School Readiness

Smooth Transition From Home To Classroom

Are your children ready to make that transition? How do you know?

For children entering a classroom–a structured environment, often for the first time–the experience can be pretty traumatic. In order to make sure a child is ready for the transition, a number of factors should be considered:

• Does the child know his/her birth certificate name?
• Does the child know mother/father’s names (other than mama or dad)?
• Does the child know how to sit still for at least 30 minutes?
• Does the child demonstrate ability to focus on starting and completing a task (tying shoes, coloring a page in a coloring book, etc.)?
• Does the child know where their address and parent’s telephone number?
• Does the child know his/her birth date?
• Does the child recognize letters of the alphabet?
• Does the child recognize numbers 0-9?
• Does the child use the bathroom by themselves?
• Does the child know how to hold a pencil/crayon?
• Does the child know how to hold a book?
• Does the child know how to follow instructions?
• Does the child know how to socialize appropriately with other children?

The above are the basics that every child should know before they ever cross the threshold of a classroom. Knowing these fundamental basics will insure a child’s success and learning will not be as traumatic as it for those who don’t know. A traumatized child means parents get lots of phone calls from teachers and principals.

A good pediatrician will always tell parents if there are physical or cognitive concerns about a child by the time they’re 3 years old. They monitor physical, fine motor skill development and the child’s ability to follow simple directions. Making sure a child is vaccinated ensures they’ll not infect others or get infected with communicable diseases. Make sure a record is kept of all their developmental milestones in a safe place.

To get a child ready for this monumental occasion, read to them, sing to them, play games with them that ignite a desire to learn and when they get to school, they’ll be ready to learn what the teacher has been prepared to teach. A child who sees a parent read a book is more apt to want to read for themselves. Having a variety of books available for children is a necessity to encourage strong literacy skills.

Breathe deeply–inhale–hold it, now let it out. Helping a child make this transition can be as easy as breathing when you know they’re ready for school. Help them and yourself–make sure they are SCHOOL READY!

 

 

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The Children Will Lead!

It is truly unfortunate that our nation is once again, struck by indefensible killings of students and their teachers. What’s even more horrific is the silence from those lawmakers who are more committed in their continuance of accepting donations from the NRA than in establishing and enacting Common Sense Gun Laws. To offer their, “thoughts and prayers” without doing anything concrete to stop the stupid is as insulting and heartless as one could possibly be. Exactly what are thoughts and prayers going to do to stop the senseless carnage and loss of life?

What our “elected” politicians seem to forget is that prayers without action won’t change anything. But the children understand this–they know thoughts and prayers won’t stop a determined shooter from going into a school and gunning down students who came to school to learn, not to die.

Emma González understands and those students in Parkland, FL understand— that it is the responsibility of lawmakers to change the course of events by enacting Common Sense Gun Laws–who at the moment seem frozen into complete impotence because they’re afraid to buck the NRA after taking millions in contributions to them. They are bought and paid for by NRA and nothing short of a miracle will cause them to mobilize and do what should have been done long ago.

How many times must we sit back and watch the news and see how children and other innocent people have been gunned down by those who legally purchased guns, in particular assault weapons, with more ease than some teens can buy cigarettes? This is totally unacceptable. The visit by trump to visit a victim in the hospitable was just as tasteless and inappropriate as his throwing paper towels to victims of the hurricane in Puerto Rico. Attempting to console people is not an opportunity for a photo op in which he comes off looking like a grinning fool. No one appreciates the “thumbs up” gesture in a time of sorrow and mourning. No empathy capable by him and his lack of compassion for the families is absolutely abhorrent.

I’m supporting the planned walk-out by many students across the nation on April 20, 2018 and any other protest, including my own creativeness in reaching out to those who voted for him to understand, if we don’t change the way we think about the use of assault weapons, their child could be next. And perhaps that’s what it’s going to take–a number of trump supporters losing their children to gun violence or the lawmakers losing a child to gun violence–maybe then, they’ll see the need to get off their butts, return the money to the NRA and do the job they were elected to do–establish sensible laws for the benefit and protection of all Americans.

