Autism Numbers in Children on the Rise

Some things, as do people, fascinate me. Autism is a subject matter that I simply can't learn enough about. To learn that the numbers are increasing is worth your time as a parent to be aware of, especially if your child is pre-toddler age. I have attached a YouTube video which is worth your time if you have questions regarding this topic. Blessings.

Click the link below to hear lecture by Dr. Barbara Bennett @ University of California

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySyfD9T-Iqk

I know you're busy; but if you have the time this next link as told firsthand by a parent is especially poignant and eye-opening:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmdjYIwb0BE

To Dads everywhere on this Father's Day...

Father not just to his own; but the fatherless, too.

Always exuding qualities reflective of a Godly man.

Teacher by deeds more than words.

Hero with enough wisdom to know he’s just a vessel whose real Strength comes from the Lord.

Eagle’s eye for sighting and usurping trouble in his children’s path.

Rich is the man who has a quiver full!

Let us pray that men who plant seeds will remain to nurture their results to a bountiful harvest for the good of generations present and future.

I Believe in Summer School & Dual-Language Requisites

Summer is almost here. Most schools offer summer-school programs for enrichment. As a proponent of year-round schools I strongly encourage you to allow your child/ren to attend even if they are functioning on grade-level. If you have the summer all mapped out, please include reading and word-problem lessons as part of this very lengthy 12-week hiatus. Most teachers spend the first grading period re-teaching skills from the previous grade's final semester. Even though the curriculum is set up to start from where students left off in the spring, the readjustment period is a lot less stressful if their skills are already 'pencil' sharp.

One more thing. I'm going to suggest that you begin teaching your 2nd-graders (at latest) basic Spanish-vocabulary. Most countries teach and speak dual-languages. I believe the U.S. is finally moving in this direction. I'm hopeful that eventually all students will be required to master Spanish K-12 classes as part of graduation requirements.

Peace. And Happy Summer!

There are some things you simply can’t know until you live the experience:
Maternally instinctive to be in-tune with everything going on with the precious gifts from God known as her children.

Obligated by law to make sure these adorable creatures are fed, clothed, and housed for the first 18 years of life, even if it means sacrificing her needs and wants for theirs.     

Teacher of life and learning objectives they can't master in class.
Happy to a fault to make sure every need for their life’s success is met.

Eager to listen and offer encouragement when their world’s falling apart and making absolutely no sense.

Respectful enough to release them to the universe when Wisdom shouts hold on; while simultaneously forcing you to accept that letting go is really the only option.

Yes, today, across the world mothers are being remembered on various levels, with honor and in some instances, absence thereof. No matter how deserving or undeserving she may be, keep her lifted up, even if it means in prayers only, if it’s all  you can muster right now.  If you become a mother because you want to be loved without fail, you will be disappointed. If you approach motherhood from a place of service as unto the Lord, you will be blessed.

Have a blessed and peaceful Mother’s Day to moms and moms-to-be worldwide!!!

Solving City Streets in Chaos, a Grass-Roots Effort

As I watched the horror going on in the streets of Baltimore, I pondered a significant fact surrounding an old African proverb: It takes a village. Of course, this was made popular in a political campaign years ago; but, it's true. I grew up in a time when anyone older than you by at least a decade was considered your elder. As such, if you were misbehaving on any level they could acknowledge that your parents would know about your actions. In my day that mattered. And for most youngsters that statement still puts them on notice to straighten up.
How ever, debate as you may, MUSIC MATTERS. I couldn't help but wonder what was on the mp3 player (pods, phones) of the youngsters creating havoc in the city streets. Gangsta' rap, maybe? Parents it's imperative that you stand your ground against things that will corrupt the minds and souls of your children. If they are not 18; you are legally responsible for keeping their heads as clear of smut as you can. Of course, there are peers who influence; but, I am convinced they value your opinions, and they're watching that your activities have a do as I do message.
Something else, EDUCATION MATTERS. As I watched the bedlam of teens looting stores and destroying city property, I contemplated how many of these youngsters were on grade-level, and pondering what college they were hoping to attend, or business they were hoping to start up. As my contemplation continued I pondered how many would have difficulty reading this children's book without stammering. This is in no way meant to insult; but, let's face it: The unrest in the public square represents a very small proportion of the young-adult population. I have faith that the majority of youth are high-achievers with goals for a better life, a better day.The unrest in Baltimore has at its root, the failure to bond with an inner-city group of youngsters who are hungry for guidance and hope that there is life beyond their city block.
Finally, FAITH MATTERS. Fifty years ago God was allowed to leave the schools of America; because of a case that won separation between church and state. I grew up in a time when you were aware of the Ten Commandments and were expected to respect them, and many other Bible principles, whether we knew they were of the Bible or not.
The melee going on in the streets of Baltimore is merely an example of what could potentially erupt in every major inner-city in the United States of America. There are answers; but, a grass-roots effort will be the only thing that sticks. Federal dollars will be lost in trickle-down economy. The people who make face-to-face contact with youth everyday in their commute to and from work are the ones who will make the difference via people-based community events. That's hard work. Who will step up for the children?

UNSCHOOLING Makes Far More Sense than Traditional Classroom Settings

If you are a parent who is really having trouble finding peace in putting your child in the traditional public school setting because you believe in your heart that academic learning should be as natural as learning to take a first step or speaking a first word; then, I recommend you putting the word UNSCHOOLING in your search engine and begin exploring the wonderful world of learning according to a child's inborn gifts.
Recently while listening to a talk show on the radio I came across a discussion of this topic and found myself enriched and encouraged that there is a form of structured teaching that surpasses traditional home-schooling by structuring the learning process according to the interests of the learner. It makes a whole lot of sense and should be tops on your research list if you are considering the home-school path and want to make learning fun and functional at the same time. UNSCHOOLING...let me know what you think!

