Antoinette's Page

Vol. 2,  No. 15, August 28, 2011

TITLE: “FINDING BEST (PRE-, GRADE, MIDDLE OR HIGH) SCHOOL, COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY FOR YOUR CHILD- I say: Every parent should research this thoroughly!*”

INTRODUCTION

Today, with the start of the educational year, I am thinking about the intense desire on the part of mothers and fathers in choosing the right school for their young children or advising and assisting their adolescents on the best college for them. My book of the week is:  “The Global Achievement Gap: Why Our Kids Don’t Have the Skills They Need for College, Careers, and Citizenship–And What We Can Do About It” [Hardcover] by Tony Wagner (Author).  Hence, my subject is the search for the best school for your child, and also the best college or university for your teenager. (Editor’s Note: This is the third of a series on parenting, schooling and the return to class.)  

PREVIEW: Next week, continuing with the current theme, I will consider what it takes to be a great teacher/professor. I am sure that  this will be of interest. Wouldn`t you want your child or teenager taught by someone special?   
 
MY LIFE & TIMES*

The schooling of the baby boom generation was not so complex. When I was growing up, I lived in a district of many immigrants, all hard working and aspiring to build a better life for their families. My parents, being immigrants, felt that it was great that their children were getting an education in the great country that Canada then was and continues to be. In addition, they were also proud of their Italian origin and culture. They knew how important it was for us, the next generation, to be able to speak Italian and better partake in the richness of the culture originating in Italy. As a result, we spoke Italian at home, and my parents subscribed to religious magazines from Italy, Italian Montreal newspaper(s); they also turned on the Italian program both on radio and TV.

For most of us kids, there wasn’t a choice – we went to the grade school closest to our home. This was a public school, at the time, a part of the English Catholic commission.  For high school, it was the same story.  It is accurate to say that these schools, which we attended, were populated with children mostly of immigrant Italian families.  The atmosphere was positive and the students learned well. Many went on to higher education. I then moved up through the grades and graduated. As the girl, I attended commercial college and went out to work.  Perhaps, it is nostalgia, but it seemed simpler then.

When it came to my daughters, I did my research and found good schools, first primary, then high, all close by.  These were also public schools, at the time, a part of the English Catholic commission. It is accurate to say that these schools, which they attended, were populated with children mostly of middle class Italian families. The atmosphere was also positive and the students learned well. I didn’t miss many of the school meetings – I needed to stay up to date on the programs offered and what my daughters were studying.  Generally, we parents were very pleased with these schools.  The public school system worked for me. Oh, by the way, I also sent my kids to Italian School, on Saturday mornings.  I also believed the Italian language and culture were something to nurture.  

My frame of reference derived also from my career. I was employed in a top rate college in my home city. (N.B. I spent 30+ years there; and it was a privilege to work in such a place and work with such wonderful people.) It is considered a leading institution in its category.

More up to date, in September, my granddaughter – almost 2-1/2 years old, will be attending a Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K).  My daughter – her mother, was very careful in selecting the right one.  She verified its program and reputation.   My granddaughter is very excited about her new “school”.

THE AUTHOR:  Tony Wagner

Tony Wagner was a high school teacher, school principal and university professor in teacher education.  Wagner earned a Masters of Arts in Teaching and Doctorate in Education at Harvard University. His CV work experience includes: (a) Co-Director of the Change Leadership Group (CLG) at the Harvard Graduate School of Education; (b) Faculty member of the Executive Leadership Program for Educators, a joint initiative of Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, Business School, and Kennedy School of Government. He also has consulted far and wide in the education field. He has something to say and he has the background to make his words worthwhile.

SERIES/COLLECTION

Books/Articles:

He is the author of several books:

• The Global Achievement Gap: Why Even Our Best Schools Don’t Teach the New Survival Skills Our Children Need—And What We Can do About It;
• Change Leadership: A Practical Guide to Transforming Our Schools;
• Making the Grade: Reinventing America’s Schools; and
• How Schools Change: Lessons from Three Communities Revisited.

THE BOOK:  “The Global Achievement Gap: Why Our Kids Don’t Have the Skills They Need for College, Careers, and Citizenship–And What We Can Do About It” [Hardcover] by Tony Wagner (Author)

Wagner, a seasoned educator, had thoughts about the skills needed by today’s young people to get a good job and become a productive citizen, in the fast changing techno age of today and that of the coming years.  The current crop of school administrators inquired how to provide this education. Wagner wrote the book. A great quote is: “What I have seen in some of our best public schools over the past decade is that while Johnny …are learning how to read at least at a basic level …they are not learning how to think …they are not learning to clearly communicate their ideas orally and in writing.” (pg xiii) The chapters have the reach: 1) The New World of Work and The Seven Survival Skills; 2) the Old World of School; 3) Testing 1,2,3; 4) Reinventing the Education Profession; 5)  Motivating Todays Students and Tomorrow,s Workers; and 6) Closing the Gap- Schools That Work.  By specifying what schooling is needed to best prepare your child for the future gives the frame of reference to determine the best school to enroll your child. This noted educator is telling you what to look for in evaluating prospective schools. This is a valuable reference for parents.  

CONCLUSION

Choosing a better school for your young child is important. Giving your teenager advice and assistance to attend a better college and university is important as well.  Yes, we all agree that parents should strive to find the best possible school for their child.  It is the `How-to’, which is difficult! I am sorry to report that this is not as easy or self-evident than it once was. It can also be VERY stressful. If you see the light and want some pointers –  I have some thoughts about this. Please read on.   

Personal Comments

There were times when I heard, on the news, about parents camping out half the night to register their kids at a grade school. More recently, from my own experience, I have seen parents insistent that they just have to register their child in a particular program. It  really can get intense.  They might argue that this is a matter of life and death – I think that this is a bit much – but I understand their love for their child and their one-minded aim to ensure that he or she will have the maximum educational opportunity available.

What makes a school? It starts with a place having four walls, many class rooms, a gym, a lab, cafetria-dining room, exterior grounds, etc. It then has people: a school board or commission comprising a chairperson, members, superintendent(s), etc. It also has a school principal, teachers, office and blue collar employees. And of course, there are students and parents.

Many parents believe that their children should go to a better PRE-K. I agree.
Many parents believe that their children should go to a better grade school. I agree.
Many parents believe that their children should go to a better middle school. I agree.
Many parents believe that their children should go to a better high school. I agree.
Many parents believe that their children should go to a better college. I agree.
Many parents believe that their children should go to a better university. I agree.

