Learning to read and taking a new adventure...

My kids are in kindergarten and they are learning to read. They are officially learning how to decode the lines, squiggles and dots that we have arbitrarily given sounds; so that they can pronounce and read the words that we have arbitrarily assigned meaning. I mean, really, why does the thing that goes and says “vroom” have to be called a car. Why can’t it be a “coche” or “voiture” or even a “gobox”. (Yes, I made up the word “gobox”, but I did it on purpose, to prove a point.) . Further, why do the sounds have to be shaped like that? Why can’t “SH” look like ש? It does in Hebrew. It’s all arbitrary. We’ve been practicing with low level books and with the sight word cards provided by the teachers. We’ve also been supplementing the phonics based education they have been receiving for the last few years in preschool. 

 

For many, teaching their kids to read in an academic event. They think about report cards and grade level appropriate tasks. They think about how well their child will be able to complete higher level tasks in school and in the world. I, however, have a slightly different perspective. It’s not that I don’t see my kids as needing to feel intellectually confident in their world. I do see that as important. It’s just that I see this goal as a secondary goal for reading. 

For me, the primary goal of reading is to have unlimited adventures, information and creativity at your fingertips. For me, reading is not a task. Reading is privilege. It’s too cold and rainy to play outside? No worries. Pick up your book and read about a tropical island while you sip your hot chocolate. Let your mind go where your body can’t. Don’t know something and feel like you should? No worries. Research it and write your own story or report using that information as a foundation. Feeling frustrated that somebody doesn’t understand your point of view or simply need to transmit information to another person? No worries, write them a note. 

Words, on paper (or screen, as it may be) are power. They are imagination. They are information. They are access to a larger and more complex world, both fictional and actual. I suppose I need to take into account that I am 1) a highly uncompetitive person and 2) a writer. This most certainly impacts my position on this matter. That said, I imagine most child caring adults get a thrill from watching their children be creative and interesting. My kids, for quite some time now, have been drawing pictures and dictating the accompanying story to me. We have even laminated and bound (ok, taped together) a few of them for our bookshelf. I can’t wait until they can complete the drawing and picture independently. I can already see their faces when they come bursting into the room, book in hand, insisting that I stop what I’m doing and be read to. 

I can’t wait to see what impact reading has on my children’s already fantastic imaginations. They may actually change the world. Imagine that.

A parents guide- Teaching your kid to vote with dignity

Today was voting day. As voting takes place in school cafeterias, there was no school. This is not news to anyone, but it only really becomes relevant when the hard truth hits parents. If they want to vote, they have to bring their kids with them. Hmmm…

When my kids were younger, this proved very interesting. It’s hard to focus on shopping in Target with two little kids running crazy, much less on a political ballot. This year, however, the scene looked distinctly different. 

When we left the house, I took advantage of the car ride to explain the concept of voting. I explained that we have people in offices that make decisions for us, and that we have the chance to say who we think should have that job. I explained that not everybody agrees on what a good decision looks like, so we have choices on who we think is best for the job. 

I illustrated the point by talking about breakfast foods. I figured that a simple, concrete example would be best. We talked about how my kids had chosen different breakfasts this morning. My son wanted waffle with peanut butter and my daughter wanted French toast. (As they both come from frozen, there’s no harm in making two breakfasts, even on a busy morning.) I explained that a “vote” was unnecessary, as I was willing to make two different choices. What if, however, I were not willing? What if one person got to choose what everyone had for breakfast? Who would be a good person to make such a choice? Would it be the person who is nicest? The one who is really good at listening? The one who knows what everyone likes, so they can pick the choice that is most represented? How would they choose? 

They asked me some good questions and then we entered the polling place. I told the kids that I needed to be able to think, so that I could do a good job. They nodded earnestly. It was pretty adorable. I asked them to sit down next to my voting booth and they complied instantly, waiting quietly for me. The lady working the table was totally impressed. (I was a little stunned myself, to be totally honest.)

When I was done, about to leave, we ran into a neighbor and friend. We don’t get to see her very often, so we stopped to chat for a moment before she went to work. We both enjoyed it, and I realized that I had another lesson to teach my children about voting. This neighbor/friend and I do not agree on politics. Sometimes we talk about current issues, to see what the other side believes, but our conversations rarely convert the other. At the end, we agree to disagree and move on happily.  And so, I asked my children to listen one more time and I began to talk about …well... food. 

