April 1, 2017

SPRING BREAK, THEN IT’S THAT PESKY TESTING TIME!

By

Linda M. Penn

    Hope that Spring Break has gone well for you and your kids!  Are you ready for accountability tests?

    In looking back at my previous Blogs about standardized testing, I found I may not have given accountability tests a fair shake.  DO I NEED AN ATTITUDE CHANGE?

    As an elementary public school teacher who just started my career in the mid-80’s, accountability testing had real meaning.  If students had performed poorly throughout the year and on the end-of-the-year tests, they were given the opportunity for summer school remediation or repeat a grade. 

    However, then came state testing based on No Child Left Behind (NCLB) standards and there were tests, tests, and more tests thrust upon the students throughout the year to prepare them for the ‘biggie’ end-of-the-year tests.  The accountability was more on the school and teacher, and not the individual student.  Summer school remediation for the kids?  What was that?  Summers meant more teacher meetings on ‘teaching the test’ so the school, county, and state would appear to be achieving success.

    Today, there is the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) which was passed in 2015 to replace the NCLB.  Betsy DeVos, the current U.S. Secretary of Education has notified state school officers to keep developing their ESSA plans.  Apparently, the ESSA keeps some testing but shifts focus away from the high-stakes type testing of NCLB.   

    EVERYONE WHO IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE FUTURE OF OUR WORLD needs to be more aware and informed about the type of testing for our kids.  My research (see below) revealed to me there is a focus now on various types of assessments thoughout the school year and not just end-of-the-year tests.  Specific needs for each individual student are made more evident to teachers.

    OKAY, I WILL TRY TO HAVE A CHANGED ATTITUDE ABOUT ACCOUNTABILITY TESTS!  So…teachers, parents, students, and legislators, let’s all try to be positive.  Let’s give our teachers and students an extra shout-out and encouraging words at this time of year.  Also, please check out my Blog from April 1, 2016, “Test Takers – Help for the Frightened.”

    Since I am retired and not active in the classroom, would love to have your feedback about the ESSA.

    Come back the first week of May for next Blog – “Focus on Relationships – NOT Achievements.” 

COPYRIGHT 2017 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED LINDA M. PENN

www.lindampenn.com

lindampenn@gmail.com

References

Gallup.com “Testing that Benefits Students” by Brandon Busteed and Jonathan Rodkin, May 5, 2016 Blog.

Wikipedia.org. “Every Student Succeeds Act,” last page modified February 26, 2017.

 

March 1, 2017

 

MULTI-TASKING, HELP OR HINDER?

By

Linda M. Penn

 

            Walking and texting; driving and texting; homework and watching TV; cooking and helping the children with homework; listening to music and writing.  ARE YOU A SUCCESSFUL MULTI-TASKER?  AND HOW ABOUT YOUR CHILDREN?  Do they watch TV, text, and play a video game – ALL AT THE SAME TIME?  And probably when you ask them if they are doing their homework, they will answer, “yes.”

 

            So…is it possible to concentrate successfully on several tasks at the same time?  I used to be able to fix supper, do laundry, help my kids with their homework, answer emails, grade papers, talk on the phone, and even manage to munch on a cookie.  However, now that I am retired, there is no way!

 

            I recall complimenting a friend’s daughter on her “gift” of multi-tasking as she played an online game, texted with a friend, and supposedly completed homework.  I used to think multi-tasking was evidence of efficiency.

 

            Guess what?  I recently read articles about multi-taskers who thought they were boosting their performances when actually they had reduced efficiency.  The research that supported the articles said that our brains can only focus on one thing at a time, and brains could even be damaged, developing “bad brain habits” with so much switching quickly from one focus to another.

 

            Gee, I knew there was a reason I disliked trying to have a conversation with the grandkids when they were playing on their phones.  I was feeling “old and outdated” by their marginal attention to what I was saying.  I suppose their brains were just acting normally by staying focused on whatever important items happened to be on their phones. 

 

            Okay, can we all be a little more conscious of trying to concentrate on ONE thing at a time?  Particularly if I am a passenger in your car while you are texting!  Let’s somehow try to be good models for our kids.

