There’s nothing like curling up with a good book on a delightfully dreary fall day, watching the grey skies while keeping cozy warm by the fire. On the other hand, I love getting on the computer and catching up on the latest news or finding the answer to some question one of my kids asked. Luckily for me, I can choose either option — or, rather, I could if I had that kind of free time. But what if one had to choose? Many schools can’t afford both technology and textbooks, so which would teachers rather have?
Archive for November, 2010
Books in the Classroom: Text or Note?
Monday, November 15th, 2010Zero Percent Abuse
Friday, November 12th, 2010
For years, hateful bigots have tried to associate gays and lesbians with pedophilia, claiming that gay and lesbian couples cannot possibly be allowed to be parents because it wouldn’t be safe for the children. It looks like these folks are going to have to find a new boogeyman, based on the results of a new report.
Facebook for First Graders
Tuesday, November 9th, 2010
Facebook has become such an integral part of our culture that it is as familiar to the average person as the horseless carriage (cars) and the magic picture box (television). Of course, it is the younger generation that is primarily driving acceptance, but it is increasingly popular with seniors as well, as they discover how easy it is to keep in touch with family members living elsewhere. Even as it is becoming a way of life for teens and adults, however, what about the elementary school crowd?
The Wheel of Consequences
Monday, November 8th, 2010
Move over Vanna, there’s a new wheel in town. We’re all familiar with spinners used in board games (and game shows like Wheel of Fortune) but who would have thought they could be useful in parenting as well? When two of her kids began fighting and arguing excessively, Julie Butler figured out how to put a simple board game spinner to work and, in so doing, put an end to her kids’ battles overnight. She has since packaged her discovery into a Windows-based software package and is making it available over the internet.
Moms and the Gay Kid
Friday, November 5th, 2010
There aren’t too many Halloween costumes I would forbid my kids from choosing. The more horrific costumes and characters are out, as are overtly sexual ones. Other than that, however, pretty much anything goes. I also have no problem with the kids crossing gender lines, if they so desire. My youngest loves putting on his older sister’s outgrown princess costumes and ballet skirts. I don’t have any problem with that, nor do a lot of other parents — including one who went so far as to write a book on the subject.
Coming Together With Kids
Thursday, November 4th, 2010
Yesterday, I took a long lunch and joined more than a million others Downtown for a parade honoring the San Francisco Giants baseball team that beat the Texas Rangers to win the World Series. I wasn’t there alone, however; I, like many others, pulled my kids out of school to join the throngs of screaming fans. Now, why would I, one who is known for dismissing team sports, choose such an event over my kids’ education, especially since I value learning and knowledge as much as I shun sports?
Long Hair and Pre-School
Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010
It’s clear that a child cannot possibly learn, let alone be a good catholic, if their hair is too long. I wouldn’t know, actually, being neither a good student nor a good catholic and, currently, having pretty long hair. But it seems that the lesson St. Dominic’s Pre-School wants to teach 4-year-old Jack Szablewski is that proper grooming, according to their standards, is more important than, say, helping the sick.
The Dangers of Working at McDonald’s
Monday, November 1st, 2010
Like a lot of people, I did my time at McDonald’s, working at the Opera House McDonald’s restaurant here in San Francisco the summer before I started college. I am quite convinced that taking advantage of the free, unlimited access to soda was directly responsible for some serious dental issues I suffered subsequently. I don’t blame the company, however; it was completely my own fault. I should have known the damage excessive amounts of soda could do to my teeth and, perhaps more importantly, no one forced me to drink the soda. One store manager in Brazil, however, faced a different set of circumstances.
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