The question remains: “What makes a school better?” I thought that you would never ask. I think that a school (along with its school board) is better when: (a) It is efficiently run: (i) The building(s) are adequately maintained; (ii). There is sufficient modern equipment; (iii). The facilities are well-staffed; (b) The curriculum and program is good – this means: (i). That the courses are what the sudent needs to advance in the coming years ultimately to higher education; (ii). That each course is well planned out & the course outline is accurate and complete; (iii). That the course is taught well;  (c) It has a good reputation – this means: (i). That the test scores of students rank high against those of students from others schools; (ii). That the graduates go on to higher education – at better colleges and universities; and (iii). That its standards are high- this could mean that there are entrance exams and a waiting list to get in. (d) The people make the difference – this means : (i). That it has superior teachers-professors (For me, this in turn means that they are not only credentialled, but also, able to teach and inspire students – and the evaluations are excellent to boot. (N.B. I will speak more about this next week.);  (ii). That the administrators, from the board on down, are well-qualified, trained and experienced, and also, highly motivated. (iii). That the children attending the school have been instilled with the need to study hard; (iv). The parents are loving and hands-on; (v). The greater community is made up of good people, proud of their locality and institutions like the school, and protective of their children and committed to their future. 

What makes a school great?

I believe that the quality of the school is NOT dependent upon the community being one with more disposable income or of any one ethnic background. In contrast, excellent schools can flourish in all areas. I say that it just takes educators who do more than the call of duty. In addition, there are parents who are better than good….they are special. It’s not the size of their wallets. Instead it is the quantity of the love they have for their children. They sacrifice so much – they want their kids to have even greater opportunity and success than they themselves have had. In addition, they are not simply committed and involved; more, t hey are selfless volunteers working on home & school committees, lunch & after school programs,  etc. These extraordinary people give of themselves to the greater good, the better education of their children and those of their neighbours.

As well, I believe that the quality of the education is not dependent upon the school being private. Many people think that private schools are better than public schools. I say: “Some are better, but some are worse.” There are the pros and cons to both. 

Going private is expensive. Some people borrow money in order to do this.  (Indeed, education can be expensive enough without adding the cost of tuition for elementary and high school.) Supposedly, private schools hire better teachers and have better programs, thus giving a better education.  Is that true?  Not always. From my experience, in the public world, certainly in the college where I worked, I have come across many wonderful teachers – they would compare nicely with those in the private institutions.

I also have some words of caution about the private world.   I am under the impression that expensive private schools tend to have a problem with drugs. I heard a story about a private elite school.  A number of students were getting high and others were pushers.  Not to say, public schools are exempted from this problem, but many of the students don’t have that kind of money to buy drugs. In addition, since money talks, the school may be more vulnerable, than the public schools, to pressure, strong to subtle, of an interest group or people espousing a certain point of view. A school might toe the line if parents threaten to pull their children out of class or discontinue planned giving: donations and endowments.

I further believe that the quality of the school is NOT dependent upon the student population being children of the rich and famous. Many people think that this will benefit them … the right connections could possibly direct them to a better life. But there is also a down side to this:  there probably is a golden spoon in the mouth of a child of the super rich. These children get what they want and their parents, who in many cases, are too busy with their careers, give them everything and anything they desire. Money may be unlimited for these kids. Middle class kids, on the other hand, if attending such a school, cannot hope to have the same money to throw around. This might create problems. They might feel less fortunate, perhaps have an inferiority complex.

The Point

Searching (and researching)  for the best school for your child, and also the best college or university for your teenager is time well spent!

ANTOINETTE’S TIP SHEET*
1. Research the schools in your home town community, both public and private, etc.;

2. Inquire into public schools – there are many that are run very efficiently, offer very good programs and are VERY WELL respected;

3. Investigate: (a) The atmosphere of the school; (b) The population of the school- check if the staff is knowlegeable and cordial and if there are parents like you, who are committed and involved;   
4. Ask such questions:
4.1 “What type of education does the school offer?”

4.2 “What are the programs, diplomas offered, etc.?”
4.3 “What are the qualifications of the teachers?”
4.4 “Does the school offer activities, sports, etc.?”
4.5 “Is there research being carrred on?”;

5. “Look for recommendations of past students and inquire into their moving onto even higher education. 

6. Try to stay within your means.

Teach the parents to search for the best school for their child or teenager. If the child excels, I grade you ‘E’ for excellent!

 
And that’s my thought of the week on books, what’s yours? *
ALP
“Books are life; and they make life better!*”
Take it out for a spin and tell me if you agree.
And that’s my thought of the week on books, what’s yours?*
ALP
P.S. I wish to remind you that I have a TWITTER page – it is located at:  saveandread – please register as a follower.
P.P.S. I also have a FACEBOOK page – it is located at: Alp Save Andread – please check it out.
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NEED SOMETHING FURTHER?, TRY AN ANECDOTE OR A QUOTE:

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTAGE #1: Mum’s the Word
“One morning while attending Timbertops School in Australia, Prince Charles attended a service at the local parish church. As the royal visitor left his church, the rector apologized for the small turnout: “Being bank holiday weekend,” he explained, “most of the parishioners are away.” “Not another bank holiday!” the prince exclaimed. “What’s this one in aid of?” “Well,” the rector replied, rather embarrassed, “over here we call it the Queen’s birthday.”
(Source: www.anecdotage.com) – http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=5981

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTAGE #2: Amy C
“Amy Carter brought an assignment home one Friday night while her father [Jimmy Carter] was still President. Stumped by a question on the Industrial Revolution, Amy sought help from her mother. “Rosalynn was also fogged by the question and, in turn, asked an aide to seek clarification from the Labor Department. A ‘rush’ was placed on the request since the assignment was due Monday. “Thinking the question was a serious request from the Prez himself, a Labor Department official immediately cranked up the government computer and kept a full team of technicians and programmers working overtime all weekend – at a reported cost of several hundred thousand dollars. “The massive computer printout was finally delivered by truck to the White House on Sunday afternoon and Amy showed up in class with the official answer the following day. But her history teacher was not impressed. When Amy’s paper was returned, it was marked with a big red ‘C.'”
(Source: www.anecdotage.com) – http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=3662

