Mary Manz Simon's Blog, page 47

Do homework or play?

Comments about the negative effects and the minimal value of homework circulated widely during the past school year.

Perhaps as part of a growing “test culture” backlash, “get out and play” has become a more popular theme.

The topic is sure to be tackled by educators this summer, but we’ll see if there are any significant shifts in expectations by this fall.

Speed reading?

Chatter in publishing circles has focused on how reading has changed in our digital age.

Although I’ve heard that readers want shorter books with plot lines that quickly engage them, I haven’t seen that children’s summer reading lists have adapted to the times.

Many students will turn hundreds of pages before the end of summer.

Middle grade parent alert

Parents, please note:

The rapid pace of cultural change might show up on your middle graders summer reading list.

Although downaging of dark topics has been happening for the last couple years, major signs of this trend are now popping up on reading lists for fifth, sixth and seventh graders.

Issues like the collateral damage from war, gender identity, mental illness, eating disorders and female genital mutilation have appeared in YA (young adult) categories, but the downward spiral of these serious issues has never been more dramatic or widespread.

Some observers feel that pushing the boundaries merely reflects what’s happening in society, but just because it’s happening, doesn’t mean it’s appropriate for children.

Assessing school tech

Do students with an IPadAir or MacBook Air learn more than those without tablets or laptops?

School administrators will attempt to answer that question during the summer break.

Adding devices for students has been popular, but the initiatives are still being studied. One of the challenges: tech is integrated into so many aspects of life, it’s difficult to isolate how much learning can be attributed solely to the technology.

Increasing parental concerns about privacy and the amount of screen time are also growing issues.

Shopaholics?

I’ve seen it again over this long weekend: dads grocery shopping with kids.

That’s not unusual, but what struck me again today was that dads looked happy leading the way through the produce aisles.

My observation validates what research shows: dads see the shopping experience as a way to connect with their kids.

I’m waiting to see retailers grab onto this opportunity.

The Smartphone Effect

Nostalgia has even hit Millennials. Game Boys and other portable game consoles are being delivered to the cemetery.

What we see in casual observations has been confirmed by recent research: the age of first-time smartphone ownership continues to drop.

So what is the average age to get a first smartphone? 10.3 years.

Anxiety, moms and social media

Recent data has confirmed what earlier research revealed: moms who are immersed in social media are more anxious than their peers.

It’s easy to understand.

There’s stress to create a perfect image online.

There’s stress that results from the time monster of social media, when your kids run wild or supper doesn’t get cooked.

Let the data lead to a gut-check. Ask,”Am I spending a healthy amount of time online?”

Let transparency rule: be honest with yourself.

Ugly fruit, good lesson

Have you noticed a bin of “ugly fruit” or “imperfect vegetables” at the grocery store?

In an attempt to have more transparency with consumers, an increasing number of grocers are getting the courage to sell odd-shaped carrots and irregular berries.

Industry advisors see the trend as a natural result of the farm-to-table movement.

But as an educator, I believe it offers a great opportunity to trigger a conversation with your kids…and not only about veggies.

National Readathon Day

Tomorrow is National Readathon Day.

The goal is to develop a new generation of lifelong readers. As an early childhood educator, mom, grandmother and author, I believe that’s a great goal.

Grab a book. Grab a child. Celebrate reading (and you don’t need to wait until tomorrow!)

Body positivity

The trend of using plus-size models in print ads and commercials has made some parents ask if that will impact the skinny-minnie world of tween and teen fashion.

Downaging the power of what’s being called the movement of “body positivity” could have a positive impact, especially now that swimsuit season is approaching.