Doing the Distance Learning Thing

So today was Day 2 of my daughter's first experience with a new charter school here in Hawaii which offers distance learning. My daughter is in 6th grade and for elementary, parents are the primary ones who "deliver" the curriculum. Soooo, that means I get to go over the information with her, I get to tell her what to work on, and I get to give her assignments.

I was a little worried that we'd both get overwhelmed, but so far it seems to be going well. I know the more we do it, the more efficient we'll get, but so far, not so bad. Also, I LOVE knowing exactly what she is supposed to be learning and doing. Sometimes I worry that I'm making her do too much and she'll rebel. Thankfully, so far she may make small grumbling gestures here and there, but they are short lived and she's done everything I've asked. I'm surprised at how much she remembers when I ask her questions about what we've gone over.

Anyway - wish us luck. I hope this goes well because she didn't do all that great in the public elementary school. She wasn't failing, but she certainly wasn't passing with flying colors either. I know it's not because she isn't smart enough. After all, she can remember all the different things a 2nd baseman has to do in all the different situations that can possibly arise AND can actually DO them when the time comes and she only has a half second to react and do the right job for situation that presents itself. Not only that, she can work a sales booth with her grandma for hours on end, and I'm told, she doesn't miss a beat when it comes to giving change or customer's "trying things" with giving wrong payments or trying to take an extra item. So I really don't think "intelligence" per se is the problem, but I think it'll help her for me to be more involved.

We'll see as the year goes on. Of course, this adds another interesting dimension to my day. Who knows, maybe after this I'll be smarter than a 5th grader!

The Kids Are On Break

Today is the first day of my kids' spring break. I believe they are off for about 3 weeks. Soooo, we went to the library yesterday and got books to read. As I type, the tv is off and they are riding bikes, putting up tents, and riding scooters too. I also have lots of blank paper for drawing! We will plan at least one day to the beach some time this break. This week it's been a bit rainy though, so hopefully the weather clears up and we can get a beach day in. The kids have been bugging to go, so we may as well take advantage of their time off and head to the beach during the week when it's less crowded. Hopefully I can keep my sanity - lol, but that's why we've got lots of activities for them to do and if the weather cooperates and clears up, they'll be able to play outside every day. If not, then we'll all go nuts staying in the house all day.

Are Your Kids Different In School?

I'm always a bit surprised when I go to parent teacher conferences and hear what the teachers think of my kids. My oldest, who I thought I'd have to buy a "Doesn't Play Well With Others" shirt for, was just fine. Her preschool teachers said that she was very compassionate. At the time she was a new "big sister" and sure wasn't always "compassionate" to here new baby sister, or to her "just 3 years older than her" aunties. After that other teachers always said she was quit well respected by her peers which was good to hear.

Then my second daughter, who was my most challenging toddler, turns out to be one of the easiest students in the class to work with and one that the teacher said was the only one to say "Yes" - not "yeah" or"uh-huh" like most of the students in the class.

Then there's my youngest daughter. This is the one that everyone babied until she was 3 1/2 and my son was born. She is the petite, cute one with big brown eyes and she knew how to work it. She's the one that, when we say, "Clean the room" she kind of hangs out looking like the "baby" and kind of just cruises on the side while her sisters do all the work. She knows she can get others to do things for her and uses that angle whenever possible. She plays the "baby" role to the T. But in school, her teacher says she's "Mother Hen." What? LOL. I'm told she's very polite and is no problem in class. The only thing is that sometimes she's not a "quality producer." Meaning that she doesn't always do her work the best that she can. Sometimes she writes messy instead of neat, rushes, instead of doing a good job.

All my girls seem to be that way. I think sometimes they just aren't interested and there's something else they rather be doing, so they just skim through the work. When it comes to quality of work, it's either super neat and very well done or a complete rush and not even close to decent. Anyway - I just thought it was funny that they are all a little different (in good ways) in school.

What about your kids? Are they different at school than at home?

Opinions on Weighing at School

Over at the forum a discussion is brewing regarding schools and weighing of children on a regular basis.

Mila received a notice from her children’s school stating they were going to start weighing the children each year and charting their growth in an attempt to curb the childhood obesity problem. Of course, parents have the option to say no and opt out in this case.

Many moms are concerned that something like this would cause children to put even more stress on themselves in regards to self-image. If done in a way that kids can be privy to the weight of other kids I could see this as becoming a bigger problem than it already is.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you think that the government should be allowed to step in when it comes to our children’s weight? Come on over to the forum and talk with us: Is Weighing in Schools Going too Far?

What's Next for "No Child left Behind"

Wow, it's already been 5 years since President Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act. This year, 2007, is the year when the Act expires and must be voted on again by Congress.

What will happen to No Child Left Behind? Most think the idea is a good one, but results or execution leaves much to be desired. Seems that the goal is to get all students proficient in Math and English by the 2013-2014 school year. Some feel that's an unreasonable goal...that never has there been a 100% proficiency in a particular subject. Others think it's attainable, but thus far the implementation of the act has been less than ideal.

Will the No Child Left Behind Act be reauthorized? Some think chances are slim. Others say we need to be patient, educational reform is not something that happens overnight.

What do you think? Here's an article on this topic - Click here.