On November 6, 2012 the American people will once again decide who will be the face of this great country. Once that decision is made half of the citizens will be relieved and half will be unhappy. But it has happened every four years since the early 1800's. Well over 200 years we have argued, worried, prayed, and voted. That doesn't change.
Civility says we move on and support our government and the decision of the people. Citizenship says we work to uphold those things we believe are in the best interest of the people and we work to change those things we believe are not in the best interest of the people. We have the right and responsibility in this country to do both of these things. We have the responsibility to teach our children to do the same.
The Bible says in the old testament, "If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves, seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, and pray, then will I hear from heaven and restore their land."
I know what this verse means to me. It means I need to remember whose I am. I need to realize that I am not supposed to "get" from my government what I want, I am supposed to give to my country what we needs. It means that no matter who is the face of the country, someone greater is in charge. It means I need to pray for the leaders of the country whether I voted for them or not. It means I need to practice love and caring, not hate and fear.
I need to shine a light on those who are doing good for others, not those with whom I disagree on issues. I need to be what I say people should be. I need to let my actions speak for me.
The people we are voting for in November are just that, PEOPLE. They do care, they do make mistakes. They don't have all the answers. They don't even know all the questions. They will make more mistakes. And, in four years we will do it all over again. But, as for me, I am going to humble myself and pray. I am going to seek the face of God in the wonderful caring people in the world, in the beauty of our natural world, in the shining eyes of innocent children, in the majestic beauty of the wild life and in the security of knowing that God is in charge. And I believe that He will hear my prayers and heal this land. It may take many years but; "seeing is not believing, believing is seeing".(The Santa Clause II)
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Bullying
There has been lots of conversation on the talk shows about the local anchor woman who confronted a man who sent her an email about her weight and called her a bad roll model for kids.
She used the show to respond to him and called him a bully. I know that bullies have been around for many years and it has been a problem for kids, parents and teachers.
Many things have been tried to teach children how to respond to bullies. Ignore, confront, physical response etc. What I see today is a new venue for those bullies who want to remain anonymous. Cyber bullying. Facebook, you tube, email, tweets and texting. It is still a huge problem. One thing I see is that kids don't want their parents involved. They try to keep things to themselves yet cannot handle the cruelty that they face.
My daughter was bullied in elementary school. I felt so helpless because I worked at the school and I knew that if I did anything, the bully would take it out on her. We finally decided the only thing we could do is send her to a different school. That took her out of the situation but the scars were there. She still remembers the feelings.
As a teacher, I tried very hard to teach my students that I was available to them and WOULD respond. I taught my students that we were a "family" and it was important to take care of each other. If there were social problems, we dealt with them right away. I put the light on the bully without calling them bullies. The fact is, they were also part of the family and they needed to be redirected and taught rather than accused and condemned.
Did that totally stop the bullying? No. I only had one year with these children. Some came back to me the next year with stories of bullying. Some parents came to me with stories of bullying. I tried to help them through this but it is harder when you are not the primary adult in their school life.
Back in the middle of the last century there was a wonderful movie, "South Pacific". There was a song in this movie with the line, "You have to be carefully taught to hate."
Children are not born bullies. They are taught through careless statements by parents, siblings, TV, movies, and other adults. When they act out they are not redirected. Sometimes they are encouraged or worse yet, excused. Children have to be carefully taught to respect. Remember, we teach by example first. Our words will land on deaf ears if our actions do not support our words.
For those of you who are bullied or your children are bullied, Act in whatever way you can that teaches you or your child that you do not need to be held hostage by bullies, and teaches the bully that you will not be held hostage.
Bullies, unfortunately, are a fact of life. The more we talk openly about it and expose the bullying, the less harm it can do.
She used the show to respond to him and called him a bully. I know that bullies have been around for many years and it has been a problem for kids, parents and teachers.
Many things have been tried to teach children how to respond to bullies. Ignore, confront, physical response etc. What I see today is a new venue for those bullies who want to remain anonymous. Cyber bullying. Facebook, you tube, email, tweets and texting. It is still a huge problem. One thing I see is that kids don't want their parents involved. They try to keep things to themselves yet cannot handle the cruelty that they face.
My daughter was bullied in elementary school. I felt so helpless because I worked at the school and I knew that if I did anything, the bully would take it out on her. We finally decided the only thing we could do is send her to a different school. That took her out of the situation but the scars were there. She still remembers the feelings.