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTAGE #3: Mad Laughter
“The only disadvantage I laboured under at St Paul’s School,” Eric Newby once recalled, “was that I had a curious sense of humour which meant that if anything came up in class that had a suggestion of double entendre it caused me to dissolve into hysterics for which I was punished, sometimes quite severely. In other words, I had a dirty mind. “For instance, on one occasion when we were reading [Sir Walter] Scott’s Marmion aloud, it became obvious to myself and everyone else in the class that by the working of some hideously unnatural process of selection it would fall to me to read a completely unreadable part of the romance in Canto Two, entitled ‘The Convent,’ which concerned the blind Bishop of Lindisfarne. And you could have heard a pin drop when I got to my feet. “‘No hand was moved, no word was said “Till thus the Abbot’s door was given “Raising his sightless balls to heaven -‘ “was all I could manage before going off into peals of mad laughter and to be beaten by John Bell, the High Master, who showed where his sympathies lay by beating me hard and then giving me a shilling. I have never forgiven Scott.”
(Source: www.anecdotage.com) –  http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=13316

S & R* QUOTE #1: Oprah Winfrey
“For everyone of us that succeeds, it’s because there’s somebody there to show you the way out. The light doesn’t always necessarily have to be in your family; for me it was teachers and school.”
(Source:  Wisdom Quotes) –  http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/education/

S & R* QUOTE #2:  Benjamin Franklin
“Genius without education is like silver in the mine.”
(Source:  Wisdom Quotes) – http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/education/

S & R* QUOTE #3: John F. Kennedy
“Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education. The human mind is our fundamental resource.”
(Source:  Wisdom Quotes) – http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/education/
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CREDITS
-Web Tech:  richmediasound.com
The above is a new media production of Valente under its “United Author*” program.
*TM/© 2011 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.
——————————————————————————————————————————————–—————————————SCHEDULE I
“IT WORDS FOR ME!*”
For today, my word/phrase(s) are: “school”; “private school”; “public school”; etc.

School
“A school is an institution designed for the teaching of students (or “pupils”) under the direction of teachers. Most countries have systems
of formal education, which is commonly compulsory. In these systems, students progress through a series of schools. The names for these schools vary by country (discussed in the Regional section below), but generally include primary school for young children and secondary school for teenagers who have completed primary education. An institution where higher education is taught, is commonly called a university college or university.”
(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School

“Private schools, also known as independent schools or nonstate schools,[1] are not administered by local, state or national governments; thus, they retain the right to select their students and are funded in whole or in part by charging their students’ tuition, rather than relying on mandatory taxation through public (government) funding, students can get a scholarship into a private school which makes the cost cheaper depending on a talent the student may have e.g. sport scholarship, art scholarship, academic scholarship etc. In the United Kingdom and several other Commonwealth countries, the use of the term is generally restricted to primary and secondary educational levels; it is almost never used of universities and other tertiary institutions. Private education in North America covers the whole gamut of educational activity, ranging from pre-school to tertiary level institutions. Annual tuition fees at K-12 schools range from nothing at so called ‘tuition-free’ schools to more than $45,000 at several New England preparatory schools.”
(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Private_school

Public schools
“In the United States and Canada, public schools are schools that are paid for by the government. They are open to all students who live nearby without any charge. They are usually paid for through property taxes that are applied to everyone who owns buildings in the area around the school.Public schools started in the United States in the 1800s. Every U.S. state now has free public schools.”
(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) – http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_school

SCHEDULE II

STUDY/STATISTICS:

“Nearly 50 million students are heading off to approximately 99,000 public elementary and secondary schools for the fall term, and before the school year is out, an estimated $540 billion will be spent related to their education. These are just a few of the statistics contained in Back to School Stats, which offers data about American elementary, secondary and postsecondary schools, students, and the educational process.”
Source: – http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/

Elementary and Secondary Education
“In fall 2010, nearly 49.4 million students will attend public elementary and secondary schools. Of these, 34.7 million will be in prekindergarten through 8th grade and 14.7 million will be in grades 9 through 12 (source). An additional 5.8 million students are expected to attend private schools this fall.
About 1,094,000 children are expected to attend public prekindergarten this fall. Enrollment in kindergarten, at approximately 3,693,000, is projected to be at an all-time high (source). Public school systems will employ about 3.3 million teachers this fall, resulting in a pupil/teacher ratio of 15.3, which is lower than in 1999, when the ratio was 16.1. Approximately 0.5 million teachers will be working in private schools this fall, where the pupil/teacher ratio is estimated at 12.8 (source).”
Source: – http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=372
College and University Education In fall 2010, a record 19.1 million students are expected to attend the
Nation’s 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities, an increase of about 3.8 million since fall 2000 (source).
Source: – http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=372
(Source: US Census Bureau) –

Private schools represent about 24 percent of schools in the nation and educate about 10 percent of the students.
(Source: – http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/about/nonpublicschools.asp#results)
“This report is the first to focus on private school students’ performance on NAEP assessments. It provides results in reading, mathematics, science, and writing in 2000, 2002, 2003, and 2005. Specifically, it focuses on the three private school types that combined enroll the greatest proportion of private school students (Catholic, Lutheran, and Conservative Christian) as well as private schools overall. It also compares the performance of students in these schools to that of public school students to provide additional perspective. Comparing student performance among the three types of private schools highlights several differences at grades 4 and 8 and a few at grade 12. Among the three types of private schools, few significant differences in performance were found at grade 12. The exceptions were that in 2000, the average score in science for grade 12 students in Catholic schools was 6 points higher than for students in Lutheran schools, and that in the 2000 mathematics assessment, a higher percentage of twelfth-graders in Catholic schools performed at or above Proficient than twelfth-graders in Conservative Christian schools. Where differences existed at grades 4 and 8, students in Lutheran schools generally outperformed those in Conservative Christian schools. In some grade/subject combinations, Lutheran school students outperformed Catholic school students, and Catholic school students outperformed Conservative Christian school students. Students at grades 4, 8, and 12 in all categories of private schools had higher average scores in reading, mathematics, science, and writing than their counterparts in public schools. In addition, higher percentages of students in private schools performed at or above Proficient compared to those in public schools.”
(Source: – http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2006459)

SCHEDULE III

S & R* NEWS ALERT* #1: Guard your child from computer eye damage

Back To School Tips:

(NC)—Did you know that the average North American child spends from one to three hours per day with his or her eyes on a computer screen? The startling increase of nearsightedness (myopia) in children worldwide may be a direct consequence of this activity, pediatric eye doctors say.