 

            I have to admit I am sitting on the couch writing this article, and trying to watch two programs on TV – all at the same time.  It is not working well.  My husband just came in and asked what were the scores of the basketball games I was supposed to be watching.   I responded with, “we were losing by four points, but that was awhile ago.  I have no idea what it is now.  And the other game, gee, too much to keep up with!”  (I had no kids or grandkids watching me at this time, so, was that alright?)

 

            I promise I will try to do better!  As a matter of fact, it is two days later and I am now concentrating totally on finishing up this blog. 

 

            If this research about multi-tasking interests you, there are several websites that popped up after I typed in “Is multi-tasking good or bad for our brains?” Check them out!

(I wonder if I can get my husband to read them?  Do you think he would then start concentrating on what I am saying to him?  Just kidding, honey!)

 

            Come back the first week of April.  Blog title:  “SPRING BREAK, THEN, IT’S THAT PESKY TESTING TIME!”

 

COPYRIGHT 2017 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED LINDA M. PENN

 

February 1, 2017

By

Linda M. Penn

    Did you allow your kids to watch any news coverage of our recent presidential election and inauguration?  Since my grandkids do not live with me, I did not have to face this issue head-on with them.  However, I did face it with just myself.  I ended up turning off the TV on several occasions, wondering where gestures and words of kindness had gone in America.

    In my heart, I knew most people were nice, considerate, and upstanding, right?

I remembered the story of the Florida State University football player who showed a gesture of kindness to a young middle school student in the school cafeteria.  The football player sat down at a table and began talking with a young man who was all alone.  The picture and story appeared all over news outlets in the country.  All the football player had done was sit down and talk to a kid who was obviously alone while the other students were huddled together at other tables.  No big deal?  Wrong!   In interviews with the news media, the mom repeated that small act of kindness made a huge impact on her lonely son.

    Okay, we may never have our story and picture in an article about being kind, but in our little part of the world, we can do our part.  We all want a better world and we can’t leave it up to others to get us all there to that point.  It begins in our hearts!  (It is Valentine’s Day this month) Let’s see now, what could we actually do? 

    SMILE AT THE GROCERY CLERK.

    SAY “THANK YOU, PLEASE,” TO THE WAITRESS.

    HELP “GRANNY” GET SOMETHING FROM A HIGH SHELF OR BETTER YET, AN AIRPLANE OVERHEAD BIN. 

    ALLOW SOMEONE WITH TWO ITEMS TO GO AHEAD OF YOU IN LINE EVEN THOUGH YOU HAVE TEN ITEMS AND ARE IN A RUSH TO GET DINNER.

    CALL AND CHECK ON A SICK BUDDY. (NO, NOT TEXT!)

    SEND A CARD THANKING A FRIEND FOR PICKING UP YOUR KIDS NUMEROUS TIME FROM SOCCER PRACTICE WHILE YOU WORKED LATE. (NO, NOT TEXT!)

    The key to a better world is looking for those opportunities to do gestures of kindness.  God probably won’t tap on your shoulder telling you to take food to your neighbor who sprained her ankle!  Let’s all make a belated New Year resolution during this month of love to look for a daily way to show a genuine gesture of kindness!  GUESS WHAT?  YOU KNOW WHO IS WATCHING YOU?  THAT’S RIGHT – YOUR KIDS!  SO GUESS WHO WILL NOW START LOOKING FOR DAILY GESTURES OF KINDNESS – YES, YOUR KIDS!

 Have a lovely Valentine’s Day Month.  See you the first week of March.

BLOG TITLE:  MULTI-TASKING, HELP OR HINDER?

COPYRIGHT 2017 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED LINDA M. PENN

www.lindampenn.com

lindampenn@gmail.com

January 1, 2017

By

Linda M. Penn

    “Nothing,” might be the answer from your kids to your question above.  “Okay,” might be the answer to your question of “How was school today?”  So…how do we move beyond these one-word answers into a conversation that reveals what they REALLY thought about their day?  ASK GOOD QUESTIONS!

