This was an article my daughter-in-law posted on FB. That girl is all about social media. Me, I'm a little unnerved by Facebook. I don't exactly consider myself a private person. I blog about some things and there isn't much I wouldn't be willing to discuss with an interested party.
However, I do not like conflict.
I am shocked and amazed at what some folks have to say to the world.
I am not interested in stranger's opinion of me.
I don't really care for drawing attention to myself.
I would never call in to a radio show for tickets, even if I loved, loved, loved the event or performer. I couldn't bear to have my name read on the radio, or hear my own voice. Plus, I'm not much of the squealing type, so would never have given one of those zealous responses everyone loves (especially the sponsor I'm sure).
Selfies? Are you kidding me? No. Way.
Still, reading this article stirred a response, something I almost never, ever do. I forsook my fb paranoia and posted this-
Spending a huge deal of my time in the classroom with children and out of the classroom as well, I feel qualified to say that the least of my concerns with a student is fidgeting. Children have always been asked to sit long periods in classrooms (centuries I believe), but one third of the class, which I find true as well in my own classrooms, weren't fidgeters, even when I was in school, way on back in the day. I do believe that could be because of lack of core development and many other changes. My students also have recess, other twenty minute movement activities, option to sit on the floor, lay on the floor, stand, whatever the child cares to do. I prepare lively and engaging, hands- on lessons, but still have students who simply can not focus, I mean not for three minutes. Here I mean mental focus, not body stillness, two very different things. I once had a student who rocked in my little rocking chair all the way across my room while he read, totally focused on the book. I've had students who had their backs to me and twisting something around, but could repeat every word I said. Not a problem for me. It is the one who very literally has no earthly idea what was just said, read, or heard that causes me to worry and seek advice and help for that student. And I do blame habits of the formative years. Way too much screen time. Way too little outdoor time. Way too much instant fun provided by the adult, and way too little time to spend having to figure out how to play with a stick or a ball. Food that has no nutritional value. The pace of life we all keep. Way too much coming way to fast for underdeveloped brain systems. Other very serious environmental concerns that affect all of us. Just like one person has migraines, and another one doesn't, these things are detrimental to some kiddos and not so much to others, at least where focus is the issue. In the same way there are good and bad doctors, actors, sports stars, there are good and bad teachers. Most teachers I have ever known, come to the parent and the administration for help when they've pulled every trick out of their bag and can't find a way to get the student to focus long enough to store the information. It is a real and huge and every growing problem. I hope young parents read these articles though, and take the need for outdoor play seriously. Your own yard not an option? Find a park. May I suggest Bernheim Forest if you are local. Free every week day and a perfect place for wee ones to just be. Sorry for the diatribe, but this is where my heart is.
And, though you already know if you have ever visited here, I put my money where my mouth is and give those outdoor learning adventures to more than a dozen kids weekly, even on my summer break.
Auntie SuZQ made homemade, fruit filled ice pops.
Using our veterinary skills on a variety of stuffed animals.
Instead of "Kissing Cousins" we have kissing chickens.
They named this littlest girl, a bantam, Hope. She is the sweetest chicken.
Okay, so we do have fruity faced hugging cousins.
You definitely practice what you preach and have have some very happy faces to show for it!
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