The Future, what Future?

1940’s futuristic picture

2000’s futuristic picture

I was always fascinated by the advertising ads from the 1940’s through the 1960’s. They would show what the future would look like.  Technology was being pushed as one manifestation of mankind’s greatness.  We would have it working for us throughout our lives.  The family unit would be strong and we would be happy.  Now fast forward to the 2000’s.  Look at the news and advertising today.  I see fear being pushed.  I was talking to a group of kindergarten students a few years ago.  We were talking about the planetary bodies.  It was a great conversation at first.  Then one student brought up that she heard the sun will explode and we will all die.  I notice a morbidity creeping into the conversations with kids.  I see on television, radio, magazines, books, and of course the Internet talk about a doomed financial future.   Pollution, GMO’s, ramdom acts of violence, the proclamation that an extensive security systems will keep you safe, getting inoculated against the latest diseases or else.  The vanishing middle class is being pushed in our faces at every turn.   People seem to be getting sicker.  We see geopolitical changes in the world that are a threat to mankind’s future.  Killer weather destroying lives and property.  A government for the people by the people being replaced with government for Wall Street by Wall Street.  The list can go on.  I notice everybody is on edge – even the kids.  Where is all of this coming from?  I really don’t know but I will say someone is benefiting from this fright fest.

It’s important to keep focused on certain beliefs.   No matter what you think, God or the Universe is always in control.  We definitely have more power than we think.  Not just the power of voice but our own personal power.  Now a days, we are allowing the ideas of certain people to inhabit our consciousness.  We have to use our time wisely and prevent these illusions from poisoning our minds.  I know this sound simplistic but we all have to take time to go inside ourselves.  Meditation or prayer whatever you want to call it -try it.  I know for sure that the answers we seek are all inside of us.  The bible says we were wonderfully made.  That is very true.    Humanity is resilient, strong, and we all deserve good things.  Act like it and fight for your freedom to be more than just zombies or robots that just move through life expecting heartache, pain, and confusion.   During the Bus Boycott.  The people in those days believed in their destiny to be treated equally.  It took almost three years but they finally got the freedom they fought for.  They beat a system that was designed against them. Let’s teach out kids to fight for their futures.  Not turning it over to a couple of big mouths with a morbid agenda. Spend quality with your family and inculcate valuable life affirming values.  Don’t be fooled by the illusion of lack.  This earth was created to support life – all life. Pictures provided by Google. 

Sigrid

Feed The Children

As a teacher you observe many things.  I also tutor children and adults.  One issue I would like to address is making sure your child is totally ready for the educational experience.  I notice on many occasions my students come to class very hungry.  In fact, sometimes they are starving.  Some don’t have enough of a snack and others don’t have snacks at all.  First, children who come to class with a snack are ready to learn.  They can focus, participate, and think critically because they are not hungry.  When they are hungry, they can only concentrate on when they will eat their next meal.  Another words, their thinking ability is shot.  It may sound dramatic but I sometime see the hunger biting at them.  They cry a little or push their fists into their stomachs.  They start watching the clock becoming miserable and irritable.  Second, when a child is hungry I find that the lesson is a waste of time.  If your child cannot concentrate on the lesson how will they learn the skills being taught?  Thinking burns a lot of energy. Studies have shown that children with poor nutrition can experience cognitive problems.  Food is one of the factors that fuel the body and mind.

 I have literally heard parents say “wait until after tutoring session and I’ll get you something.”  That is a big mistake.  Usually that happens because the parent is running late and does not want to cheat the child out of tutoring time.     Last, a child who eats nutritious meals will make better food decisions in the future.  We learn our food habits when we are children.  Obesity and diabetes are on the rise with today’s youth.  Helping them learn from the beginning will help them make more informed nutritional choices for their future.  So next time your child is going to tutoring or school, make sure they have a nutritious snack.  It will make the educational experience for child, mom, and teacher a pleasant one.

Sigrid

Several studies have found effects of hunger and poor nutrition on cognitive ability. One such study found that among fourth grade students, those who had the least protein intake in their diets had the lowest achievement scores (ASFSA, 1989).

A laboratory study that involved healthy, well-nourished school-aged children found a negative effect of morning fasting on cognitive performance. A test of the speed and accuracy of response on problem-solving tasks given to children who did or did not eat breakfast found that skipping breakfast had an adverse influence on their performance on the tests (Pollitt et al., 1991).

Children who are hungry or undernourished also have more difficulty fighting infection. Therefore, they are more likely to become sick, miss school, and fall behind in class.

http://ericdigests.org/1994/nutrition.htm

 

 

                                                      Moms and Dads......Relax

This is the time of year when children are going back to school.  A great joy for some and agony for others.  Everybody is nervous about what the new school year will bring.  Teachers thinking about how they will meet the criteria and help the children succeed.  Parents wanting their children to have a successful year and the students hoping to pass all of their classes.  I want to wish everybody a happy and successful new school year and ask the parents to.........relax a little.

If you are stressed out, the kids will feel it and be stressed out.  When you are under duress you cannot perform at your ultimate best.  Try to give the kids balance.  Hard work and some play will help your child have a better attitude when they come back to school.  The education process will not be a boring chore if they have an outlet.  I say this because I cannot believe how many parents keep their kids in school, homework sessions, and then marathon tutoring sessions - back to back.  Their minds need rest and they need to associate with their peers.  This is also a part of the educational process.  Go to the bookstore and let your kids look at some of the books.  Occasionally, a nature drive will do everybody some good.  We want everybody to be able to help with the educational development of the children.  So moms and dads....relax.