Avoid questions that can be answered with “yes,” “no,” “nothing,” “okay,” and other similar one-word answers.

Ask lead-in questions that might lead your kids and you into a more in-depth conversation.  Examples:

What book or books did you read today?  What was the book about?  Did the characters remind you of anyone you know?  What advice would you give classmates about reading this book?

What did you learn in Science class today?  Social Studies?  Music?  Any other special class?

What was your favorite part of the day?  (Besides lunch and playtime!)  Why did you like that?

How did you help someone today?  How did someone help you?

Avoid the “20 Questions” everyday but do ask your children about something.  Then, they will be in the habit of expecting to talk about their day.  And guess what?  They might even start to ask you questions about your day! 

Imagine how special I felt when granddaughter, Samantha, asked me how my day was when I picked her up at school?

Depending on the maturity of your children, avoid being too nosey or critical

if they do open up to you.  Just let them be aware of your interest in their friends, activities, classes, etc.  Examples:

What makes you think that?

Why do you say that?

Ask questions in the car on the way to soccer practice or dance class if you

rush from one place to another after school.  Questions are good anytime, anywhere, especially at the dinner table.

Avoid interrupting if the child “gets on a roll” with conversation.

Avoid using your cell phone when your child is actually talking to you.  Make eye contact (unless you are driving, of course!).  PLEASE DON’T PRETEND TO BE LISTENING TO THE KIDDOS WHEN YOU ARE TEXTING!

If you become aware of a problem for your children that appears to need your help, avoid demeaning comments about others.  You can always tell them you will check into the issue and get back with them.  If the problem appears to be resolvable by your child alone, give them your guidance, but don’t make unusual demands on them.

ENJOY YOUR CONVERSATIONS WITH YOUR KIDDOS!!!

 HAVE A GREAT 2017! 

Check back the first week of February for blog titled:  GESTURES OF KINDNESS

COPYRIGHT 2017 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

LINDA M. PENN

www.lindampenn.com

lindampenn@gmail.com

 

December 1, 2016

 

THE PERFECT GIFT

 

By

 

Linda M. Penn

 

            Are you in search of that perfect gift for your child, your spouse, your friend?  And what if you can’t find it? 

 

            I saw a segment on TV last week about the latest toy craze – hatching eggs.  Apparently stores sell out as soon as they get a new shipment.

 

            I remember well searching for Cabbage Patch dolls for my two daughters one Christmas.  I found a lady who made them – problem solved!  At least temporarily!  After Christmas, stores had bunches of them.  I wonder what my now adult girls ever did with those dolls?

 

            We try so hard to make everything perfect for the holidays but in reality, there is no perfect gift – EXCEPT GOD’S GIFT OF JESUS TO US.  Let’s all endeavor to keep that in mind as we rush about this Christmas season.

            Let’s try giving more of our TIME instead of giving in to the hustle and bustle activities.  Those relationships we build bring more lasting memories.  I’ve asked my daughters about their favorite memories of our family Christmases when they were little.  They recalled Aunt Freda’s annual Christmas morning breakfasts with Grandma, their aunts, uncles, and cousins, and not those Cabbage Patch dolls!

 

            Hoping you and yours have a very Merry Christmas!

 

            Come back the first week in January.  BLOG TITLE:  “WHAT DID YOU DO AT SCHOOL TODAY?”

 

COPYRIGHT 2016 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED LINDA M. PENN

 

Linda M. Pennwww.lindampenn.comAnyone witnessed a kid having a temper tantrum at the grocery lately? Anyone been to a Local Farmers’ Market or Arts and Crafts Festival lately?

November 1, 2016

 

REMEDY FOR LOW SELF-ESTEEM

 

By

 

Linda M. Penn

 

 

            “I can’t do that.”  “I’m no good at that.”  “I’ll never pass that test.”  Are these statements you have heard from your children?

 

            We adults have times when we feel insecure, but hopefully, we can deal positively with these anxieties.  So, how can we help the kids to grow and mature with positive thinking about themselves?