As a teacher, I tried very hard to teach my students that I was available to them and WOULD respond. I taught my students that we were a "family" and it was important to take care of each other. If there were social problems, we dealt with them right away. I put the light on the bully without calling them bullies. The fact is, they were also part of the family and they needed to be redirected and taught rather than accused and condemned.
Did that totally stop the bullying? No. I only had one year with these children. Some came back to me the next year with stories of bullying. Some parents came to me with stories of bullying. I tried to help them through this but it is harder when you are not the primary adult in their school life.
Back in the middle of the last century there was a wonderful movie, "South Pacific". There was a song in this movie with the line, "You have to be carefully taught to hate."
Children are not born bullies. They are taught through careless statements by parents, siblings, TV, movies, and other adults. When they act out they are not redirected. Sometimes they are encouraged or worse yet, excused. Children have to be carefully taught to respect. Remember, we teach by example first. Our words will land on deaf ears if our actions do not support our words.
For those of you who are bullied or your children are bullied, Act in whatever way you can that teaches you or your child that you do not need to be held hostage by bullies, and teaches the bully that you will not be held hostage.
Bullies, unfortunately, are a fact of life. The more we talk openly about it and expose the bullying, the less harm it can do.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Should Congress be fined for inactivity?
Given that the House of Representatives is the governing body that "creates" laws, a fine does not seem to be in the cards. Since the Senate is the voting body, if it was proposed it would not be passed.
The present Congress was the least productive in the history of this country. They became the congress of NO. No compromise, no proposals, no laws passed, no nothing. They became a laughing stock in the country and more importantly, the world. The republicans refused to consider anything that was proposed by the President, the Democrats refused to consider anything that was proposed by the Republicans, the Tea Party refused to consider anything from anyone at any time for any reason. If that is an indication of what we can expect from the Tea Party, please let the party be over. The only thing they seemed to bring to the table was arrogance.
I would love to see voters actually look at the congress voting record and vote for those who actually did something constructive.
I actually believe there are some members of congress who want to do their jobs and work for their constituents. They should stay. The rest should go.
This is supposed to be a government of the people by the people and for the people. Someone PLEASE remember that.
The present Congress was the least productive in the history of this country. They became the congress of NO. No compromise, no proposals, no laws passed, no nothing. They became a laughing stock in the country and more importantly, the world. The republicans refused to consider anything that was proposed by the President, the Democrats refused to consider anything that was proposed by the Republicans, the Tea Party refused to consider anything from anyone at any time for any reason. If that is an indication of what we can expect from the Tea Party, please let the party be over. The only thing they seemed to bring to the table was arrogance.
I would love to see voters actually look at the congress voting record and vote for those who actually did something constructive.
I actually believe there are some members of congress who want to do their jobs and work for their constituents. They should stay. The rest should go.
This is supposed to be a government of the people by the people and for the people. Someone PLEASE remember that.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Change Part 1 Seasonal
As the seasons begin to change I think about the effect of change on mood, energy and creativity. We are moving from the sunny, warm summer to a crisper, more variable autumn. Is there a reason we become more reluctant to go out for walks, choose creative activities or start new projects as it gets colder.
Well, according to a research study in the Journal of General Psychiatry, there is a reason. It seems that "the serotonin transporter protein, a brain chemical that reducds levels of the mood-regulating hormone serotonin aroud brain cells, is more active during the darker months of the year, and suggested this could be the mechanism that explains why some people feel less happy and lower in energy during the winter months."
That makes sense to me. There are things you can do. You can take serotonin supplements. You can spend extra time outside on sunny days even those those days are shorter. You can get natural lighting for your home. You can also do what a lot of northern retired people do and travel to Florida or Arizona during the winter months.
But what about little children. Is there something we can do for them so they do not have to suffer this feeling of sadness, listlessness, depression or just lack of energy. Is there something you can do at home? Is there something you can do at school? Considering the fact that much of school time is during these "darker" months, it seems it would help with the education process if the emotional and energy level in the children should be addressed. Learning does not only come from "gaining information", it also involves the ability to receive and use this information. If I see a child laying on the desk and reluctant to participate or get excited about an activity, I need to address the emotional or energy level of this child before I try to "pour in information".
Another idea is how much exercise do the children get during these colder, darker months. When children spend all their time sitting inside, there is no exercise to stimulate positive energy. During those times, it is important to make sure they do more movement inside. When I was teaching, I would make sure the children got up to move every half hour. We stretched, we walked, we moved around. I found that after I started doing that, I didn't have as many children who became unavailable for learning.
