guysread.com

Jon Scieszka....name sound familiar? Well, maybe his popular children's books, "Stinky Cheese Man" and "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs" ring a bell. Boys flock to these books because of of their humor, crude sayings, and laughable illustrations.

In a abrupt way to say to boys, who are out playing ball or filling time with video games, Scieszka says READING IS COOL! His new website, guysread.com, has an arsenal of reading recommendations and interactive links to all things book.

As an educator and aunt to three young boys, my favorite part about this website is their goal to encourage all boys (guys), whom studies show are becoming less and less interested in reading over the years, to become life long readers.


*** This website is not only boy friendly, girls can also visit this site to find out about good books and other reading resources.

To Have a Resolustion, To Not Have a Resolution?

Once again I have no New Year's resolution. Although I can see how it is beneficial for some people to set goals and make commitments, it just doesn't work for me. Instead of once a year commitment, everyday when I get out of bed I tell myself that today I am going to be a better wife, friend, teacher, person then I was yesterday. I guess in some way I am doing a daily resolution to better myself.

For those of you who can and do commit to your New Year's resolutions here are some thoughtful and character building New Year's resolutions for you and your schooler(s).



New Year's Parenting Resolutions


I will be a good role model for my child...
Parents have profound influence on the way their children grow up. This New Year give up your bad habits like procrastinating, smoking etc and be a role model for your children.

I will make efforts to understand my child...
Instead of cribbing over your child's tantrums and unhealthy habits try and understand why he is behaving in that peculiar manner. This will help you understand and resolve the issue in a much better manner. This not so easy goal can be achieved by spending quality time and being patient with child.

I will teach my child to eat healthy...
Encourage your child to develop healthier eating habits which includes consuming fruits, milk and vegetables and giving up junk food. Of course, you need to practice this before you preach.

I will encourage my child to take regular physical activity...
Obesity in children is rising because of their sedentary lifestyles. It is extremely important to make your children realize the benefits of regular physical activity. Enrolling them in the sports class of their choice will be a good idea.

I will reward my child for his good behavior...
For the proper personality development of your child, it is important to praise and reward his achievements and good behavior. Besides, it is also important to show a calm and patient behavior when your child misbehaves or is in trouble. This helps him become a cool and level-headed person.

New Year's Resolutions for Preschoolers

• I will brush my teeth twice a day.
• I will wash my hands after going to the bathroom and before eating.
• I will clean up my toys.

New Year's Resolutions for School Age Kids

 

• I will do my homework in time.
• I will go to sleep on time.
• I will drink milk and water, and limit aerated drinks.
• I'll never give out personal information such as my name, home address, school name or telephone number on the Internet or to strangers.
• I'll be nice to other kids. I'll be friendly to kids who need friends - like someone who is shy, or is new to my school
• I will wear my seat belt every time I get in a car. I'll sit in the back seat and use a booster seat until I am tall enough to use a lap/shoulder seat belt.
• I will apply sunscreen before I go outdoors.
• I will try to stay in the shade whenever possible and wear a hat and sunglasses, especially when I'm playing sports.
• I will try to find a sport (like basketball or soccer) or an activity (skipping rope, dancing or horse riding) that I like and do it at least three times a week!

 All resolution ideas are from http://www.newyearfestival.com/.



Waiting for Superman

There is a national epidemic. An epidemic that affects our communities, our cities, our states, our nation. The public school systems are failing, leaving its students in the wake of that failure. Only 26% of California's 8th graders are proficient in grade level math. The statistics for many other states, such as, D.C, Texas, Massachusetts, Florida are not so lucky. The United States ranks 26th in education in a study that measured 31 of the worlds most successful countries.

You drop your child off at your local public school every morning with the hopes that the hands that guide their eduction is the best it could possibly be. In most cases around our nation parents feel that their local public school is not what you envisioned for your family. If you can afford it, you skip public and go straight to private schools. But that is not an option for 87% of Americans.

I ventured to a theater with a couple retired teachers to watch "Waiting for Superman." When we got to the theater at 11:00 in the morning the theater was sold out. As the question marks popped over our heads we walked over to talk to the manager who told us that two theaters had been rented out the night before and we could get free admittance but might have to stand to watch the film. When we entered we saw a theater full of uniformed preteens. My teacher friends and I found seats on the very top row of the theater. This documentary is moving, sad, scary, inspiring, eye opening, and proves that all my notions about the public school system are validated. Then, a roaring cheer swept across the theater when KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) LA schools was highlighted in the film. We were sitting among the students of one of the schools that proves that low income, inner city kids do have the ability to succeed and beat all the gab about minorities inability to learn. Inspiring... tear dropping.