 

            I might rock your world when I say this, but here goes:  EVERY KID IS UNIQUE AND SPECIAL, BUT WE DON’T NEED TO TELL THEM THAT TEN TIMES A DAY!  AND, EVERY KID DOESN’T NEED A PARTICIPATION TROPHY.

 

            Give sincere compliments cautiously so the children feel proud of themselves.  Hearing “you’re awesome, you did a great job” when you and the children know they could have done better only leads to low self-esteem.  (Kids are no dummies.  They realize when they are getting undeserving praise.) 

 

            Praising a child’sEFFORTS, rather than RESULTS,builds self-esteem.  Let the kids know you love them unconditionally whether they “make the team or not.”

 

            In my search of “build self-esteem in children,” I found several websites with helpful ideas for parents and teachers.

 

            Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.  Come back the first week in December for the next Blog:  “THE PERFECT GIFT”

 

Copyright 2016 All Rights Reserved Linda M. Penn

 

 

RESEARCH FOR KIDS!  IT’S FUN, NOT A PAIN!

By

Linda M. Penn

 

            First of all – We can’t believe everything we read on the Internet!  Surprise, surprise!  As your children grow and mature in their research skills, please help them by reminding them of this fact.  Researching may require more intense research just to make sure your presumed “facts” are indeed supportable.

 

           

1)    The source for your information needs to be credible – up-to-date, in-depth information from trusted experts.

2)    If the website asks for any personal information, GO TO ANOTHER SITE!

3)    Narrow your search.  Example:  My search for George Washington showed TEN PAGESof WEBSITES, but my search for George Washington at Valley Forge only showed TEN WEBSITES.

 

Research skills are begun in the primary grades with exposure to lots of

non-fiction picture books.  These kinds of books are almost 100% sure to be an enjoyment to kids.

 

            Around the third grade is where the more advanced research skills are begun to be taught.  Some kiddos feel overwhelmed with:  taking notes, weeding out the junk websites, finding what’s the most important info, keywords, copyrights, citations, sharing the info by oral or written presentation, report, letters, etc.  NOT FUN?

 

            My advice is to allow the students to take time to develop research skills before expecting them to go to a computer on their own and develop an intense research project.  This will give the kids confidence in their search techniques and it becomes fun!  AWAY GOES THE FEAR OF RESEARCHING!

            For more help, search “research skills for children” and lots of websites are shown.

 

            COME BACK THE FIRST WEEK OF NOVEMBER:  “REMEDY FOR LOW SELF-ESTEEM” 

 

BE SAFE!  BE CURIOUS!  BE COURTEOUS!

 

Copyright 2016 All Rights Reserved Linda M. Penn

 

CURIOSITY IN YOUR CHILDREN – DOES IT NEED TO BE CHANNELLED?

BY

Linda M. Penn

    Toddlers are just naturally curious, but how much freedom should they be given?  Do we put a leash on them when we take them to a store, festival, etc.?  Do we let them explore and pull things off shelves and tables?  There must be a happy medium!

    The “freedom” parents are going about their business of shopping while their kids are picking up anything off shelves that looks interesting and then sitting in the floor trying to play with it.  Mom and kids having fun – store clerks, not so much!  The “leash” parents are hanging onto their kids’ hands while they try one-handedly to pick and choose items for their cart. 

    Anyone witnessed a kid having a temper tantrum at the grocery lately?  Anyone been to a Local Farmers’ Market or Arts and Crafts Festival lately?  Did it seem the undisciplined kids and dogs have taken over?  Help!  I just fell over a bassethound!  Oops!  That kiddo just threw a tomato on the floor!  Plop!  Oh dear!  That dog is on a long leash and it looks just like the one that bit me last year!  Ouch!

    Let’s have some order and safety for everyone:

If the intended destination is for adult shopping, maybe a nice someone could watch the kids for an hour or so!

Is the intended destination a place to go for a good reason or is it just to show off the kids and dog?