“In fact, children using computers before their visual systems are fully developed are at the very heart of the public health problem called ‘computer vision syndrome’,” says Bijan Minbashion, vice president of operations for Hakim Optical, a national leader in retail eye care. “A study at the University of California reports that 25% to 30% of computer-using children need corrective eyewear to work with the equipment comfortably and safely – and similar studies in Asia report that first-graders with myopia has increased from 12.1% to 20.4% since 1995. In the last three years, myopia is reported to have doubled to 34% in seven- to nine-year-olds.”

To guard against early damage to your child’s eyes, consider these Hakim Optical tips:

• Schedule a comprehensive eye exam as your child enters kindergarten, including near-point (computer and reading) and distance testing.

• Schedule an eye exam before school begins every year.

• The recommended distance for children between the monitor and the eye is 18-28 inches. Any closer risks eye strain.

• Be aware of behaviour that indicates problems such as eye redness, frequent rubbing of the eyes, unusual posture, or complaints of blurriness or eye fatigue.

www.newscanada.com”

*TM/© 2011 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 2,  No. 14, August 21, 2011
TITLE: “FIRST DAY OF (BACK TO) SCHOOL:  I  say, “let’s make this year the most educational ever!*”

INTRODUCTION

This week, my mail box was filled with flyers shouting “They’re going back” and “Back to School”. On TV, the commericals are announcing great sales for children’s wear and school supplies.  I therefore can’t help, but think about children and adolescents and the approaching first day of school. My book of the week is “Best-Ever Back-to-School Activities: 50 Winning and Welcoming Activities, Strategies, and Tips That Save You Time and Get Your School Year Off to a Sensational Start” [Paperback] by Elaine Israel. Hence my subject is the commencement of the school year. (Editor’s Note: This is the first of a continuing series on education and related topics.)

PREVIEW: Next week, I will write about what makes a school great and choosing a school (e.g., primary, middle and high) for your child and recommending a college for your teenager. 

MY LIFE & TIMES*

I am thinking back to years past and the few weeks before the start of the school year.

As a mother of five year old girls -this was a long time ago -I remember this as a bitter-sweet time.  Summer was over and the children’s day-long play time was then coming to an end; but they were also very excited to go back to school and see their friends. For me, life was about to go back to normal.  I started the preparations in the third week of August. I hit the stores to buy a few school supplies. I only bought the basics because I knew that my daughters would come home in the first week with a list of further items specified by the teacher. I also renewed the wardrobe of each child- I wanted them to look their best. In my perspective, if students started the year well-prepared, they would do better academically. 

I also have another point of view. I spent 35 years working in a major college in my home town. The time leading up to opening day was always hectic, but the staff was looking forward to what the new year would bring. Department chair persons and teachers were calling often to make their final course preparations. Students were calling to solve scheduling problems. Each day, there was more and more to do. Finally day one arrives and students are everywhere.  I usually remarked that they looked younger  and younger, although I saw myself as middle aged, not aging much. In the first week, students got their course outlines and teachers started presenting the material.  You could feel the high energy in the air.  The serious students started their work as soon as possible – they don’t waste any time. I commend this attitude- this is the only way to get ahead.      

And now I have another angle. I am a grandmother with a granddaughter, age 2-1/2 years old, this week, she was accepted at a pre-kindergarden.  I was SOOO excited when I heard the news.  Not only will she be taught, but she will play with so many kids her age. Indeed, I am thinking about going to the store and buying her a pink school bag!

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTAGE #1: Fruit Stand Zappa? (long)
“When the 1960s ended, San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district reverted to high rent, and many hippies moved down the coast to Santa Cruz. They had children and got married, too, though in no particular sequence. But they didn’t name their children Melissa or Brett.
“People in the mountains around Santa Cruz grew accustomed to their children playing Frisbee with little Time Warp or Spring Fever. And eventually Moonbeam, Earth, Love and Precious Promise all ended up in public school. That’s when the kindergarten teachers first met Fruit Stand.
“Every fall, according to tradition, parents bravely apply name tags to their children, kiss them good-bye and send them off to school on the bus. So it was for Fruit Stand. The teachers thought the boy’s name was odd, but they tried to make the best of it.
“‘Would you like to play with the blocks, Fruit Stand?’ they offered.
“And later, ‘Fruit Stand, how about a snack?’
“He accepted hesitantly. By the end of the day, his name didn’t seem much odder than Heather’s or Sun Ray’s. At dismissal time, the teachers led the children out to the buses. ‘Fruit Stand, do you know which one is your bus?’
“He didn’t answer. That wasn’t wasted. He hadn’t answered them all day. Lots of children are shy on the first day of school. It didn’t matter. The teachers had instructed the parents to write the names of their children’s bus stops on the reverse side of their name tags. The teacher simply turned over the tag. There, neatly printed, was the word ‘Anthony.'”
[Sources: Luanne Oleas in Salinas, Calif., Reader’s Digest]
(Source: www.anecdotage.com) –http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=9248

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTAGE #2: Young Harold Ramis
“Harold Ramis has always taken the long view: when he was sent to the principal’s office on the first day of first grade for chewing gum, he remembers thinking, Well, there goes college.”
(Source: www.anecdotage.com) – http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=18541

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTAGE #3: Teacher’s Pet?
“One day Charlie Chaplin, returning from Mexico with a new bride, found some unexpected visitors in his home.
The law relating to compulsory education in California was very rigid and, having discovered Mrs. Chaplin’s age (sixteen), truant officers had swept down to ask why she was not in school.
Marriage or no marriage, they told her, she must either return to school or take a solemn oath to study at home for a certain number of hours each day, under the guidance of a ‘teacher’.[Not surprisingly, she adopted the latter ‘course’.]”
(Source: www.anecdotage.com) –  http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=11270

S & R* QUOTE #1: – Heinrich Heine
“Experience is a good school. But the fees are high.”
(Source:  Wisdom Quotes) –  http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/experience/

S & R* QUOTE #2:  Rabbinical saying
“Don’t limit a child to your own learning, for he was born in another time.”
(Source:  Wisdom Quotes) – http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/children/index7.html

S & R* QUOTE #3: Virginia Woolf
“The first duty of a lecturer: to hand you after an hour’s discourse a nugget of pure truth to wrap up between the pages of your notebooks, and keep on the mantlepiece forever.”
(Source:  Wisdom Quotes) – http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/education/index9.html

THE AUTHOR: Elaine Israel

Elaine Israel is an author of children’s books. She is also an editor, She is versatile. She knows how to talk to kids. She is therefore able to give pointers to school teachers .
 
