Public Education Advocacy

For months, I have been biting my tongue about something that has been on my mind practically 24/7. I am a teacher and while I may not be in a classroom, I have been watching the public education system that my children are in fall apart. I am an advocate and I should not be afraid to get the word out. Yet, prior to heading to Atlanta for TypeACon, I was cautious at best. My blog posts about education were vague, guarded, and I thought I was protecting my children. The fact is, I wasn’t. The reality is that it was fear of possibly never getting another teaching job based on my blog. The four inspirational women below made me see the light and for that I am eternally thankful.

Cause Blogging and the New Media Activist

The session on Cause Blogging and the New Media Activist sparked something in me. Moderator Ilina Ewen and speakers: Fadra Nally, Sarah Pinnix, and Chrysula Winnegar explained that we need to find something we are passionate about and use our voice.

I know what I am passionate about. Not only am I invested in public education as an educator, I have two young sons who deserve a proper education and should not be guinea pigs for companies using them to get rich.

I sat there in the room with my mind going a mile a minute. I knew what I needed to do, but did I have the guts to do it? Could I finally say enough is enough, I am not going to hold back and perhaps words that I write can make a difference to another parent that does not know the way the system is working against our children?

Then, on the last night of TypeACon, I walked over to Fadra Nally to thank her. I told her that I knew my cause and I just had to figure out the way I was going to attack it. Then I admitted to her what had been holding me back. Do you know what she told me?

Wise words from Fadra Nally at TypeACon

That is right, Fadra said “So what” and asked if I really wanted to go back into a classroom. I do, but not with the current state of the system and I know it is not going to change without a fight from parents. I have enough on my plate trying to work the system for my children and can not fathom APPR, Common Core, constant testing, and not being able to do what is best for the KIDS.

Now I am going to be more vocal on my blog and beyond. Parents in New York State and other locations need to know the truth about out children being used as data points to make companies rich. They have the right to know that their kids are being over tested and not taught in a developmentally appropriate way. Parents need to know that the blame game does NOT start with the teachers, they are innocent victims in this. The teachers are forced to do what they are told or they will not have a job. The blame game in New York State goes to the Board of Regents that hired Commissioner John King to head NYSED. The finger pointing belongs to districts that have refused to stand up and say enough is enough with the high stakes testing, teaching to the tests, and claim of more rigor in the classroom. Our children need to learn the basics, they need to trust educators.

Public School Parent Advocacy

We as a group must stand up and fight back. Rather than sit back and accept what the schools are doing we much be vocal and let them know that they are failing our children. Educators need to be in the drivers seat, not politicians and companies only looking for money at the next generation’s expense. We were always taught to listen to the schools and follow them. Well I am here to tell you to stop. Get the facts, see past the propaganda (especially in NYS with engageNY and Common Core) and get out there to other parents and help them to fight for our children.

It's Me

Some previous posts about the educational world:

Share:
Share on Facebok
Share on Twitter
Share on Pinterest
Share on Google+



Disney Food, Wine, and Music

I am a huge Disneyphile, yet I have a confession. In all of my visits to Walt Disney World over the years, I have never been to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. I dream of being able to walk around Epcot and try all of the amazing specialties that are available. Each year, I watch the new items added to this special time of year and know that one day, it will be my turn to experience this magical time of year. For now, I will continue to dream and think of previous delicious experiences from our trips to Disney.

Walt Disney World Food, Music, and Fun

Focused on the Magic

Be sure to stop by Focused on the Magic by clicking on the button above to join in the Disney magic this week.

It's Me

Share:
Share on Facebok
Share on Twitter
Share on Pinterest
Share on Google+



Tuesday Tales – Danny’s Doodles

Rewind back to when I was in college getting my Masters Degree in Reading K-12. One of my classes required us to work with a student that was struggling with reading and work with them. The young girl that I worked with was in elementary school and several grade levels behind. Her slow fluency when reading had a major impact on her reading comprehension. All of these factors played a major role in her being a reluctant reader. Chapter books intimidated her and she did not like to write. All of this changed when I introduced her to the wonderful world of Cam Jansen books by David A. Adler. Suddenly, she was predicting what would come next, talking about the story, and eager to work on a journal where we wrote back and forth about all things related to Cam.

When Sourcebooks Jabberwocky wrote me to let me know that David A. Adler had a new series of books coming out, I was eager to read the book with my son. When the book arrived, JSL was immediately intrigued by the front cover and wanted to know more about who Danny Doodle was.

Danny's Doodles - The Jelly Bean Experiment

Danny’s Doodles – The Jelly Bean Experiment – ISBN 9781402287213 – Written and Illustrated by David A. Adler – Sourcebooks Jabberwocky – September 2013 – 112 page Paperback – Ages 7 and up – $4.99

When we first meet Danny Cohen, the main character in the new series he is the primary focus of an experiment created by his friend Calvin Waffle. This experiment  is a little strange and involves jelly beans and using them in school. We read along and learn more about how the boys became friends. Together they are in fourth grade in Mrs. Cakel’s class where her NO sign has made quite the impact.

Doodles by David A. Adler

The first in this new series, captured the interest of my first grader. JSL was fascinated with the concept of the author’s doodles as if Danny had drawn them into a journal telling the stories. He wanted to see what would happen next and how the doodles would depict it. We both liked seeing and reading how the silly jelly bean experiment would work out and why Calvin was trying this out on Danny.

