Mary Manz Simon's Blog, page 57
October 26, 2015
Social studies stall
Teachers have used the recent refugee crisis in Europe as an “excuse” to get students to look at maps.
In spite of the current deluge of school testing, scores in geography, civics and US history have been flat in recent years.
Educators say the push for higher achievement in math and reading have meant less time for subjects like social studies.
With the shrinkage of our world through the Internet and life in a global economy, social studies deserves to be a top priority.
October 23, 2015
“Connected” toys
If you give a young child a magazine, will he press the page, waiting for animated characters to appear?
That’s becoming a more common phenomena among tablet-toting toddlers, as digital and physical play has morphed together.
Although the “toys-to-life” trend of tech play increases fun, even two and three-year old digital natives need to learn to distinguish what’s real and what’s not.
October 21, 2015
It’s not cheap being green
This fall, there’s been very little chatter about schools which upgraded environmental factors over the summer.
Schools that modernize typically move at least toward water and energy efficiency. But the cost of going green has postponed some enhancements and caused shrinkage in other projects.
When costs and benefits are analyzed, our earth often loses.
October 19, 2015
Social matters
I wanted to shout “Hallelujah” when recent research confirmed what other data has shown through the years: high test scores don’t predict lifetime success.
It’s social competence that matters.
Learning how to share, communicate, show self-control and cooperate are predictors of success. I’ve always labeled that critical factor,”social confidence.”
Years ago, a book title summed up the concept: “All I Really Needed to Know I learned in kindergarten.”
And as a former kindergarten teacher, I still agree with that.
October 16, 2015
Pumpkin immersion
Can you smell the pumpkin from where you are?
The flavor of fall has invaded every product category,from cereal and ice cream to coffee and yogurt.
Your family canine can even get in the holiday spirit. Yes, there’s pumpkin flavored dog food.
October 14, 2015
Kid-free oasis disappears
Tech-based interactive activities and parent-child workout routines are being added at a growing number of fitness clubs.
Historically, the gym has been a kid-free environment. But now, even young children jump in sync, “shake it,” and wiggle alongside sweaty parents.
Although members might complain about noisy and crowded locker rooms, others see the kid shift toward organized exergames and fitness as a step – or perhaps a shimmy – in the right direction.
October 12, 2015
High low readers
The popularity of graphic novels has spread beyond students who need high interest, low reading level books.
I’m not surprised the graphic novel market continues to grow.
We’re a visual society and readers are in a hurry. Nothing surprising there.
October 9, 2015
Digital detox
Forecasters anticipate children’s holiday gifts will include an unusually large number of toys, games and crafts that stimulate creative play. Why?
Digital detox.
Although parents won’t give up their cells phones, they want their kids to go unplugged. Toys that allow children to design and decorate are predicted to be popular.
Plus, parents are already looking for kits and experiences that they can enjoy with their kids. “Spending quality time with family” continues to drive the search for a healthy work-life balance.
October 7, 2015
Kids are still kids
As an early childhood educator, parents have asked me if “child development”, which I understand to be developmental levels, still matters.
Yes, it does.
My new grandson, Elijah, is not going to use a Lego like his four-year old brother or any of his cousins. Elijah would mouth the Lego and choke; everyone else would use it to build.
Development still matters.
However, even as an infant, Elijah is exposed to sights and sounds
that previous generations of babies haven’t seen or heard. We need to figure out how to respect a child’s developmental level while a whole new world takes shape around him.
October 5, 2015
Under the pillow
Recent data indicates the Tooth Fairy is becoming more generous.
The value of each lost tooth has skyrocketed to more than $4.00!
Evidently, the Tooth Fairy has totally recovered from the recession.