SERIES/COLLECTION
Books/Articles:
Some books are:

• Hilary Duff (Today’s Superstars: Entertainment)
• Election 2000 – Time for Kids Readers
• The Official Study Guide for All Sat Subject Tests
• Celebrate the Winter Hoidays: Sensational Activities & Helpful Background Information That Help Kids Learn About & Appreciate Five Important Holidays
• The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2002

THE BOOK: “Best-Ever Back-to-School Activities: 50 Winning and Welcoming Activities, Strategies, and Tips That Save You Time and Get Your School Year Off to a Sensational Start” [Paperback] by Elaine Israel (Author)

This is a book addressing primary grade teachers. Israel gives them pointers on HOW-TO achieve a better launch of the school year. Her chapters signify her priorities. According to her, these are: 1) Introducton: the First Day & Getting to know you; 2) Mini- Books; 3) Making books;  4) Bulletin boards, 5) Perfect Poems: A Song to Sing; Riddle poems; 6)  Top Ten Start- of- the- Year Stories. Here’s a ‘for instance’, under the “First Day”, Israel grabs you with a sub-title: “Build community and establish routines with activities that will make the first day of school a stunning success.” Now that’s a great goal- I buy into that. Wouldn’t any parent? She follows that with a sub–heading, “Alumni visits: and explains how “To give your students an idea of what the coming year will bring.”She also wants to break the ice between future school friends. Her idea is called  “Good Morning” Match. As per Israel, she thinks that “Each child’s cubby holds a welcoming surprise with an activity that makes it easy for new classmates to meet one another or get reacquainted and share a favourite book.” She also offers a “Calendar surprise” She explains that  “a surpirse awaits your students each day with this easy to-make this lift- the- flap- calendar”.  It appears to be a continuing interest builder, helping making school fresh. The book seems to be a winner. Read it and become aware and help your child to succeed.

CONCLUSION

The future of your child is substantially dependent upon his/her schooling. You should do verything possible to ensure that his/her education is the best that it could be.  

Personal Comments

Every parent needs information to help their kids in their educational career.  A parent should know what to expect by the day he/she drops the child in the school yard as they march into school at the start of the school year. I think that armed with this information, a  parent could prepare his/her child better and of course, better preparation should result in better grades. And the student has a greater chance to excel in his/her school career.

With young students, a parent needs to be hands on closely monitoring his/her child in school work and activities.  With teenage students, a parent needs to supervise their offspring attentively. They need to review school correspondence and reports. They need to ask questions and have a yearlong dialogue, insisting upon results. With college age students, initiate discussions and offer recommendations. 

Teachers, principals, school board members and educators at all levels will tell you that the first few days of the school year are key. What happens and doesn’t happen could spell a good year or a bad one.

The Point

Your child’s education is VERY important. You have a role.  The school year is about to start. You need to become informed and active right away. 

ANTOINETTE’S TIP SHEET*

Every parent of a student should: 
1. Consider the appropriate school for your child/adolescent, today and tomorrow and after tomorrow; (More about this next week.)
2. Research the curriculum of the coming school year – encouraging your child to get a head start on the reading is always a good idea;
3. Think about after school; to this end,
3.1 Inquire into the extra- curricular activities being offered- signing up early is another good idea;  try to have one physical activity/sports plus one hobby/interest club.
4. Shop for back to school wisely; in this regard, 
4.1 Look for the sales at major retailers – school supplies are usually discounted to get you into the store.    
4.2 Buy hi-value clothing: strong seams, good fabrics and multipacks; and supplement the new articles with spruced- up hand me downs from siblings and close family; 
5. Plan to start the school year by serving up nutritious meals; to this end,
5.1 Make a complete breakfast for the youngsters – they need fuel to learn;
5.2  Use a variety of food groups: high food value, low calories/cholesterol,
6. Think about routine; more precisely, 
6.1 Limit usage of TV, computer, Internet, video games, etc.; nevertheless, keep in mind that educational TV programming is beneficial – so is research on the web! 

6.2 Reserve quiet time, reading time, etc.
6.3 Set age appropriate bedtimes in order to permit sleep hours sufficient for age;
7. Get involved at school:
7.1 Introduce yourself to the principal and teachers;
7.2 Join parent-teacher school group; etc.

Your child (and you) can and should enjoy this time in school.  Help him/her to succeed and be happy. I hope that you give me an A+ on this blog post!

And that’s my thought of the week on books, what’s yours? *
ALP
“Books are life; and they make life better!*”
Take it out for a spin and tell me if you agree.
And that’s my thought of the week on books, what’s yours? *
ALP
P.S. I wish to remind you that I have a TWITTER page – it is located at:  saveandread – please register as a follower.
P.P.S. I also have a FACEBOOK page – it is located at: Alp Save Andread – please check it out.
CREDITS
-Web Tech:  richmediasound.com
The above is a new media production of Valente under its “United Author*” program.
*TM/© 2011 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.
——————————————————
SCHEDULE I
“IT WORDS FOR ME!*”
For today, my word/phrase(s) are: “school”; “student”; “”; etc.

School

“A school is an institution designed for the teaching of students (or “pupils”) under the direction of teachers. Most countries have systems of formal education, which is commonly compulsory. In these systems, students progress through a series of schools. The names for these schools vary by country (discussed in the Regional section below), but generally include primary school for young children and secondary school for teenagers who have completed primary education. An institution where higher education is taught, is commonly called a university college or university.”
(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School

Student

“A student is a learner, or someone who attends an educational institution. In some nations, the English term (or its cognate in another language) is reserved for those who attend university, while a schoolchild under the age of eighteen is called a pupil in English (or an equivalent in other languages). In its widest use, student is used for anyone who is learning.”
(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Student

Education

“Education in the general sense is any act or experience that has a formative effect on the mind, character, or physical ability of an individual. In its technical sense, education is the process by which society deliberately transmits its accumulated knowledge, skills, and values from one generation to another.Etymologically, the word education is derived from educare (Latin) “bring up”, which is related to educere “bring out”, “bring forth what is within”, “bring out potential” and ducere, “to lead”.[1]
(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) –http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image_filter_referendum

SCHEDULE II
STUDY/STATISTICS: Back-to-School Shopping
“7.2 billion

The amount of money spent at family clothing stores in August 2009. Only in December were sales significantly higher. Similarly, sales at bookstores in August 2009 totaled $2.5 billion, an amount approached in 2009 only by sales in January.
Source: Monthly Retail Trade and Food Services <http://www.census.gov/mrts/www/mrts.html>