As we read along, we also witness a growing friendship where Danny learns to accept differences and see that they are good. The humor and realistic situations lead to great conversations whether reading the book at home or in a classroom setting. An Educator’s Guide is already available for those interested in checking it out. I know that JSL is already curious about what will happen to Danny next in the second book called The Donut Dilemma.

Have you read any books by David A. Adler? Perhaps a Cam Jansen mystery, some of the Bones books, or something else that you read with your child. I would love for you to share them below.  As always, Tuesday Tales is all about sharing our love of books. Please let me know what you have read recently. Be sure to link up to your book posts in the comments below. Include something you read on your own, with a child, or someone else.

It's Me

Disclosure: As noted above, I received this book from Sourcebooks Jabberwocky to review. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.

Share:
Share on Facebok
Share on Twitter
Share on Pinterest
Share on Google+



Holiday Cards and More from Tiny Prints

The leaves outside are almost finished turning colors here in New York State and I am already thinking about the holidays. Why? While Christmas is always on December 25, Chanukah is the earliest I can recall. We will be lighting our menorah during Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgivukkah is actually something people are talking about this year and making fun recipes to  work on. Thanks to a wonderful sponsored campaign from Tiny Prints, I will be able to work on my 2013 holiday cards and personalized photo gifts before things get too hectic. These are just a few of my most recent purchases from Tiny Prints.

Previous Tiny Prints Purchases

While I will probably stick to sending out New Years cards to family and friends, I love being able to have choices. With Tiny Prints holiday card selection, I can make some for Chanukah, Christmas, or New year 2014 wishes. I literally could and probably will spend hours looking for just the right cards. This year, you can also add trim options that include square, rounded, bracket, ticket, and scallop. Contemporary, Classic, Vintage, Full bleed photos, All That Glitters, Bold Expressions, Simply Chic, Woodland Wonder, and The New Tradition are some of the new design styles included this year.  In addition to this, Tiny Prints offers matching address labels and envelope lines.

Some of my favorites designs this year are the Dreidel Frame, Best Hopes, Fun Cut Outs, and Wondrous Season.

2014 Holiday Cards from Tiny Prints

Of course, I can also shop for personalized gifts found on the Tiny Prints website. My photo mug, pictured at the top, is a wonderful size and gorgeous. I adore how it shows a magical adventure to Walt Disney World with my family. In addition to this, I adore the custom notebook that I made and think that would be perfect for a special teacher. I know I will be spending more time checking out gifts for family and friends because I can trust the quality of Tiny Prints from previous experience.

Giveaway Time:

Thanks to this Holiday campaign with Tiny Prints, one reader (US or Canada) will receive $50.00 off your total order at Tiny Prints (plus free shipping). Imagine the fun you will have when ordering some new items for the holiday season, whether it is cards to send out to family and friends, or some personalized gift items.

Tiny Prints Christmas Card

Rules for Giveaway:

The following Bonus Entry may also be done. Please be sure to leave separate comment each time you complete this item.

  • 1 Bonus Entry – Visit Tiny Prints Holiday Cards and pin your favorite card to Pinterest.  Tag #TinyPrintsCheer and leave a link to your pin in the comments below.

Please follow the rules above within the comment section. For additional ways to win Tiny Prints items,  be sure to check out the #TinyPrintsCheer Pinning Party™ taking place on October 8 at 2:00 PM ET. My giveaway begins October 6, 2013 and ends October 21, 2013 at 10:59 EST. You do not have to be a blogger to enter, but must leave a valid e-mail address for me to contact you once the giveaway is over. I will select the winner using random.org and contact you via e-mail. You will have 24 hours to claim the prize. If there is no response, another winner will be selected.

It's Me

Additional Disclosure: I wrote this post as part of a Global Influence campaign where I will be receiving credit for a future order at Tiny Prints. As noted, we have already purchased several Tiny Prints products before, and the opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Share:
Share on Facebok
Share on Twitter
Share on Pinterest
Share on Google+



Bedtime Math Parent Blog Writer

For a few weeks, I have been holding back on announcing some fantastic news. I was recently asked to write posts for the Bedtime Math Parent blog. Now that all of the paper work is signed and my first post is live, I thought I would share some information with my readers. It is no secret that math and science are a huge part of our world thanks to my love and TechyDad’s. Our kids have been naturally curious about numbers, math concepts, and like to play with math games when given the choice. My oldest son, NHL, has always incorporated math problems into his art work.

Bedtime Math Android App Screenshot

As a parent, I love why Laura Bilodeau Overdeck created Bedtime Math for families. The mission is to make math a fun part of kids’ everyday lives. Math is a part of our world, so why not find it within the fun that families do each and every day? That is exactly what the book, website, and app are working to do. This video shares a bit more about the book by Overdeck.

So my question this week is inspired by my new project:

What fun ways have you incorporated math into your family and lives outside of the school setting?

It's Me

Disclosure: My writing for Bedtime Math is compensated, but I was never asked to share this on my blog. I believe in adding enriching activities into the lives of our children, and Bedtime Math does this, so I wanted to share.


Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this Friday fun. These days, Pamela at A Renaissance Woman is reviving the fun Friday Meme. Head over there to link up and join in the fun.

Aloha Friday by Kailani at An Island Life

Aloha #256

Share:
Share on Facebok
Share on Twitter
Share on Pinterest
Share on Google+