I reminded them that Daddy likes mustard, but that he likes the spicy kind, while mommy likes the regular yellow mustard. They (the kids) don’t like mustard at all. My daughter despises tuna fish, while my son adores it. My daughter loves potatoes, while my son cringes at the idea of eating them. My point? Simply because a person disagrees with us does not make them less intelligent or wrong. They simply disagree. Oh, and we can still like them. Heck, we may even love them.

My kids nodded earnestly. They got it. Really got it. Ok, no… they don’t get it to the level that an older child or adult gets it, but they got the basic idea. They understood that opinions are huge. They are part of what makes a person valuable, and our diversity is what makes us interesting. 

I love that they got it. I’m so proud.

Rockin' your (advanced) age...

I’m not particularly a gossip column kind of girl, but I am into facebook. As a result, I am exposed to all sorts of news, due to the variety of interests represented by my facebook friends. Recently, pictures of actress Renee Zellweger have been popping up like crazy. Why, you ask? Well, for those of you who don’t know, she suddenly appeared with a new face. Yes, a new face. The previously skinny face of the Bridget Jones has been replaced by a fuller and more “adult” looking version. She’s basically unrecognizable.

Some articles are taking this opportunity to soapbox the dangers of injectables and other media is commenting negatively on how “old” she looks. As unfortunate as it is, Renee was forced into making a public statement. Yeah, because everyone should have to make a public media statement about how their face looks. Right. 

I was intrigued, so I read it. She talks about how she has never been happier or healthier, and that she is finding a way to enjoy her life in a way that she didn’t find possible in previous years. I have no idea if she used injectables, as she didn’t address it in her statement, nor do I care. Here’s what I care about. 

Assuming she is telling the truth, she’s happy and healthy. This is good news.   

 

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to browse the bookshelves in a bookstore. As I rarely “browse” anything anymore (being with two 5 year old kids the majority of my time), this event stood out as noteworthy to me. As I ambled through the aisles, investigating titles and covers, I marveled at the sheer number of books written. If you really ponder that thought, it’s amazing. After all, there are only 26 letters in the alphabet and they have the potential form in so many combinations to create such potential for imagination. Books transport you to another place, another time, and another life. They are magic. Pure magic. 

The next day, I was at the gym on a treadmill with an attached TV. I was listening to music, but I glanced at the screen from time to time as it is strategically placed in front of me. Towards the end of my workout, a commercial came on that I hadn’t seen before. It began with Cindy Crawford and moved on to Debra Messing and was captioned as “Rocking the forties”. It was selling an anti-aging skin cream. Hmmm. Both ladies were interviewed on the product. I didn’t have the sound, so I didn’t hear their commentary, but I can imagine from their facial expressions and hand gestures that they were proclaiming its greatness. They then showed the before and after pictures. (Insert irritated sigh here). Debra Messing’s “before” photo was untouched by photo shop and she wore limited makeup. Her “after” shot was fully made up and most likely photo shopped as well. 

Hmm… No wonder there was such an improvement. Can you say “false advertizing?”

I found myself irrationally irritated by this commercial and I’m not at all confused as to why. I am turning 39 in June. Ok, I’m not 40 yet. I am, however, close enough to put myself in the category of women this ad is targeting so I’m going to take some mathematical liberties with my commentary. 

I fully intend to “rock my forties”, but it will have nothing to do with flawless skin and a perfect waistline. Sure, I wouldn’t mind looking cute in my bathing suit or taking a little better care of my skin, but that’s certainly NOT what will determine if my 40’s are rocking. 

My 40’s will be rocking if I am, in the grand scheme of things, doing well and continuing to make myself a better person. Am I finding the time to be a good friend, despite crazy life demands and hectic schedules? Am I good mom and wife? Do I find the time to hang out with my kids and husband? Do I make people laugh and smile? Do I spend time with my extended family? Am I using my brain? Am I continuing to use my experience in education to enhance the learning experience of my students?  Being a writer, I’d love to publish something one day. I would never object to “rocking my forties” including a published book with my name on it. 

And I’ll tell you for free that when my kids see me and their faces light up, it’s not because my anti- wrinkle cream worked. It’s because my face represents love, warmth and security. They love me just as much when my face is a mess and my hair is a disaster. 