“For back-to-school shopping, choices of retail establishments abound: In 2007, there were 27,326 family clothing stores, 7,036 children and infants clothing stores, 27,213 shoe stores, 9,754 office supply and stationery stores, 23,756 sporting goods stores, 10,635 bookstores and 10,116 department stores.”
Source: County Business Patterns: 2007 <http://www.census.gov/econ/cbp/>

“76 million
The number of children and adults enrolled in school throughout the country in October 2008 — from nursery school to college. They comprised 27 percent of the entire population 3 and older.
Source: School Enrollment — Social and Economic Characteristics of Students: October 2008” <http://www.census.gov/population/www/socdemo/school/cps2008.html>

“Lunchtime
31 million
Average number of children participating each month in the national school lunch program in 2008.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, as cited in the Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2010, Table 558” <http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/>

“College
19.1 million
The projected number of students enrolled in the nation’s colleges and universities this fall. This is up from 13.8 million 20 years ago.
Source: U.S. National Center for Education Statistics as cited in the Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2010, Table 214:” <http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/>
(Source: US Census Bureau) – http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/cb10-ff14.html

SCHEDULE III
S & R* NEWS ALERT* #1: Set your child up for success this school year
“(NC)—We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day – and it’s true. Research reveals that people who skip breakfast don’t make up for the missed nutrients later in the day. But, how many of us follow that advice and ensure that our kids eat it too? It’s crucial to start your day with a nutritious breakfast and even more so for your children as they head back to school this September.

As we literally “break the fast” of 8 to 12 hours without eating, the body and brain need to refuel. A balanced breakfast not only kick-starts the metabolism, it sets us up for a more successful day. More than a quarter-century of research supports a positive link between breakfast and mental alertness and physical performance.

Families count on cereal for convenient, affordable nutrition, too, making it a popular breakfast choice among parents. In fact, ready-to-eat cereal is the preferred breakfast in many countries and the choices keep getting better. The taste, nutrition, simplicity and affordability of Kellogg cereals (just 50 cents a serving for cereal and milk) explain why they are a mainstay in nearly 77 per cent of Canadian homes.

What many parents may not know is that cereal is also an extremely nutritious choice. Cereal ranks as one of the best choices available as it is typically low fat and a nutrient dense food with many essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, B vitamins and zinc. Cereal also delivers the important benefits of grains, including fibre. Add to that the fact that kids and adults who regularly eat cereal tend to have lower body mass indexes and are less likely to be overweight than those who eat cereal less frequently and parents can be confident that are choosing a healthy breakfast option. As for what cereals to choose, Kellogg’s has a great selection of cereals that are healthy options including Frosted Flakes, Rice Krispies, Mini-Wheats, Corn Pops and Froot Loops. More information about the nutritional benefits of choosing cereal is available online at www.loveyourcereal.ca.
www.newscanada.com”

S & R* NEWS ALERT* #2: Backpack tips for back to school
“Kids and backpacks just seem to go together. Whether sending them off to school, to a sporting event or for a sleepover with a friend, chances are they will be bringing a backpack. But carrying a heavy load unevenly or improperly can result in poor posture and even distort the spinal column, causing muscle strain, headaches, neck and arm pain, and even nerve damage.
More than 50 per cent of young people experience at least one episode of low back pain by their teenage years. Alberta’s chiropractors offer the following tips to ensure your child’s pack doesn’t become a pain in the back:
Pick it right
• Choose a bag made of lightweight material, such as vinyl or canvas.
• Pick a bag that has two wide, adjustable and padded shoulder straps, along with a hip or waist strap, a padded back and plenty of pockets.
• Ensure the bag is proportionate to body size and no larger than needed. The top of the pack should not extend higher than the top of the shoulder, and the bottom should not fall below the top of the hipbone.
• Explore other options such as bags with wheels and a pull handle for easy rolling.
Pack it light
• The total weight of the pack should not exceed 10 to 15 per cent of the wearer’s body weight.
• Make sure the backpack contains only what is needed for the day or activity.
• Spread the weight throughout the pack.
• Pack the heaviest items close to the body.
Wear it right
• Both shoulder straps should always be used and adjusted so the pack fits snugly against the body. • You should be able to slide a hand between the backpack and the wearer’s back.
• The pack should sit two inches above the waist.
• Never allow your child to sling a backpack over only one shoulder.
• Using the waist strap reduces the strain on the back and transfers some of the load to the hips.
To ensure your child’s back is healthy and strong, consult your chiropractor. They can teach you and your child how to pack, lift and carry a backpack properly to prevent injury. More information, including where to find a chiropractor near you, can be found at www.albertachiro.com.
www.newscanada.com”

Vol. 2,  No. 13, August 14, 2011

TITLE: “GENDER & GOOD PARENTING: I say: Teach the children well!*”

INTRODUCTION

Today, I am thinking about  mothers, fathers, boys and girls. It is not as simple and straight forward as you might first think. My book of the week is “Against the Grain: Couples, Gender, and the Reframing of Parenting” [Hardcover] by Gillian Ranson (Author) Hence, my subject is gender and good parenting.

PREVIEW: Next week, with the school year about to start, my subject will be “Back to School.” Look for it! See you then.

MY LIFE & TIMES*

I am a mother of two daughters.  While I worked throughout my child- rearing years, I was very much a devoted mother. At the end of my workday, I always rushed home to see to my chilfdren, after school: their meals, homework, the home, their clothing, etc. I was more the conventional Mom type. A colleague at work told me a story of his daughter and husband: she was more in the work world while he was more the stay- at- home type, the primary caregiver of the kids.   

I recently read a story about a couple who desperately wanted a son.  In this country (I prefer not to name it) , it is important for a woman to bear a son.  She had 4 daughters – the solution … treat one of them as a son. The mother and father decided that their daughter aged 5 years old, would live for a time as a son instead.  The little girl was then raised as a boy. Apparently, this child truly believed that she was a boy. This whole thing did NOT sit right with me at all. I asked myself: “How could this not affect the well being of the child, today and tomorrow?” 

