Thursday, December 30, 2010

Lead By Example

I want to take a moment to focus on a subject matter for parents and children alike. More and more, I see a misrepresentation of values and principles among parents which eventually affects the behavioral choices of children. As parents, are we leading by example or are we caving in?

For instance, let’s tackle ownership. Ownership is popular when everything is favorable, but it is clearly a different story to be accountable when things are unfavorable. How often do we look within and reflect on our role in the situation? Are we fair in assessing the information? Let’s learn how to take ownership and be responsible for our actions.

Secondly, remove the excuses. In my adulthood and even in my childhood, I’ve never seen anything good come out of making excuses. Excuses exacerbate the problem of “nothing getting done”. Before fixing the mouth to say why something hasn’t occurred, think about the possibilities of what can. Find a way to be productive.

Next, be gracious and thankful for the journey. On this long and winding road, think about what you have gained or lost. Delve into the value of your experience. Did you grow? Did you develop new life skills? Get a view from every angle and be grateful.

Finally, finish appropriately! Don't place your feelings or thoughts into not finishing the task or job. Finishing is the most important part of the race. Don't quit! Endure and keep trying even when you don't like it or feel like it! Run the race till it’s finished!

Monday, December 13, 2010

Bringing Stories to Life!

As an author, one of my many privileges is bringing stories to life. My ultimate objective is to create a reading experience that kids will enjoy. Some elements that I have used and continue to use in creating and presenting stories include:

Music
Children love music! In their eyes, music is magical, wonderful, and captivating. They enjoy singing, dancing, and listening to the sounds and beats of music. Stories that offer a musical component are intriguing to kids because they are not expecting it. Children become instantly engaged and are truly enriched. Therefore, encourage children to sing, chant, or create music to a story. It is considered the universal language.

Beautiful Pictures
There is a saying that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. For children, visualization and pictures are imperative for bringing stories to life. As the young mind develops, pictures express many words and phrases becoming its own language. So pick a book that will pull your child into the story visually.

Repetition
Stories that repeat words or phrases or themes over and over again help children to read and comprehend. They become so excited when they can figure a story out based on a consistent trait or recurring theme. You may hear them say, “I got it! I got!”

Acting
Acting out a story is exhilarating! Children get to become the characters and express feelings and sentiments throughout the story. Of course, they become really involved and want to be authentic in various roles. So let them!

Overall, we need more children in this society to enjoy reading so that they will want to read on a continual basis. Bringing stories to life will accomplish this and more! The only specific skill requirement is to have fun!!!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Do You Know Your Child's Teacher?

If you are a parent of a school-age child like myself, then you probably become anxious about who your child will have for a teacher. When I was a kid, there was a level of certainty about who the teachers were for each grade and the course of study. They were attached to the school and the community. On occasion, there were spurts of "newness", but moreover, teachers and the school administration remained the same.

In reminiscing about knowing my teachers, I will admit that there was a calmness for my parents. Whether my parents liked or disliked my teachers, at least, they knew the historical background and references of most of them.

Well, over the course of time and with the economic situation dismantling teaching positions, this sense of stability is changing. Gathering data and information on teachers is becoming increasing difficult.

So as a parent, how can you become knowledgeable about who is teaching your child before or during the course of the school year?

Contact the principal. After your child has been assigned to a teacher, inquire about his/her experience or teaching methods. School administrators and the PTA may be privy to information too.

Ask a parent. Well-informed parents are open to sharing information with you. If you know of a parent(s) whose child was instructed by the "assigned" teacher, please introduce yourself and ask away.

Start a dialogue with the teacher. Communicating with a teacher is relatively simple today with access to the internet, email, web sites, and moodle sites. However, face-to-face meetings are essential. So make school visits and teacher conferences a priority.

Volunteer. What better way to know the structure and the style of the class and your child's teacher! First-hand exposure is priceless. Plus, teachers need your presence and participation.

Listen to your child. Whether you notice or not, your child will provide clues about what is transpiring within his or her school day. He or she will either voice it, act it out, or withdraw. As a parent, listen, pay attention, and ask questions.

Ultimately, you and I have a choice in this matter...to manage the school year and to partner with our child's teacher(s). It is imperative to release the apprehension and anxiety so that we can concentrate on the tasks at hand.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Happy School Year!

Four, three, two, one, and we’re off!!! Happy School Year!

Summer is coming to a close, and students are gearing up for a new year of school. Some students are delighted to start school, while others hold on to every morsel that summer has to offer before entering the school zone.

To help your children transition from summer to school, have some dialogue regarding the following:

Education is Important
We are very fortunate to live in a country that fosters education and gives us the opportunity to pursue it. This is not the case in many countries. Therefore, we must not take education for granted.

To Everything, There is a Season
In essence, there is a time to play, and there is a time to work. What kind of progress would be made if we played constantly? Very little! We need to express to our children that working “well” empowers us to play (sometimes). For example, if students gather information from school and understand it, then they may be able to play a game by using the information.

Learning is Fun
There is something new to learn everyday! What a blessing! We don’t want our minds to become stagnant. Personally, I tell my children that learning equals living for me. I know that I am alive and vibrant when I’m learning something. What does learning mean to you?

Communication is Crucial
Communication is the pathway to discovery so communicate with your son or daughter about the events of the day. Ask detailed questions so that you can receive detailed responses. Always keep the door of communication open!