ATTN Parents: Just Say NO to Big Pharma

It is about that time in the school year when teachers start getting weary of hyperactive students craving a deeper learning experience. Unfortunately, the solution for too many children, particularly boys, is a dose of mind-numbing prescription drugs to calm the child. As a parent, it is your responsibility to decline the offer, and if necessary show up at school every day until your child "gets it;" whatever "gets it" means. I realize showing up may not be feasible; however, declining tv time, etc. can get the message across that discipline is a reality of life. The bottom-line is, drugging your child is not the solution. I realize there are the rare exceptions; but, getting "government compensation" to put your child on drugs, which ultimately do not work, and in the vast majority of cases interferes with the natural DNA of the child,  is not worth the long-term costs to his mental well-being. There are natural solutions for hyperactive children. Research...research...research!

If Your Child Can't Read, It's Up to You to Teach

When we were kids in school, my mother used to always say, "If the teacher can't teach you, then it's up to me." For me it was mostly math; but, too many children are struggling in a key area of academics: READING. If your child is struggling with reading skills, please invest in a phonics workbook, and do one page a day, focusing on a particular skill.

Teaching reading is something some teachers admit they 'simply don't know how to teach.' Yes, you heard it right. It's been decades since I was in the classroom so don't ask who said what, when and where. I'm sure it was around coffee at some boring inservice meeting. However, just as a license doesn't gurarantee you a great physician, a teaching certificate does not prove the effectiveness of a teacher. This is not a knock against teachers; because, the majority of them ARE effective and genuinely love and care about children; but, in the event you get one that's just embarking, you should be willing and ready to help strengthen your child in areas of weakness.

I was astounded at the boxer's comment that with millions in the bank he didn't need to know how to read. That's perfect slave mentality considering owners didn't want slaves to read because they would become empowered. Bottom line parents, your children have to become avid readers; because in the words of Val Arie....Children who learn to read will eventually read to learn.

Is Home-Schooling Right For Your Child?

We are living in a time where socialized education is proving that we do not live in a one-size-fits-all society. Now that we are well into the second week of school for most learners, the reality has begun to set in for many parents that the regular classroom setting is stifling the emotional well-being of their child/ren.

Research is proving out that many minority populations, specifically African Americans, are opting out of public school systems in record numbers in exchange for homeschooling and privatized charter-school programs. This is a positive start towards change. I am a strong proponent of little-red-school-house settings where students have versatility in curriculum according to their needs and interests.

The fact that public education is more about passing standardized tests than developing the creative spirit of learners is a clear indicator why its rankings are failing to compete with other countries. If you are going to bed, and waking in the  morning with the frustration that "something just isn't right" it's probably because it isn't. Don't get me wrong. Public school works for a large majority of students; but, realistically, if your child is struggling in a classroom of 20+ kids, it's up to you to find something better; even if that something better means taking tax dollars and putting towards a private home-school setting. Do your research parents. You owe it to your children. If your child is adjusting and thriving, Praise God! However, if it is clear that either discipline or academics is an ongoing problem, you might consider the home-school approach. This is especially true for the formative years, Pre-K thru 3rd grade. If you are a stay-at-home parent, you might be the perfect teacher for your child.

I Support Year-Round Schooling

My decade spent as a 2nd/3rd grade teacher leaves me with the memories of how much learning students needlessly 'lose' when the momentum for structured learning goes on hiatus for too many days. Of course, the first few weeks of a new grade is primarily refresher for the previous year; but just imagine if the end of one year meant a two-week break and the start of the next school year. The children would stay energized for learning, and classroom discipline issues that were quelled by year's end would not have a summer to snap back to square one.
It is said, "Once a teacher, always a teacher." On some level this is most def true; however, teaching is a special art that requires the ability to be many people to many little people. To fail them on any level, risks their failure on many levels of life. That's simply to say, if you don't absolutely love children and the hard work required to help them succeed, bow out gracefully. Teacher burnout is more about the paperwork more than the teaching. The teacher dropout rate has more to deal with lack of student discipline support techniques, than the skill of teaching.
It's a tragedy for teachers who spend years dreaming of becoming a teacher only to realize that in too many instances, year after year, one or two actors turn the dream into a nightmare. However, there are some real diehards out there. You know who you are. You get stronger with each 'challenge' you meet. By year's end you win the hearts of children who aren't even on your class roster. Kudos to you, and many blessings, too!
I'll never forget my first year in the classroom how many children had absent parents for one reason or other. This becomes more apparent around holidays and end-of-year when everything shuts down for a time. In this first year one little one lingered longer than the rest and before long we both stood in tears in the hallway as unexpectedly she begged to go home with me for the Christmas break. I was in my 30s with two little ones of my own, and I'm ashamed to say, told her it wouldn't be a good idea to not spend the holiday with her family. For whatever reason, her mother lived in another state, leaving a dad and grandmother to parent. Some things you never forget. Teaching is not for the faint of heart; but, the joys that come with watching students learn is priceless!
Have a good year teachers. Know that for most, 165 days, and you're back on the dreaded rest, which makes starting over more difficult than it should be. That's another reason year-round schooling should be considered the national standard.
Thanks for reading. I am in the process of finishing the 'redesign' of the print version of this book. I'll keep you posted when it's ready for purchase. Hopefully, you'll find it in your classroom budget to purchase a copy. As a professional teacher, I am certain the kids will enjoy reading this over and over again, increasing their math counting skills.
By the way, send me an email, especially if you're a new teacher and want tips on how to make the most of your teaching day. Having everything ready and in order is an essential key. If you give learners air time, they will take it. After all, they're only human.