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTAGE #1: Battle of the Sexes

“Much of this talk about feminism is nonsense,” Beatrice Webb was told one day. “Any woman would rather be beautiful than clever.” “Quite true,” she replied, “but that is because so many men are stupid and so few are blind!”
(Source: www.anecdotage.com) – http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=2492

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTAGE #2: Robert A. Gibb?
Although women were officially banned from competing in the Boston Mararhon until 1972, San Diego’s Roberta Gibb Bingay successfully completed the run in 1966. How? She wore a hooded sweatshirt to disguise her gender.
(Source: www.anecdotage.com) – http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=3574

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTAGE #3: Jagger’s Dagger

While dining at a London restaurant on King’s Road one evening in an early “experimental” period, Mick Jagger was confronted by a contemptuous gentleman seated at a neighboring table. “Are you a man or a woman,” the man asked. Jagger stood up, insouciantly unzipped his pants, and promptly presented the evidence.
(Source: www.anecdotage.com) –  http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=12169

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTAGE #4: Self-Starter
Few automotive inventions are more celebrated by women than by the opposite sex. The electric self-starter, however, was one such invention. Charles F. Kettering, who perfected the device in 1911, was adored by women – many of whom were suddenly able to drive without the male companion previously needed to crank the engine.
[Sources: Isaac Asimov’s Book of Facts]
(Source: www.anecdotage.com) – http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=8380

S & R* QUOTE #1: – Charlotte Perkins Gilman
There is no female mind. The brain is not an organ of sex. As well speak of a female liver.
(Source: Wisdom Quotes) – http://www.wisdomquotes.com/quote/charlotte-perkins-gilman-8.html

S & R* QUOTE #2: Anna Garlin Spencer
At the outstart of discussions of women’s intellectual attainments, it is well to remember how few are the men of the first rank.
(Source:  Wisdom Quotes) –  http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/women/index3.html

THE AUTHOR: Gillian Ranson (Author)

Ranson is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Calgary. She penned several learned papers. She is also the author of the subject book of the week. Gender and parenting is a theme of hers.
 
SERIES/COLLECTION
Books/Articles:
Some examples of her writing are:

• “Against the Grain: Couples, Gender, and the Reframing of Parenting” [Hardcover
• Education, work and family decision making: finding the “right time” to have a baby.: An article from: The Canadian Review of Sociology and Anthropology [HTML] [Digital]
• Playing by the Rules of the Game: Women’s Experiences and Perceptions of Sexual Harassment in Sport,Journal article by Vivian Krauchek, Gillian Ranson; The Canadian Review of Sociology and Anthropology, Vol. 36, 1999

THE BOOK: “Against the Grain: Couples, Gender, and the Reframing of Parenting” [Hardcover] by Gillian Ranson

Gender is a split basic to human kind? Right, but things are changing. An example is parenting roles. This is the topic of this book. Ranson sees child-rearing as the new frontier and the emergence of a different division of labour between couples. She considers several sub-topics such as: “(Pre-school period:) 3. The Crossovers : Breadwinner Mothers with Partners at Home 4. Shift-Workers and Dual-Dividers : Sharing Earning, Sharing Caring; (School-age children:)  5. Challenges on the Path to Change 6. Parents as Peers; and also 7. Parenting and the Undoing of Gender.  Ranson looks at famililies where there are “fathers who are primary caregivers and mothers who are primary earners.”  (pg. 4) The premise is where both mother and father are equally involved in active parenting -read caregiving, they tend to become more similar and less different than the convention and the usual roles of parents.  She comes to this conclusion by analyzing the interviews of 32 families throughout Canada,

CONCLUSION

Children should be our most important pre-occupation. Parenting is an essential job – I think that it is probably the most important. The more we put into our kids during their childhood; the better they shall grow up and the greater the satisfaction we shall feel later down the road. For me, good parenting means acting as a good role model and teaching respect for others. 

Personal Comments

As a young girl and adolescent,  I learnt from my mother, how to be a  lady always. As a mother of two daughters, I showed them by example, the proper values, qualities and conduct of a lady.  And I now have a grandson. Raising a boy is a little different, but fundamentally the same. I believe that my daughter and husband shall teach him the proper values, qualities and conduct of a gentleman.

My book of the week demonstrates that modern parents are not necessarily a Dad working in the work force and a Mom as the primary caregiver; but instead, parents can find their own way. Children therefore learn this lesson by seeing their parents interact.  

The Point

Yes, of course, there is an anatomical difference between boys and girls. And it has legal significance — sex is indicated on government records. But, every person, younger or older, regardless of gender, is equal.  I do not believe that it is right to teach or live by stereotypes; I think that stereotypes are generally from the past, not necessarily modern and much too confining. Instead, it is important to teach equality and entitlement to equivalent education, similar opportunity and also advancement, not becuse of gender, but rather, because of the quality and achievement of the person as an individual.

ANTOINETTE’S TIP SHEET*
Every parent should :

1. Teach their children not only by saying, but also by doing;
2. Be a good example, 
3. Teach the children well:
3.1 To be themselves;
3.2 To be proud of who they are; 
3.3 To respect others the same, regardless of gender;
4. Create a positive and loving environment in which your child is to be raised.

I aspire that parents throughout God’s green earth will teach girls and boys equality and mutual respect. Please tell someone else and let’s make it happen together! 

And that’s my thought of the week on books, what’s yours? *
ALP
“Books are life; and they make life better!*”

Take it out for a spin and tell me if you agree.
And that’s my thought of the week on books, what’s yours? *
ALP
P.S. I wish to remind you that I have a TWITTER page – it is located at:  saveandread – please register as a follower.

CREDITS
-Web Tech:  richmediasound.com
The above is a new media production of Valente under its “United Author*” program.
*TM/© 2011 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.

——————————————————
SCHEDULE I
“IT WORDS FOR ME!*”
For today, my word/phrase(s) are: “gender”; “man”; “woman”; etc.

Gender

“Gender is a range of characteristics distinguishing between male and female, particularly in the cases of men and women and the masculine and feminine attributes assigned to them. Depending on the context, the discriminating characteristics vary from sex to social role to gender identity. Sexologist John Money introduced the terminological distinction between biological sex and gender as a role in 1955. Before his work, it was uncommon to use the word “gender” to refer to anything but grammatical categories.[1][2] However, Money’s meaning of the word did not become widespread until the 1970s, when feminist theory embraced the distinction between biological sex and the social construct of gender. Today, the distinction is strictly followed in some contexts, like feminist literature,[3] and in documents written by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO),[4] but in most contexts, even in some areas of social sciences, the meaning of gender has expanded to include “sex” or even to replace the latter word.[1][2] Although this gradual change in the meaning of gender can be traced to the 1980s, a small acceleration of the process in the scientific literature was observed when the Food and Drug Administration started to use “gender” instead of “sex” in 1993.[5] “Gender” is now commonly used even to refer to the physiology of nonhuman animals, without any implication of social gender roles.[2]”
(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender
Man
“The term man (pl. men) is used for an adult human male (the term boy is the usual term for a human male child or adolescent). However, man is sometimes used to refer to humanity as a whole. Sometimes it is also used to identify a male human, regardless of age, as in phrases such as “men’s rights”.
(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man
Woman
“A woman is a female human. The term woman is usually reserved for an adult, with the term girl being the usual term for a female child or adolescent. However, the term woman is also sometimes used to identify a female human, regardless of age, as in phrases such as “Women’s rights”.”
(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woman