 

Follow your Heart

I was listening to a parent talk to his child about her future.  She wanted to be an artist and he wanted her to have a career in technology.  She was dead set against his choice for her.  When she was a little girl, I remember him telling me how artistically gifted she was.  Now all of a sudden it was not good enough.  She tried to explain that she would not be happy with his choice for her.  She could not find anything passionate about his choice.  He argued she will never be out of a job and will make great money.  That was not enough for her.

 I understand her point.  How many people study this and become that?  How many people actually use the degree they worked hard and paid for?  Ask some of your friends and colleagues.  How many use their degrees?  Many do not.  That is sad unless it is by choice.  How many people are miserable in their choice of career er job.  Now it’s only a job because you get up, get dressed, go to work and come home.  Where is the passion?  Most people I know have settled for a job instead of the career they originally wanted.  It is sad.  They look miserable. How about those who have “a job” and a bad attitude.  We see this everywhere.  Think about someone like Vera Wang.  I’m sure she has her bad days but I bet nothing can compare to the fact that she gets up every day doing what she loves to do best.  Joel Osteen the same story.  I actually know people who studied for a career and are working in their chosen industry.  Some are making great money and some are making a decent salary.  Do you know what I notice about these people?  Big money small money did not matter.  They are generally happier than those who compromised.

We compromise for different reasons.   Life circumstances can change in an instant and alter our path.  But let’s not let go of our dreams.  If your career choice is still nagging you, look at your life and see how you can make changes.  You may be surprised.  You may be able to find your way back because of your life and job experiences.  There may be an unconventional path back to your original plan.  Life is short and full of surprises.  Go for it!  Getting back to my original story, I talked to her father and reminded him of what he said years ago.  He agreed.  I told him if she followed her heart the money would follow.  Well now we are in the let’s see phase.  Always strive to follow your heart.  The universe will take care of the rest. 

Sigrid Channer

 

Parents, Keep It To Yourself

It’s funny.  As an educator you see and hear so many interesting things.  Sometimes all it takes to make a positive difference is a parent who really wants their child to excel.  If there is a problem and the teacher comes to you, whether you believe it or not, at least hear the teacher out.  You may learn something about your child you never knew.  Or you may find out something about the teacher you should know.

 Years ago I knew a teacher who really wanted to make a difference.  I know many great teachers but I’m making a point with this particular teacher.  She was having problems with three students in her class.  She went through all the appropriate channels to get them resolved.  She talked to the students themselves, administrators and parents. All to no avail.  She received no help from administrators and no cooperation from parents.  The bad behaviors escalated as the year progressed.  Finally, I heard something interesting.  One of the students was telling another student how her parents hated the teacher and wanted to beat up the teacher. The student was speaking in a passionate way.   Ah ha!  Obviously, I don’t know the whole story but now I realized why this student was carrying on a war campaign with the teacher, she heard what mom said.  Maybe I am wrong but I do know that this hate campaign was being fueled by mom’s anger at the teacher

Parents, ask any teacher, your kids bring their home issues to class very often.  What you say or do at home does not always stay at home – TRUST ME.  Private, intimate, illegal, damaging information comes right to the classroom.  I had a student not too long ago who had an issue with me.  Not at first, but after I met mom the student/teacher relationship went downhill.  He later admitted to me mom did not like me.  I saw him a year later and he greeted me warmly.  I don’t know what changed, I’m just glad it did.  His mom and I did not have any disagreements.  So I don’t know what that was about but it came to the classroom and made problems when there should not have been any problems at all.

Parents, if you don’t like your child’s teacher share that information with anyone except the child.  It can be detrimental to the child’s educational experience.  Talk to the teacher, believe it or not, we love to see parents.  You may be able to resolve the issue before it gets out of hand.  Your child’s coming to school should be a great experience for parent and child. 

 

 

Poor Reading Habits Start at Home

As a teacher I am fascinated by the fact that not only do I teach, but I learn as well.  My students teach me about myself and how to be a better teacher. When I am making my lesson plans I think about my students.  I ask myself “how can I make the lesson interesting or am I reaching the students?”   I also wonder how much of the information they will remember for the future.   Certain things stand out in my mind as I teach my students and talk to parents.  One thing is that my students learn their reading habits from their parents. 

I have found that if a parent does not like to read, most likely the child will not like to read.  Over and over parents admit they don’t like to read.  How can you motivate a child to read if you do not like to read?  Parents, your children may not be listening to you but they sure are watching you.  Once, at a reading conference the speaker said that kids like to be read to.  I asked if that were true for high school students.  The speaker said yes.  I started reading to my high school students and lo and behold they actually listened.  They loved it.  I still love being read to.  I also, of course, love reading.  In my house growing up we had a mountain of books in a variety of subjects.  My parents were veracious readers.  So were my brothers and sisters. 

Parents, if you want to encourage your child to read, it would help if you started the ball rolling.  Start finding things that interest you and talk about it with your children.  Also read to your children and start as young as possible.  If you can, make it a before-bedtime ritual.  Your children will enjoy the time and will remember it forever – so will you.   If there are older siblings encourage them to play word games. 

Helen Keller loved reading.  She said she would touch her parents, feel the book they were holding and feel their lips moving.  She would do this too not knowing why they were doing it.  Finally, when Anne Sullivan came and explained the process to her, Helen wanted to learn to read.  She learned braille and became an avid reader.  I tell you this is not accident.

These are just a few suggestions on this subject.  It is very interesting topic and I will  revisit this subject in the future. 

Sigrid Channer