The children of Parkland, Florida will lead the charge but they won’t be alone. The nation will be right behind them, supporting them every step of the way. At least those of us with a heart will be right behind–the rest–well–they’ll have to deal with the consequences of their inaction.

I am a legal gun-owner, but I do not own an assault weapon because I have no need for one and neither does anyone else who is not actively serving in the military or law enforcement. That’s the bottom line for me. No one else needs an assault weapon since their own purpose is to kill and destroy lives. For the lives that were taken–killed for no reason–left behind families whose lives are destroyed as they muddle through life, trying to understand–why?

Anyone who supports the NRA and it’s lack of human decency is complicit in all who are killed by those who are “exercising their 2nd amendment rights.” Any elected official who will not denounce the use of assault weapons and will not ban them, will have the blood of every person killed on their hands and God will judge them accordingly, but the voters will put them out of work to make sure they do not have an opportunity to be the cause of another loss of life.

If the children are willing to take the lead, the rest of us must be willing to follow and make sure elected officials honor lives over money. It is time we stop asking the question, “Is it time to talk about guns,” for it is past time to talk and do what needs to be done to save lives, not collect money.

Call your congressional representatives at 202-224-3121 and demand they establish Common Sense Gun legislation, now–that includes banning assault weapons.

 

New School Year!

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young–let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance–for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:1-7 NIV

Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. 4:5-8 NIV

Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. For they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble. 4:10-16 NIV

Though there are those in the WH administration who do not think an education is important, those of us who know The Lord, know wisdom and knowledge go hand-in-hand and we should never take access to a quality education for granted.

So, on this first day of a new school year–I’m praying for the students who are entering schools all over the place. I know that some schools (not in Michigan) started weeks ago, but this is the first day for many of our public schools and having access to education through public schools is important.

Of course, Betsy DeVos will never understand that and neither will trump supporters since they think getting an education makes a person “an elitist,” and therefore they are happy to stay ignorant and trump is also happy for them to say ignorant; he can continue to dupe them into believing anything he says. I guess they don’t realize he has a Bachelor’s degree, but then again, the way he talks and writes, no one would believe that anyway.

I’m straying from what I need to say: to the students who are crossing that threshold of your school building–have a wonderful first day and a great exploration throughout the school year. Stay respectful and inclined to learning.

This is a particular emotional day for me since my grandson is beginning his last year of high school–at 15 years-old and will soon be driving (in a few days) on his own. Time flies and next year, he’ll begin his first day of college.

I pray that every student, in every school, will clear their minds of old lazy habits and prepare to receive wisdom and instruction from every teacher in every classroom; by the end of the school year, all will be more knowledgeable about every subject taken than when they were on the first day.

For those 17 years-old and older–pay attention in your history and government classes so you will vote wisely and consider country over political party agendas.

Have a safe and wonderful day!

Our Hope In The Lord, Not Impotent GOP!

For I hear many whispering, “Terror on every side!” They conspire against me and plot to take my life. But I trust in you, LORD; I say, “You are my God.”My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me. Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. Let me not be put to shame, LORD, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and be silent in the realm of the dead. Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous.How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you. In the shelter of your presence you hide them from all human intrigues; you keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues.Praise be to the LORD, for he showed me the wonders of his love when I was in a city under siege. In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight!” Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.Love the LORD, all his faithful people! The LORD preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. Psalm 31:13-24 NIV

If we take off the rose-colored glasses and blinders and seek The Lord, we would understand why putting any hope in a delusional reality television celebrity was a waste of time, but could cost the United States dearly.

The uproar heard this weekend is enough to create in the heart of the sane, reasonable doubt about what 2016 Election really means. Across the nation, wherever the impotent GOP went, the outrage was heard and more felt by the constituents of those who refused to hear them. They lied by purporting falsehoods and propaganda–again–which is what caused reasonable people to believe the lies spewed.

There is no death panel anyone past the age of 74 will face. There is no need to use intimidation and fear as a tactic to keep senior citizens compliant–we proved it won’t work. There is no need for anyone to think they speak for all women, when all women made their voices known, on either side of the issues–women do not need men to speak for them or make decisions for them.