So when the weather changes outside, it is important to change the activity inside. Not just at school, but also at home. Not just children, but also adults.
Well, according to a research study in the Journal of General Psychiatry, there is a reason. It seems that "the serotonin transporter protein, a brain chemical that reducds levels of the mood-regulating hormone serotonin aroud brain cells, is more active during the darker months of the year, and suggested this could be the mechanism that explains why some people feel less happy and lower in energy during the winter months."
That makes sense to me. There are things you can do. You can take serotonin supplements. You can spend extra time outside on sunny days even those those days are shorter. You can get natural lighting for your home. You can also do what a lot of northern retired people do and travel to Florida or Arizona during the winter months.
But what about little children. Is there something we can do for them so they do not have to suffer this feeling of sadness, listlessness, depression or just lack of energy. Is there something you can do at home? Is there something you can do at school? Considering the fact that much of school time is during these "darker" months, it seems it would help with the education process if the emotional and energy level in the children should be addressed. Learning does not only come from "gaining information", it also involves the ability to receive and use this information. If I see a child laying on the desk and reluctant to participate or get excited about an activity, I need to address the emotional or energy level of this child before I try to "pour in information".
Another idea is how much exercise do the children get during these colder, darker months. When children spend all their time sitting inside, there is no exercise to stimulate positive energy. During those times, it is important to make sure they do more movement inside. When I was teaching, I would make sure the children got up to move every half hour. We stretched, we walked, we moved around. I found that after I started doing that, I didn't have as many children who became unavailable for learning.
So when the weather changes outside, it is important to change the activity inside. Not just at school, but also at home. Not just children, but also adults.
Words vs Actions
I don't know about you, but I don't listen to the advertisements these days. None really speak for the candidate. They are all lies. They are like "reality" shows. There is no reality in them. I don't read the media blitz stuff either. Same thing. No reality in them. So where do I go to get reality? Well, I am from the old school....a picture is worth 1000 words. I also believe the text in the bible that says...."A little child shall lead them." That obviously does not mean that children know best what to do in the world. What I think it means is children who have not joined the race to "lie" for their own profit, know who to trust. I have some pictures. You decide what they say.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Teachers Reality
As I watch the news unfold about the Chicago Teachers strike, I think about what is said vs. what is done. Everyone always says "teachers are so important." "Our children are the most important thing in our nation." That is wonderful, right? Then I hear that teachers went on strike and the first words on national news is "Parents in Chicago scramble to find child care for 400,000 children." There is nothing about children losing time in a learning environment, seniors losing valuable time in preparation for their college entrance, education is important enough for us to settle this problem quickly so the teachers can go back into their classrooms quickly and return to educating our children.
So if actions do speak louder than words, again, school is a "low cost daycare". Nothing is really lost as far as reading, math, science etc. You don't hear about parents scrambling to find tutors for their children so they do not lose valuable learning.
I also hear "teachers are not paid enough for the important job they do." Then the actions say, these people are a drain on our taxes. When we "need" to cut costs because of mismanagement of funds by those who are supposed to have our best interest in the forefront, we say "well, class size does not really matter."
I am not a researcher but I can say from experience that there is a huge difference in the quality of education possible between an elementary class of 25 students and a class of 35 students. One thing that is pretty visible is the size of the classrooms. If a classroom is built to hold a maximum of 25 students, putting 35 students in that room is going to have a negative effect. Just think of the last time you took a flight in those planes that were built to hold 250 passengers and then "redesigned to hold 300 passengers. The redesign had nothing to do with the size of the plane but the size and number of seats in that plane. Take a classroom that is designed to hold 25 students and add desks and chairs to hold 35. You better hope that none of those students are large, long legged or have special needs that require extra space.
I worked in a school once that had 40 students in the classroom. The children had to crawl under the desks to get out of their row. Teachers could not walk around the room to "get to" a child in need without asking several students to get up and move away.
One problem is that elementary school teachers are very creative but not too pushy. They adapt to the situation rather than screaming about the injustice. So people do not "see" the problem until teachers can no longer adapt.
Maybe Parents, Mayors, Governors, Senators, School Board Presidents and even School Superintendents should be required to spend a week a year in an elementary school classroom that is overcrowded. They should have to make their own lesson plans, deal with the myriad of interruptions, questions, lack of materials and required paperwork, excuses for not having homework, materials, or lunch, required meetings and extra assignments. They should have to deal with all of these things with no help, 20 min lunch periods and bathrooms that are too far away to dash to during the school day.