I don’t know much about Cindy Crawford, but Debra Messing is someone that I have always admired professionally. That woman is hilarious. Her facial expressions are out of control. I remember her role on “Will and Grace” and she was a riot. She could cheer up my grumpiest day. And I don’t care if she has wrinkles because if she laughs at life as frequently as she makes others laugh, they will probably have more wrinkles. 

One of my favorite parts of growing older is that I am growing continually less concerned by how I am perceived by strangers and non essential people to my life. Not to say that I don’t feel it’s important to present yourself well in the world. Quite the contrary, I believe it to be extremely important. I believe that when you do a job, you should do it well. I believe that you will be noticed for how you treat the people around you and for the respect you command. I believe that it’s essential to be kind, classy and professional in your daily life.  I believe that “looking good” is part of how you present yourself to the world, and that presenting well tells others that you put value in being classy. This is especially true in a professional setting.

But wrinkles? Really? That’s the BIGGEST problem I’m going to face in my forties? Oh no. Someone might notice my WRINKLES? Crap, man. My forties are officially unrocked! No saving me now! 

And I find myself wondering about Cindy Crawford and Debra Messing (and the women they represent). I don’t mind if they want to take good care of their skin to feel good about their appearance, but are they nice people? Are they fun? Are they nice? Do their friends know that they can count on them in a pinch? I hope so. Otherwise, really, what’s the point?

Our time on earth...

NOTE: I WROTE THIS BLOG BACK IN JUNE, AND DIDNT HAVE THE CHANCE TO POST IT... I FIGURED IT WAS BETTER LATE THAN NEVER...

A wonderful woman passed away last night. She was young, early forties, and she left behind a husband and two young children. It was cancer. Stupid cancer.

She wasn’t a close friend of mine. She was a colleague of my husband. We spent time with her and her family socially on several occasions before they ventured overseas for work. At that point we lost touch, both families busy with life in general. The cancer hit her quickly and we were made aware when she was already headed to hospice. Have I mentioned how stupid cancer is? Yeah, I thought so.

Despite not being close, I really liked her. She was warm and passionate. She was smart. She was sincere. She loved art and appreciated beauty. She worked hard. She loved fully.  I witnessed her being a great mom and, if the outpouring of love at the end of her life was any indication, she was a devoted friend. It wouldn’t surprise me in the least.

She will be sorely missed by so many.

This week is an unusual week, as I am in a training course all week. It ends late, making it possible for me to miss my kids’ bedtime most of the week. I don’t love missing bedtime but I also don’t see it as a tragedy, as my husband is on duty and daddy is pretty cool. My kids are in good hands. Tonight, however, it hit me as I got into my car to drive home. It wasn’t a panic, really, more like urgency. I had to kiss my kids goodnight. I had previously considered running an errand on the way home, as to avoid messing up the calm bedtime by arriving mid event. As I started driving home, however, I changed my mind. I had to get home.

When I arrived home, I went directly upstairs. When I walked into my kids’ rooms, they lit up. I crawled into bed with each of them and asked them about their day. I snuggled them in my arms and I kissed them until they made me stop. I reluctantly obliged. I also brought my neighbor’s little niece her finished art project that she was anxiously awaiting. Luckily, she was still awake and I got the pleasure of seeing her joy at the finished product. 

Moments of sadness are funny that way. They remind you of the value of beauty.

Kristin, you will be missed by so many people and I feel honored to have known you. May you finally feel peaceful watching over your family.

All I really need to know I learned in kindergarten...

My children are in Kindergarten. This means that they are (finally) in school all day, allowing all of us to begin that time in our lives when our days aren’t spent entirely together. That time in life when I am not the main source of information for them. That time of life when I begin to lose touch with what they are seeing and hearing for 7 hours every day. 

Yes, I know. This is only the beginning. 

I was ready for this. By the time that school bus came to pick them up for the first time, I had been worn down. Don’t get me wrong, I love my kids. It’s just that spending all day with them, every day, was not ideal for me or them. We were getting tired of each other. They were craving more independence from me, and I from them. We needed each other to “go away” so that we could miss each other and appreciate each other upon return. I suspect that I am not the only mom who feels that way, although many struggle to admit it out loud. There’s a stigma that admitting such feelings makes you guilty of loving your kids less, even though that is simply not true.