But then–in order to make points–or at least to appear to make points–the truth gets lost in the midst of the lies. Planned Parenthood does more than provide abortions--they provide birth control–which precludes the need for an abortion. They also provide women important health screening which could save lives. I’m really tired of the false rhetoric pushed by liars in order to gaslight people, promoted by InfoWars, Breitbart, and Fox News.

Of course, considering who is in the White House–sexual predators and abusers of women, it’s not difficult to understand the mentality that exists behind many of the budget cuts and policies–against women. When I heard an old, impotent GOP Senator refer to Elizabeth Warren as “little lady” in a belittling manner, I wanted to slap the grin off his face. So, now I get it–when they get too old for Viagra to hide their impotence, they take their frustration out on women–who are stronger than they are and will persist in their endeavor to expose injustice.

Many people who voted for the impotent GOP are now frustrated because they didn’t bother to listen to everything they said. They had no intention of recognizing women and they did a phenomenal job of turning women against Hillary. I remember hearing one woman say to a reporter, “a woman couldn’t be president because she has hormones.” I’ve seen a lot of hormonal women in action and indeed have been one, but I haven’t seen a woman act as stupidly as the toddler-in-chief. So, what’s his problem–too much testosterone enhancements or missing brain cells?

Instead of ramping up policies for law-abiding citizens (especially when invoking ancient rules on the Senate floor), these old, white men, should retire and sit at home watching sports or reading their latest edition of, “Why It Won’t Work Any More.” If you think I’m angry, you’d be half-right and I won’t bother to tell you about the other half. Before you think my comment is racist–against old white men–think again; if old black men or old Asian men or old Latino men (or any others) disrespected women, I’d say the same thing–but then again, it wasn’t old black, Latino, or Asian men who disrespected Elizabeth Warren–it was Mitch McConnell in support of his equally repugnant crony, Jeff Sessions.

Looking at who the majority is–sitting in both houses–old white men–we have to understand–our hope cannot be in them; our hope must be in The Lord and in those who hear Him speak to their hearts. We know the old impotent ones are not hearing Him for if they were listening and obeying; they would realize they work for the Americans who voted for them in the first place–not the president–who bullies.

For all the women who understand, our outrage is real and will not subside until the impotent ones are no longer in a position to make decisions for us–I applaud each and every one and know this–I, too, shall persist in making known all the injustices occurring as a result of old frustrated impotent men, who are afraid of strong women.

The Lord will prevail since it is apparent that He cannot count on the “impotent ones” to do what is right for all human beings; especially those in the United States. Nevertheless, we will persist and we will prevail because The Lord is on our side and with Him at the forefront of every battle, we shall know victory on every side.

Our hope is You, Lord! We are listening and we will obey!

Why We Defend The Defenseless!

A psalm of Asaph. God presides in the great assembly; he renders judgment among the “gods”: “How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked? Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. “The ‘gods’ know nothing, they understand nothing. They walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. Psalm 82:1-5 NIV

Because of all the injustice in our society and in the world, it is the responsibility of every Born-Again Believer to defend the weak and the fatherless, uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed, the weak and the needy. This is our duty–when these groups are unable to stand up to the pressures imposed upon them, by the bullies in our society.

The bullies in our society are not just kids in schools–picking on those who are smaller and younger, but it is all those who think that their size, wealth, and intellect make them superior to others. We have also seen this scenario play out in the media–especially with politicians–the poor get poorer because they have no spokesperson speaking up for them and the politicians only care about themselves. Those in charge of making policies for educational equality are remiss in their duties to consider all the children in every city when they overlook the disadvantaged and turn their heads when wrongs are reported.

Specifically, the situation that exists in Michigan regarding education and water safety has blown the minds of many, but it has existed for decades and only now is coming to light. The biggest problem with both (DPS and Flint) is the laxity in those governing is the imposition of Emergency Managers who have done nothing other than to line their pockets with money that should have been used for education and the continuation of safe water. Because it has not been a concern of the greedy, the end results now impact the needy.

