your home theater design may not be sufficient for a movie theater-like experience. This is because even for the home theater design, you may need to consider the sight and sound of a movie theater. It is the main consideration why people go to a movie theater, the big screen and the surround sound. With respect to the surround sound of a movie theater, the basic three speakers is only applicable for smaller rooms, if the room is bigger, the home theater design needs to be more than three, you may go up to six speakers and a complimenting subwoofer may be necessary for the surround effect. Going back to a small room, if you will only put three speakers, you may want to consider buying a high quality brand speaker; this will give you enough surround sound for a smaller room.
If you have a small budget, ensure that the store where you will buy your home theater speakers will allow you to test the product in your room and if it will not give you a good surround sound, they should allow you to return or replace the unit. This is because some speakers sound good in the store but when you finally set them up in a small room, the effect is not very good. Find a neat deal where they can allow you to return or replace the speakers. However, if your budget is sufficient, you may consider hiring the services of a home theater designer. Your home theater designer will be able to design the home theater better and with complete accessories. He may require checking the power rating, and the need for amplifiers. He may also recommend using home theater projectors and he may recommend how the speakers need to be. You will get a good home theater design if you will be able to hire home theater designers. The need for home theater seating and television cabinet may also be necessary for the complete package of your home theater.
You may enjoy the entertainment without having to tide traffic jam and enjoy in your own home theater system.
January 15th, 2008
Still struggling to find the perfect Christmas gift?
Confused by the retailers?
Ever considered wholesalers?
Whatever product or gift item you are looking for, your first question should be “Can I get it wholesale?”
Why pay retail prices for your expensive electronic gadgets, digital cameras, iPods, Brand name products, fashion items, jewellry etc., when you could save hundreds and even thousands of dollars by dealing directly with the wholesaler or distributor?
You could also save yourself some embarrassment.
According to a recent article in an Australian newspaper,sex toys are top of the list as the ultimate red-face Christmas gift, followed by diet pills, self-help books and personal hygiene items like sanitary items.
Sales of Adult products do increase over Christmas as couples buy sex toys and adult products for each other.
In another survey,receiving a stripper on Christmas Day comes in at number five of the top 10 most inappropriate gifts, followed by men’s clothing given to a woman, and an unwanted pet.
A large number of people support the art of re-gifting, and more than half admitted to giving a gift to someone they had already received from another.
My advice is to compile a list of gifts you want to purchase, and then find a reliable online wholesaler, who will enable you to source your gifts at wholesale prices, adding to your festive joy.
December 7th, 2007
I have a friend, a mother of two.
She lives in the city, but is facing relocating to a relative backwater, all for the sake of her husband’s job.
Her children,both in their early teens, won’t be happy to move again - they still complain about the last move 3 years ago, and they are far more into their friends than last time, so she is keeping the relocation secret until the very last minute.
She’s not being selfish or devious - she just can’t bear the thought of putting them through another major relocation - so soon after the last one.
Plus she has her own career, which she loves, and is heartbroken about leaving her job.
Do you think my friend is alone in this relocation scenario.
Unfortunately, too many couples forced to relocate experience similar reactions - the children resent the move, the spouse might not find suitable work, That the relocation costs are much higher than they’ve budgeted for, that they don’t like or don’t fit into the new community, or even that the cost of living is so much higher in their new situation.
In this situation, all you can do is do as much research as possible into the full implications for everyone in the family before commiting to the relocation.
December 7th, 2007
This week I have been investigating the collective world of Beswick Collectables. This is a huge area spanning over 100 years of professional ceramics manufacture and should not be taken lightly. They started out with just plates and shiz but ended up making over 1000 different figurines from ziggy the lion to elliot the emu.
Beswick Ceramic Figurines are very popular amongst old people, considered to be due to their comedic faces and poses, inspiring a smile in even the oldest of human. Thier horse ceramic figurines provide human charectoristics in a horse form and are always worth a few quid. I would highly recommend that you check out the Beswick collectables, they are great fun!
December 6th, 2007
Hello everyone - I am having a boot sale next thursday and wondered if you would like to see what I am going to offer? Primarily my whole wade collection will be up for grabs including 100’s of wade collectable figurines for sale, some other collectable items and even a few non collectable antiques. It will be a fairly big event and will probably last something like 15 years as I am offering the wade items at prices between £1 and £120 (UK GBP) so we will have to see.
I am a wade lover - if you are you should come down to my boot sale - Cheswick, UK.
December 6th, 2007
With green house gases proving to be a slight problem for the world I think its time we opt for a more fun way to travel. Imagine every city worker went to work on a pit bike, now wouldn’t that be a fair bit more fun? People doing pit bike stunts while wearing a suit and holding a briefcase?
See small 125cc pitbikes are actually pretty harmless to the environment, they are fuel efficient and fun. I think everyone should stop moaning about green house gases and start focusing on the fun ways of combating them - screw trains, buses and cars - lets all get cool pit bikes. I mean the price should affect you also - with used pit bikes starting at £200 for a great model its hardly worth ignore this!!! lol!!!
November 28th, 2007
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