Sometimes, you try everything you can think of to inspire or educate your child and it still doesn't work. But sometimes -- not so often, but sometimes -- you stumble on something by accident that really gets the job done.
My ten-year-old son is a fearless public speaker. He'll get up in front of a crowd, any crowd, and speak. Or sing. Or play his trumpet. Or pretty much anything you ask him to do. He'll hop up on stage with precious little preparation, without the slightest sign of nerves.
So recently I set out to discover why, be it nature
General Parenting
Public Speaking
December 23rd, 2011 Posted by Ronald A. Rowe | Elementary, General Parenting, Learning
Football and Life Lessons
November 11th, 2011 Posted by Ronald A. Rowe | Elementary, General Parenting, Self-esteem
It’s one of those things that everyone knows but no one really comes out and says out loud. The coach’s son gets to be the quarterback. Not always. If there’s another player who is much, much better, he’ll usually get the job. But if it’s anywhere close, the coach’s kid gets to play the position. That’s just the way it is. Honestly, that’s probably 30% of my motivation for coaching the teams for both of my sons.
Some days I question that wisdom. It’s hard work. It sucks up all my free time. There are days when I wonder if
Some days I question that wisdom. It’s hard work. It sucks up all my free time. There are days when I wonder if
You know that famous speech given by Bill Gates to a high school graduating class where he outlines 11 things that kids need to know but won’t learn in school? Turns out that never happened. It’s an internet legend, fostered by people with WAAAY too much time on their hands.
Apparently the 11 Things list that re-circulates every year or so is an abbreviated / altered version of 50 Rules Kids Won’t Learn in School by author and supporter of educational reform Charles J. Sykes in 1996.
Regardless of whether these truths were issued by a billionaire computer mogul or a
Apparently the 11 Things list that re-circulates every year or so is an abbreviated / altered version of 50 Rules Kids Won’t Learn in School by author and supporter of educational reform Charles J. Sykes in 1996.
Regardless of whether these truths were issued by a billionaire computer mogul or a
Prioritizing Elementary Activities
September 30th, 2011 Posted by Ronald A. Rowe | Elementary, General Parenting
Football. Chess club. Chorus. Band. Drama club. Piano lessons.
If you’ve got an elementary or junior high school student, you probably have a similar list of obligations. How do you prioritize among them? School work comes first. That one’s easy. I think we can all agree that the extra-curricular activities fall in line behind the required school curriculum. There can be no sports, music, or other activities if the homework isn’t getting done. But beyond that, what’s the pecking order?
We recently had to opt out of chess club tournament play because it conflicted with football. Not that we necessarily prioritized
If you’ve got an elementary or junior high school student, you probably have a similar list of obligations. How do you prioritize among them? School work comes first. That one’s easy. I think we can all agree that the extra-curricular activities fall in line behind the required school curriculum. There can be no sports, music, or other activities if the homework isn’t getting done. But beyond that, what’s the pecking order?
We recently had to opt out of chess club tournament play because it conflicted with football. Not that we necessarily prioritized
The Oregon Scientific Barbie Junior Laptop is a toy that appeals mainly to girls. It is pink and purple and decked out with plastic jewelry on the case. It has a convenient handle and is designed to flip open like a laptop.
While it is geared toward three years of age, it is actually more for kids who already have some capacity to read, have more than a 30-second attention span, and who will find the games interesting. In other words, a three-year-old will find this toy less interesting than a box. The reason is that the three-year-old won't understand
While it is geared toward three years of age, it is actually more for kids who already have some capacity to read, have more than a 30-second attention span, and who will find the games interesting. In other words, a three-year-old will find this toy less interesting than a box. The reason is that the three-year-old won't understand