Gender and poverty
“Gender inequality has a great impact especially on women and poverty. In poverty stricken countries it is more likely that men have more opportunities to have an income, have more
political and social rights than women. Women experience more poverty than men do due to gender discrimination.[citation needed]”

Gender and development
“(GAD) is a holistic approach to give aid to countries where gender inequality has a great effect of not improving the social and economic development. It is to empower women and decrease the level of inequality between men and women.[93]”
(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) –http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender
SCHEDULE II
STUDY/STATISTICS: Women’s History Month: March 2010
“National Women’s History Month’s roots go back to March 8, 1857, when women from New York City factories staged a protest over working conditions. International Women’s Day was first observed in 1909, but it wasn’t until 1981 that Congress established National Women’s History Week to be commemorated the second week of March. In 1987, Congress expanded the week to a month. Every year since, Congress has passed a resolution for Women’s History Month, and the President has issued a proclamation.
155.8 million
The number of females in the United States as of Oct. 1, 2009. The number of males was
151.8 million
Source: Population estimates <http://www.census.gov/popest/national/asrh/2008-nat-res.html>
At 85 and older, there were more than twice as many women as men.
Source: Population estimates
<http://www.census.gov/popest/national/asrh/NC-EST2008-sa.html>
Motherhood
82.8 million
Estimated number of mothers of all ages in the United States.
Source: Unpublished data from Survey of Income and Program Participation
1.9
Average number of children that women 40 to 44 had given birth to as of 2006, down from
3.1 children in 1976, the year the Census Bureau began collecting such data. The percentage of women in this age group who had given birth was 80 percent in 2006, down from 90 percent in 1976.”
Source: Fertility of American Women: 2006 <http://www.census.gov/prod/2008pubs/p20-558.pdf>
(Source: US Census Bureau) – http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/pdf/cb10-ff03.pdf
SCHEDULE III

S & R* NEWS ALERT* #1:Help to make girls unstoppable
“(NC)—For many young girls, being a teenager means opening up to new opportunities and taking on bigger responsibilities. But within this personal growth, stressors and beauty pressures can negatively affect a young woman’s confidence, social interactions and long–term self–esteem. The Real Truth About Beauty research conducted by Dove found that by the age of 14, more than half (55%) of Canadian girls already feel pressure to be beautiful, with the number growing to 96% by the time they turn 29.

As startling as the figures are, the research also shed light on solutions to help ease beauty pressures during the teen years, and the answer begins with positive role models. Confident female mentors for young girls to look up to make a significant impact on boosting self–esteem and help them reach their full personal potential in life.

“By intervening early on, we can help young girls address their sources of beauty anxiety that mount between their teen years and early adulthood,” says counsellor and self–esteem expert, Lisa Naylor. “Most women have the power to help young girls develop positive self–esteem and realize their full potential.”

There are many ways that you can help to make girls unstoppable:

• Lead by example. As a confident woman with life experience, you are a realistic depiction to young girls of what seizing opportunities and being happy in your own skin can achieve.

• Make some time. Bring a young girl that you want to inspire out for lunch. Make time to talk with her so you can understand how she’s feeling and let her know that she is important.

• Pass it on. Attend or host a self–esteem workshop with a girl in your life and her group of friends to boost their confidence and reinforce positive behaviour within the social circle. You can find everything you need to host your own workshop in easy to follow steps at www.dove.ca.
• Make it count. Pledge to support self–esteem in young girls by joining the Dove Movement for Self–Esteem at www.facebook.com/dove.”
www.newscanada.com

S & R* NEWS ALERT* #2: He said, she said: Four ways to create a home both adore

“(NC)—Whether moving in together for the first time or redecorating a home you already share, know where men and women generally differ on interior design to find common ground for a well-balanced décor.

1 Colour
Masculine tastes tend to run from rose paint samples while feminine tastes are often drawn to such colours. Instead of more masculine hassle-free neutral whites and deep browns or traditionally feminine warmer tones, meet in the middle. Choose sage greens, cerulean blue, taupe and other hues that satisfy many women’s need for colour but are neutral enough for him to rest easy.
2. Essential accessories
When decorating, one partner may focus on the functional items in the room while the other may aim for all elements to be more fashionable. Strike a balance with furnishings that serve both interests. For the ideal blend of such form and function, try Hunter Douglas new Natural Elements blinds that mix ultra-modern two-inch metal slats with the warmth of real wood accents, as well as Duette Architella honeycomb shades that save energy and heating and cooling costs—two resources both parties will be pleased in conserving.
3. Furniture
While it is common for some to choose furniture based on its look, for many comfort is the real key. Rather than make a museum of fashionable furniture you hesitate to sit on, include inviting pieces. Try couches and chairs that are chic but pass the test of proper cushioning and that accommodate all sizes.

4. Patterm
Just as picking a neutral pattern for a couple’s fine china can be a harbinger against the ceaseless evolution of trends, choose prints that both parties will appreciate now and into the future. Leave the paisley, florals and toile for more feminine retreats in the home. For common areas, integrate gender-neutral stripes, plaids and even worldly designs such as Ikat or Moorish patterns.
By avoiding a few minefields of décor that might only appeal to one half of a couple, create a home you’re both proud to call your own.”

More information is available online at www.hunterdouglas.ca or toll-free at 1-800-265-8000.
www.newscanada.com”

*TM/© 2011 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.

S & R* NEWS* – Sunday, August 7th, 2011: SPECIAL EDITION – Open letter from Antoinette

I can’t image arranging a marriage for my daughter.  A grown up daughter should make her own decisions. Choosing a husband is her perogative. If asked, I will give advice, but that’s as far as I will go. In my culture, some parents give their daughters a trousseau – household products, kitchen utensils, etc., but this does not mean that I have the right to tell her what to do. 

I am woman and along with all of you out there, we can make a difference. Let’s do it!

Take it out for a spin and tell me if you agree.
And that’s my thought of the week on books, what’s yours? *
ALP
P.S. I wish to remind you that I have a TWITTER page – it is located at:  saveandread – please register as a follower.