In reviewing the steady decline in Detroit Public Schools providing a quality education for all students, we must look at economics, transience in people moving, and the greed that has overshadowed the district for decades. Every would-be, wanna-be superintendent in the country knows how easy it is to put one over the unsuspecting. When greed supersedes the desire to do right, everyone suffers. But now, the teachers and students are fighting back–being extremely vocal about the dire situations and those in power are attempting to silence them with punitive actions. Since I am a retired educator–fully aware of the existing climate–I can support and promote the cause of the students and teachers without fear of repercussions for there is nothing they can do to me to silence me.

While the water issue in Flint is not exactly the same, the results are devastating. Once again, greed as opposed to need has led the way to the potential harm of thousands of people. The villains in the both situation are the emergency managers and the governors who appointed them. If every-day citizens had committed same acts of theft and potential manslaughter, they would be jailed. It’s time for the governor in Michigan and Darnell Earley to own up to their responsibility in both situations and resign or be jailed.

God’s mandate to defend and uphold those in a position who cannot defend themselves against the army of those who have more political clout and money is clear--we have to speak up for them and their defend their rights against the enemy of greed. I pray that more people will join the effort to make sure all students have an opportunity for a quality education and that safe drinking water is available for all–without risking health and life.

 

Chicken, Hawk or Eagle!

If someone was to ascribe to you the attributes of a bird—which of these would it be?

Are you grounded, digging in the dirt for what you can find to eat, being manipulated by others to be “a tasty meal” for all to enjoy?

Are you a predator, always on the lookout for that “live one” who’ll be your next victim?

Are you flying above the fray of everyday life, looking down, seeing what’s going on, but not allowing the events to distract or deter you, knowing that sooner or later, the predators will leave behind a morsel that will meet your needs?

Think about these birds. The chicken is food for the hawk and the hawk could be food for the eagle, but the eagle—soaring in the sky—refusing to be caught up in the mundane—seeks elevation for safety, but can hone in on the details below and strike with efficiency—what is intended for them to have.

Which are you? The mediocre chicken—just waiting to be eaten; the hawk who preys upon its live victims or the eagle—who can wait for what is rightfully due them when they can see it from above?

Students Need Wisdom!

“Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse,who have left the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.” (Proverbs 2:12-15 NIV)

All too often, high performing kids in school will be led astray by other kids who are merely attending. Why? A momentary lapse of wisdom, ignited by a temporary need to fit in with others, can and will cause irreparable damage to a person’s reputation–especially when they were once viewed with great esteem.

Getting a little personal–as it pertains to my grandson–I hope to steer parents to paying attention to their kids. On Monday, my grandson was asked, “When you gonna do your 30?” The question was asked by table-mates at lunch, just before the start of his next class. Instead of going directly to class, he and others went into the boys’ locker room to do “30 seconds” of fighting–a direct violation of school policy. Both boys were suspended for 10 days.

When I was called to pick him up and he told me what happened, I was floored. My grandson had never been involved in a physical altercation and when I saw the disappointed looks on the faces of his counselor, the assistant principal, and the principal, I knew they were just as surprised as I was. A parent of another student–not involved–contacted me because they said, “he is our mild-mannered, most respectful honor student.”

Before we could get home, a six-minute ride, he was disappointed with himself and said so. He realized that he had messed up majorly. I was so quiet he asked me if I was angry and I responded that I was more disappointed than angry because of the disciplinary action permanence on his transcript. He didn’t realize the impact of his 30 second action. He does now. I had to sleep on a punishment because it needed to steer him into thinking before acting and in not allowing other people to mislead him.

He’s written an essay about the dangers of not paying attention to “time” and the fact that a person cannot get it back. He’s missing out on learning, playing in the school band, being with his “real friends” and he knows the absence could result in losing his class ranking, which up to now–was #3 with a 4.154 g.p.a.

We’ve had all “the talks” before, but he forgot what he was taught and now, he’s learned a very valuable lesson about redeeming time. 30 seconds was not worth what he’s lost, including privileges at home and an increase in responsibility with household chores–during his 10 day hiatus, which is certainly not a vacation.

We really have to know “the language” of kids to help them avoid the snares and pits the enemy plans for them.