We hit the teacher jackpots, with both teachers. They are quite different from each other, both the teachers and my kids, and it seems that some “all knowing” intervention put them each where they needed to be. My son’s teacher is older, quieter, and calmer. She has been doing this for years and she meets my son’s need for absolute structure and reliability. She is warm and loving, infinitely patient and careful with her words. My daughter’s teacher is lively and young, more “fun”. She walks with a dance in her step and I can imagine that she is prone to laughing out loud when something is funny. Her classroom management strategies involve singing and movement, artful distraction. When one of her students became uncooperative, she set her other students to a productive task and then gently coaxed the child to cooperation. They held hands gently on the way to recess. Now that I have had the opportunity to volunteer in both classrooms, I can see how successful both teachers are, albeit with very different approaches.

 As I am not back to work full time yet, I have been volunteering in the school. It’s been very educational. They are learning about letters and numbers, how to follow directions and how to put their knowledge to work. They are also learning to be citizens. They are learning to share tables and supplies, and how to wait their turn with their bodies and voices. 

They are learning how to live in the world and make it a better place. 

My husband would tease me at this point, as he likes to tease me about how anti-competitive I am. He’s right. I am anti-competitive.  Back in April, I  attended a “kindergarten readiness” session, offered by the county.  I figured it would help to go into the summer informed, so that we could all be prepared for the upcoming details. I suppose the session met the needs of some parents but it wasn’t quite what I envisioned. Perhaps this is due to the fact that I’m a teacher, or perhaps it’s due to the fact that my kids have already been part of the public school system. The information session included the logistics of registration, but it also focused on “kindergarten readiness”, with a huge focus on academics and curriculum. I involuntarily glanced down at my phone a few times, as the picture of my kids that is my screen background. Was academic really the main focus for my kids, still so very little? 

 I understand that others see the race, but I do not. My view is not about a glorious finish line; it’s about finding the next bend in the wood and picking a path. Sometimes I find myself calmly admiring the view while making this decision, and sometime it makes me feel nervous and panicky. Regardless, my figurative view does not include a big red banner and a restart. It’s much more fluid.  I stopped perceiving this as good or bad a long time ago, it simply IS the way I think. As it works for me, I make no real efforts to modify it.

Back when I read for pleasure more frequently, I loved reading Robert Fulghum. I probably have a post or two about him in my past. I’m not sure how old he is, but he would feel completely at home with a hippie commune. He lets his grass grow long and daydreams about the beauty and complexity of life. He perseverates on the “simple things” that are not actually simple.  

One of his most famous works is “All I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN”.

"All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten"

By Robert Fulghum

Most of what I really need
To know about how to live
And what to do and how to be
I learned in kindergarten.
Wisdom was not at the top
Of the graduate school mountain,
But there in the sandpile at Sunday school.

These are the things I learned:

Share everything.
Play fair.
Don't hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don't take things that aren't yours.
Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life -
Learn some and think some
And draw and paint and sing and dance
And play and work everyday some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world,
Watch out for traffic,
Hold hands and stick together.
Be aware of wonder.

I love this poem from the depths of my soul, because I do truly believe that it’s all completely and totally right. What makes me even happier is that I perceive my children to be learning exactly that in Kindergarten this year. Of course, they are learning numbers and letters, and that’s important. Being an academically educated person is quite important for long range life success. But so is manners, waiting your turn and helping a friend. I adore that my son’s class earned a pajama day and that my daughter’s class earned a “dance party” for their great community choices. YES! The joy of earning happy rewards for good choices.

What I love most about Robert Fulghum’s rules is that are so vague. He tells you to hold hands and stick together, but he doesn’t tell you with whom. That’s your choice. He tells you to clean up your own messes but he doesn’t tell you where to get messy or to apologize for having made that mess. I think that’s HUGE. He believes in the power of cookies and milk to restart your smile. (Personally, I go for a cup of coffee in lieu of milk, but luckily good old Robert allows for interpretation.) He endorses the need for down time, a need that is sorely neglected in our frantic lives. AMEN! And as for saying sorry when you hurt someone, well… I think adults could use a refresher course. We seem to have forgotten or lost our desire. 

And so, as you shut down your computer (or other technological device), I ask you to make a point of not forgetting what YOU learned in kindergarten. You simply never know when it may help you in an unexpected situation.