http://blogs.trb.com/news/opinion/liparent/ From one parent to another. en Copyright 2008 Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:16:42 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss I'm married to a high school teacher and I teach college. I had a couple of teachers who impacted my life, and my daughters have each had these experiences as well. For the most part, I'm a fan of teachers. But there are a few things that some teachers do that absolutely drive me bonkers as a parent, and I don't understand what they're thinking. For instance, why is it the teacher who always gives the most busy work for homework--write the definitions of 25 Spanish words 15 times each--who doesn't check to make sure it's done? How is a child supposed to feel motivated to do the work when they don't get credit for it? What about the teacher who assigns a complicated project and then never gets around to giving the student their grade on it? Especially when that assignment is what keeps your child (and you) in during a school vacation. Why do some teachers persist in this age of, hopefully, body image awareness, asking kids to reveal their weight to the class during math or science projects? Why don't they see through the kid who is a master liar about why he forgot his homework, has to sit this project out, etc., when his classmates all tell each other he deserves an Oscar for his performance? In fact, it's so often the class bully who appears to be a master at teacher deception. No wonder so much bullying goes under the radar. I know today's teacher is asked to do more than anyone should reasonably have to at their job, what with the state requirements that get everyone from the superintendent down into a state of apoplexy. But can they just remember from time to time that they'll get more parental support if they're fair in their dealings with students? Or remember what it was like to be a kid? What would you like teachers to know? http://blogs.trb.com/news/opinion/liparent/2008/01/when_teachers_dont_get_it.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/opinion/liparent/2008/01/when_teachers_dont_get_it.html Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:16:42 -0500 Well, I survived the shopping, and everyone was fairly satisfied with the results. We hosted five get togethers, including Christmas dinner, and everyone had a great time. We still have leftovers, among them far too many cookies. All in all, a wonderful, holiday. I wish for you a peaceful remainder to your holiday and a Happy New Year. Though we parents often think of September and back to school as the start of a new year, the official beginning, Jan. 1, offers us a unique opportunity for reflection. Parents and children can talk about what went well, what you would have liked to do better, and what you're thankful for. And then together, you can make plans for the new year. In between all the partying and clearing away the holiday remains, set aside quiet time together. All too soon your post-holiday schedule will take over, so enjoy these moments while you can. http://blogs.trb.com/news/opinion/liparent/2007/12/happy_holidays.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/opinion/liparent/2007/12/happy_holidays.html Fri, 28 Dec 2007 10:04:58 -0500 Have you started your holiday shopping yet? I'm woefully behind schedule and the only excuse I have sounds like a toddler speaking: I don't want to! I don't want to spend the money, face the lines, or get caught up in the stress of waiting outside Best Buy at 4 AM to get the Nintendo Wii my 13-year-old craves. I don't want more things in my house that the girls forget to put away. And I'd like my family to remember that Christmas is about giving. Oh. I guess that means I'd better get my act together. Because the truth is, one of my favorite parts of the holiday is getting my girls the things they wish for (within reason, of course). I'd rather watch them open their presents on Christmas morning than receive any of my own. I enjoy their surprise and delight, that doesn't seem to dissipate no matter what they've come to think about Santa. So, I guess I've just given myself a little holiday shopping pep talk. I have to go now. The lines at the stores are calling me. http://blogs.trb.com/news/opinion/liparent/2007/12/holiday_shopping_blues.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/opinion/liparent/2007/12/holiday_shopping_blues.html Fri, 14 Dec 2007 17:51:54 -0500