Plan ahead on safe and appropriate places to take the kids and/or dogs where they will have freedom to explore within set boundaries.  Ex. backyard, park, playground, pumpkin patch, museum with interactive exhibits for children.  Also, try a close up and personal encounter with a water puddle, tree, plant, pebble, shell, blades of grass, flower.  And if you can’t think of anything to say to your little one to make these “common” things seem interesting, think of the five senses.  How does it smell?  Feel?  Do you hear anything?  What would that tomato taste like?  Look at those bumps, do you think it is rotten?

Take the kids to the library to check out the endless supply of curious books.

BE SAFE!  BE CURIOUS!  BE COURTEOUS!

Copyright 2016 All Rights Reserved Linda M. Penn

www.lindampenn.com      lindampenn@gmail.com

August 1, 2016

 

COURAGE AND FEAR IN THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR

By

Linda M. Penn

 

            Can you believe it?  It is already here!  Yes, the new school year is upon us!  Are you AND your kids feeling anxious and somewhat fearful?  Time to get that courage and confidence!

 

            Provide your kiddos with courage and confidence to take away the anxiety and fear of a new school year. 

 

1)    Arm them with the appropriate tools – supplies, clothes, shoes.

2)    Tour the school.

3)    Meet teachers, principals, counselors, office staff.

4)    If possible, purchase a T-shirt with the school logo.

5)    Discuss morning, after-school, and nighttime expectations with them.

6)    Begin the bedtime routine at least a week ahead of time.

7)    Discuss lunchtime options – buy or bring?  If bring, compromise on nutritional food choices.

8)    Address any concern of your children in a POSITIVE manner.

9)    Model a GOOD ATTITUDE.  Show your excitement but calmness about the upcoming year.

10) Reinforce to them how proud you are of them.

11) PRAY WITH THEM, PRAY FOR THEIR TEACHERS, BUS DRIVERS, AND ALL SCHOOL STAFF AND THEN TRUST IN THE LORD. 

 

Please see Bible verse Phillipians 4:6.  “Don’t be anxious about anything, but in all your prayers, ask God for what you need, always with a thankful heart.”

 

Have an enjoyable school year!

 

See you back here the first week of September.  Blog title:  “CURIOSITY IN YOUR CHILDREN – DOES IT NEED CHANNELLING?

 

Copyright 2016 All Rights Reserved Linda M. Penn

July 1, 2016

By

Linda M. Penn

    Are you a talent detective?  Use your investigative skills and intuition to become aware of your children’s special talents.  However, are our busy lifestyles hindering the discovery and nurturing of the kids’ creative talents?

    I sure hope you and your kiddos have been able to put aside the tech devices long enough this summer (see my suggestions in June, 2016 Blog “Teacher/Parent Relaxing Activities for Summer Break”) so you could:

Savor the times you sit and just enjoy being together.

Have conversations with the childrens, REAL CONVERSATIONS, NOT TEXTING. 

Leisurely draw, paint, make up stories, work puzzles, and other creative things with the kids.

Enjoy and study the shapes of the clouds, the nighttime skies.

Read for enjoyment – different genres of children’s books, magazines.

These  relaxation activities do not come naturally to us in today’s world, as we

seem to be enticed by all the “noise” of our phones and computers.  (Please check out Kenny Chesney’s latest video entitled “Noise,” particularly what happens at the end.)

So, if we are going to find and nurture our kids’ talents insuring they will develop into productive and creative citizens, we must make a determined effort to unleash the energy and excitement of creativity in our kids.  (Look at the articles in the June 26, 2016 Courier-Journal, pg. 4H, “Creativity: The cornerstone of education,” by Donna Hargens, and “Approaching talent gap to fuel competition,” by Kent Oyler.)

In conclusion, my two biggest suggestions for discovering our kids’ hidden talents are to TALK WITH THEM, NOT AT THEM, AND TO LISTEN TO THEM.  The talent detective in you will unlock those creative ideas for you and your children.  YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT HIDDEN TALENTS WILL BE EXPOSED THROUGH TALKING AND LISTENING TO OUR KIDS!!!!!  Your comments are always welcome!

Come back the first week of August – Blog Title “Courage vs. Fear in the New School Year.”

Copyright 2016 All Rights Reserved Linda M. Penn

www.lindampenn.com

lindampenn@gmail.com