Following the movie, Davis Guggenhein, the "Waiting for Superman" director, came out to do a private question and answer session for the kids of KIPP LA. I got to be the fly on the wall. These kids are the hope that our students can succeed. In order to begin to change the system we need: 1) a sound pubic school infrastructure, 2) talented and motivated teachers, 3) the knowledge that every child has the ability to succeed.

Make a pledge on the "Waiting for Superman" site that you will go see this movie. As parents, educators, community leaders, workers, future heroes, we can't just sit around waiting for someone else to rescue our damaged school system, we can't just look to the sky and wait for Superman to save us all.

PS- Here are some inspirational ground shakers who I believe can and will change the future of our nations schools.

Geoffrey Canada- Interview about his project, Harlem Children's Zone

Michelle Rhee- Hallelujah! A true hero who isn't afraid to tell it how it is and stand up for what needs to be done. One voice, think of what more would do.
Rhee at a D.C. Education and Labor Committee meeting-watch the whole clip.


Dave Levin and Mike Feinberg- KIPP Academy Charter School Founders
They are for great teachers. Read and watch

Every Little Bottom Covered

Ellen Pompeo, star of Grey's Anatomy, is the new spokes woman for Huggies Every Little Bottom campaign. The Huggies Every Little Bottom campaign has a goal to donate 22.5 million diapers to families needing to diaper their little ones bottom.

A study conducted with 2,500 moms in the U.S. and Canada concluded that 1 in 3 mommies are struggling to diaper their little ones. Huggies has partnered with many charity organizations in all parts of our nation to raise awareness in our communities.

There are many ways that you can help. You can donate diapers online, donate your Huggies reward points, get involved locally, or just buy the specially marked Huggies diapers and wipes at your local store and proceeds will go to diapering a baby in need.

For inspiration to join the Every Little Bottom team and start a campaign in your community read a post on kimtracyprince.com to learn about her donation story.

Homework Time

You're in the kitchen preparing dinner, the TV's on, your toddler is playing with the train tracks in the Living Room, the dog is outside barking at the squirrels, the piano teacher is giving lessons to your preteen in the Family Room, and dad just got home. Meanwhile, your 3rd grader is at the kitchenette table trying to get his/her nightly homework done.

More often then not this is the scenario that I see in the average household. It's loud, busy, and sometimes chaotic. Although this may sound like your norm it is not the best scenario for your child when they are trying to get their homework done. When I meet with families like this one I mention the importance of having a desk in each of your children's rooms. Usually, the parents say, "Oh, we do." Usually, those desks are cluttered, the drawers overflowing, papers and books are unorganized, and there are important supplies missing.

Children need a quiet, clean, organized, functional space to call their very own homework time place. This place should have little to no distractions, a lot of light, and all necessary school supplies.

All homework spaces should have:
- plenty of sharp pencils with erasers
- one set of crayons, one box of markers, one box of colored pencils
- a dictionary
- a homework folder
- scrap paper
- lamp
-any necessarily manipulatives (pertaining to what your child is learning in class-ask the classroom teacher)
- safe scissors
-glue stick
optional:
- flash cards
- extra practice workbooks

The more personal and organized the space is, the safer and more successful your child will feel while completing each night's homework. Here are some inspirations for your schooler(s) homework time space.

Inspiration On Surfari

With so much going on in my life it is difficult for me to think of others that are dealing with even busier lives, with greater struggles, and larger obstacles. I have made the decision to abandon the local news stations because of all the tragedies, negativity, and glamorized "stars." I find a peaceful mind in blogging and reading others blogs knowing that the greatest good is happening right in our own homes where we can empower, inspire, and educate our children, family, friends, and community. People who take their hobbies, knowledge, and positive strides for the greater good of our communities, cities, country, and the world inspire me in a way that is difficult to express in words.

Shayne and Shannon McIntyre are parents, surfers, artists, and world travelers whose mission is to find perfect surf and to teach others about the cultures, lifestyles, and people in the many places they visit. They have the ability to look through the tragidies, the poverty, the struggles and see the beauty and triumph around them.

On Fuel TV you can find their family friendly show called On Surfari. You can click here for Fuel TV show times and also click here to see and support the McIntyres on their website. Shayne and Shannon recently visited Haiti where there is still devastation and destruction in the cities. Watch this short clip and catch the whole episode on Fuel TV. Inspiration comes in all shapes, forms, and sizes just because we don't find it everyday, week, or month doesn't mean it's not there waiting.

Other On Surfari episodes can be see on Hulu.com.