Set the Expectation
Present the guidelines to your children about what is expected throughout the course of the school year educationally, behaviorally, and socially. Make them accountable to your guidelines and expectations.

Celebration
Finally, celebrate your children’s existence into your life and family, and thank them for being such an inspiration. Do something special or unexpected for your children on the first day of school. I like to cook fresh waffles and pancakes to kick-start the year. It’s my family’s personal way of celebrating a new school year and its offerings. For your family, find a way that cements your celebrations on the first day of school or throughout the year. Happy School Year!!!

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Summer Breeze

I realize that summer is upon us, and school will be out very soon. My kids are elated, and I am thrilled to get a chance to spend some quality time with them. Unlike other summers where I send my kids to continual summer camps, I am looking to program some special and teachable days of learning just for us.

Off to the museums, the zoo, Discovery Place, the movies, and much more... As a mom, I feel that it is my role to keep my kids motivated and engaged over the summer. I can continue to encourage them to learn new things and even refresh their memory from lessons taught in school.

So will my kids embrace this summer breeze that I have planned for them? Probably not, but I am hopeful that one day they will at least see the love, dedication, and commitment that leads to pursuing abundant learning opportunities while summer is in session.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Gadgets vs. Traditions: What Are Your Thoughts?

Fast Company Magazine has an interesting article on devices, sites, and applications for children. The title of the article is called "A" is for App.

My cousin sent this article to a list of her family and friends who have young children. She thought that the article was impactful, and indeed it was. Within minutes, I started receiving comments like:

"Giving gadgets to kids inhibits their interpersonal skills and it stunts the development of creativity."

"All we're raising is a bunch of smart, fat, and non-creative brats that don't know how to entertain themselves when there's no electricity or batteries around."

"When making road trips...we need the apps...but when I'm at home and tired...you better go outside and play on that playset that I paid for."

"What about being creative...by taking scraps of wood and building a fort or playing a good old-fashion game of dodge ball or making toys with sticks? Instead of moving your fingers on an iPhone, move your entire body."

"We're growing a nation of softies, I tell you! Sure they're smart, but they don't know how to go down to the creek and bring back a couple of fish for dinner".

"Dads can finally get involved in the learning process since they love gadgets!"

The majority of these comments are by men who disapprove of this computerized learning style. The men definitely want to stick with the traditional way of learning, while the women are more open to trying a variation of applications to enhance learning.

As a mom, I personally like the tune of the dads. Yes, applications are powerful and can assist in the development and reinforcement of learning, but I need my children to feel, see, enjoy, and touch the elements of learning the old-fashion way. For instance, at Mud Island in Memphis, Tennessee, my youngest son got a chance to walk an assimilated version of the Mississippi River, and today, he brought home a homemade map of the United States of America. My oldest son says he learns better the old-fashion way. He finds this way to be more enticing and interesting. Of course, my husband concurs.

In an age where we all own a laptop in my family, we still feel connected to traditional learning methods. What about you and your family?

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Read Across American Day!

Read Across America Day is celebrated on March 2nd. It's designed to recognize the birth of Dr. Seuss and his phenomenal books. Some of my favorite books include There's A Wocket in my Pocket, My Many Colored Days, and Oh the Places You'll Go. To this day, I see the colors, hear the rhymes, and feel the experiences.

Dr. Seuss is one of my favorite authors because he knew how to excite children to read. He had an absolute solution and formula to mesmerize kids with words, and it worked. As an adult, I'm still mesmerized and highly influenced in his writings for my multicultural children's stories and music!

So in Dr. Seuss style, let's give early readers what they want, desire, and need...rhymes, unforgettable expressions, illustrations, and a little insanity to make it all fun. Thanks, Dr. Seuss, for providing an incredible legacy of books and storytelling. As you can tell, I'm still a fan!

2010 National African American Read-In Sponsored by the Black Caucus of NCTE and NCTE

In February 2010, I requested my personal and professional list of schools, churches, bookstores, community organizations, individuals, and friends to host an African American Read-In. I learned about this event through a local elementary school media specialist who was looking for an African American author to read to her Pre-K and Kindergarten students. I was honored.

I received emails from friends, schools,churches, and organizations who had either participated in this event, wanted to provide an event, or already planned an event for their youth. If we can combat illiteracy early, then we can minimize the need for reformative programs in youth. My motto is "literacy is the key". A key to knowledge, empowerment, and a better way of living.

The National African American Read-In is sponsored by the Black Caucus of National Council of Teachers of English and the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). These organizations want to make literacy an important part of Black History Month. However, let's encourage a Read-In everyday of every month. Our children are in desperate need of this asset.

To learn more about the African American Read-In, visit www.ncte.org/action/aari/packetinfo.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

What About the Children?

I was visiting an elementary school to read my multicultural children's books. Upon signing into the office, there was a family there too...a father, a mom, and a son. They were running a little late and needed bus information for their young son to return home. The information that was provided conflicted with the parent's work schedules. Therefore, the mom stated that her son would not be able to stay at school today.

In many cases, it is challenging for parents to play the juggling game between work, responsibilites, school, etc., but this is real life at the expense of education.

Today, I was at a loss because I am reminded of the fact that there are people who have to decide between education and working whether I like it or not. But it's hard to swallow particulary when children are affected by this decision. So I ask myself the question, "What about the children?"