Interestingly enough, if they did this and actually interacted with those wonderful little people with a variety of experiences, problems, interests, ability and self-motivation, they would say "This is the hardest job I have ever done and I LOVE it.
Trust me, those teachers in Chicago want more than anything to get back into the classroom with their children.
So if actions do speak louder than words, again, school is a "low cost daycare". Nothing is really lost as far as reading, math, science etc. You don't hear about parents scrambling to find tutors for their children so they do not lose valuable learning.
I also hear "teachers are not paid enough for the important job they do." Then the actions say, these people are a drain on our taxes. When we "need" to cut costs because of mismanagement of funds by those who are supposed to have our best interest in the forefront, we say "well, class size does not really matter."
I am not a researcher but I can say from experience that there is a huge difference in the quality of education possible between an elementary class of 25 students and a class of 35 students. One thing that is pretty visible is the size of the classrooms. If a classroom is built to hold a maximum of 25 students, putting 35 students in that room is going to have a negative effect. Just think of the last time you took a flight in those planes that were built to hold 250 passengers and then "redesigned to hold 300 passengers. The redesign had nothing to do with the size of the plane but the size and number of seats in that plane. Take a classroom that is designed to hold 25 students and add desks and chairs to hold 35. You better hope that none of those students are large, long legged or have special needs that require extra space.
I worked in a school once that had 40 students in the classroom. The children had to crawl under the desks to get out of their row. Teachers could not walk around the room to "get to" a child in need without asking several students to get up and move away.
One problem is that elementary school teachers are very creative but not too pushy. They adapt to the situation rather than screaming about the injustice. So people do not "see" the problem until teachers can no longer adapt.
Maybe Parents, Mayors, Governors, Senators, School Board Presidents and even School Superintendents should be required to spend a week a year in an elementary school classroom that is overcrowded. They should have to make their own lesson plans, deal with the myriad of interruptions, questions, lack of materials and required paperwork, excuses for not having homework, materials, or lunch, required meetings and extra assignments. They should have to deal with all of these things with no help, 20 min lunch periods and bathrooms that are too far away to dash to during the school day.
Interestingly enough, if they did this and actually interacted with those wonderful little people with a variety of experiences, problems, interests, ability and self-motivation, they would say "This is the hardest job I have ever done and I LOVE it.
Trust me, those teachers in Chicago want more than anything to get back into the classroom with their children.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Compare
I see problems in each party. I see big mistakes being made by both parties. I see real commitment in both parties. Now what to do. One thing that keeps coming back to me is the politics of hate. Since when do we need to hate the other guy. I have friends who are big Romney supporters. I have friends who are big Obama supporters. What exactly is wrong with that?
My biggest problem is the use of God and religious values to condemn people. Where in the Bible is that okay? It says "it is God's will that none should parish." "Love your enemies and do good to those who persecute you." "Pray for your leaders." "Give unto Cesar that which is Cesar's and unto God that which is God's." "Take care of the widows and orphans." "What you do to the least of these, you do to me." Shall I go on? I can. Jesus said "he who is without sin, throw the first stone."
I heard a speech last night that made sense to me. He spoke in clear English. He said that he worked for and admired people he did not necessarily agree with about policies. He saw the good in their intentions. They all, republican, democrat, rivals and friends, had one purpose: Work together to solve a problem for the good of the people. For four years all I have heard from Congress is we will not give in to anyone. We are here to get Obama out of office. What a goal. I cannot support that goal. Can anyone give me an actual reason with clearly stated plans that I should?
My biggest problem is the use of God and religious values to condemn people. Where in the Bible is that okay? It says "it is God's will that none should parish." "Love your enemies and do good to those who persecute you." "Pray for your leaders." "Give unto Cesar that which is Cesar's and unto God that which is God's." "Take care of the widows and orphans." "What you do to the least of these, you do to me." Shall I go on? I can. Jesus said "he who is without sin, throw the first stone."
I heard a speech last night that made sense to me. He spoke in clear English. He said that he worked for and admired people he did not necessarily agree with about policies. He saw the good in their intentions. They all, republican, democrat, rivals and friends, had one purpose: Work together to solve a problem for the good of the people. For four years all I have heard from Congress is we will not give in to anyone. We are here to get Obama out of office. What a goal. I cannot support that goal. Can anyone give me an actual reason with clearly stated plans that I should?
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