2 posts tagged “children”

1) To see what a teacher's blog can be like, see hers. Much of what she writes has to do with day-to-day realities, which she relates in a candid style, and which are important for seeing inside the school, particularly for those who have no children currently in the schools, or whose educational milieu is vastly different within a large district.  This helps the community at large develop some understanding of the complexities, and see where things have changed since they last formed an impression. The camera-photos are a huge help in literally bringing people inside the classroom. A great example of her range was last May http://bronwynann.blogspot.com/2006_05_01_archive.html

And I've got to include this one as being one of the more culture-shocky (yet not heartwrenching, like this one is).

(2) Her Feb 6 post ends with a plea to contact legislators about No Child Left Behind and a request to forward to everyone EXCEPT journalists. She's concerned about the district being retaliatory and is only slowly able to feel comfortable reaching out beyond those she knows for certain won't abuse her trust.

She's a 3rd grade teacher in East Oakland. She is going on sabbatical next year as, at 30, she's completely exhausted....after 8 years in the school, no two with the same Principal, and she's been the seniormost teacher I believe for the past two years.

Personally, I can't imagine they'd *allow* her to go under any circumstances, let alone force her out, but the fact that she's terrified they'd do so just shows how much she loves her job and her kids. 

(3) Her most recent DonorsChoose request was for Kleenex and mopping supplies since janitorial doesn't regularly do floors evidently, and the kids were sick and germ-swapping.

(personally, i don't much care for the last one, but meltdown is great!...and houseparty - i don't think it's possible for a preschooler to NOT dance to it.)

Go there right away because the links are only up for a week.

http://www.salon.com/ent/audiofile/2006/06/23/kindie/index.html

A kindie rock primer

If you're looking for new sources of children's music, the Web, as always, is obliging: Check out Zooglobble, Kids' Music that Rocks, ((sm))all ages and the About.com Children's Music page.

1. "Meltdown," Justin Roberts
2. "House Party Time," Dan Zanes
3. "Happy Song," Milkshake
4. "Walk Along the River," Laurie Berkner
5. "Sand Castles," Justin Roberts
6. "Bottle of Sunshine," Milkshake

-- Scott Lamb
[20:00 EDT, June 23, 2006