Education Nation 2012

We're back from the Big Apple and WOW did I learn a lot! 

Here are a few tidbits from NBC's Education Nation 2012 Summit:

*Charter schools and public schools are in some kind of battle I do not understand. It appeared that you had to choose a side. My side is "what's best for kids and fix the schools we already have." That is apparently not a side. I have pledged to learn more. 

*Unions are very serious. My state does not have a big teacher's union, so again, I pledge to learn more.

*Lots of people with lots of money are making decisions about education. These people, more so than not, are NOT educators. 

*Everyone wants education to improve, the question is how. 

*This was not new to me, but worthy of sharing-the media has such bias. As a girl in the middle, I cheered for both nominees as they complimented teachers. I was hushed by one reporter when I cheered for one of the candidates. Eww! 2012 people! Live a little! 

Needless to say, I was worn out with information and had more questions than ever! Clock is ticking friends! T starts school in less than 24 months!

More to come!

Kevin (Mr. Henkes and I are BFF)

Labor Day means BBQ and a day off to some people. 

To me, Labor Day means the Decatur Book Festival. It means put the road trip to visit my family in Mobile on hold. It means wake up early on Saturday morning even though I am completely exhausted from the first 3 weeks of school. It means meet the author....and this year was like every other! 

Woke up early. Rushed T and N to get ready (no easy task.) Picked up Grandma and Grandpa. Dodged DragonCon traffic. Fought for parking spot. Sprinted to kid parade area. Made it! 

Was the sweat worth it? The blister on my foot from the cute sandals I wore? WAS IT WORTH IT YOU ASK? Oh.Yeah!

Kevin (first name basis) Henkes is one of my favorites. We study him every year. We use his books as mentor texts for reading and writing. We use his stories for character, small moments, feelings, and overall life lessons. T loves them. He loves the mice. I love the mice. I love Kevin Henkes. Humble, kind, answered every question, loves what he does! When I grow up, I want to be like him. I mean that.

The kid parade is something we look forward to each year and he was the leader! We were right behind Lily-red boots and all!

 T was thrilled, carrying his favorite Henkes book-Lilly's Big Day.

 

T and I listening to Mr. Henkes read Penny's and Her Doll! LOVED IT! He encouraged writers to write what they know. Can't wait to tell my class that AND where his idea for Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse came from!! Want to know? Leave a comment and I'll tell you! :)

 Signing our books and wishing my first graders a wonderful year of writing and drawing. He spoke about the importance of drawing-loved that!

 

 But there's more!! Patrick McDonnell, author and illustrator of Me Jane was next! I LOVE Me Jane! (the story of Jane Woodall.) He has many other books like Monsters Monsters! and is the author/illustrator of the Mutts comic strip. He was fun! He also said kids need to draw, draw, draw. 

The Decatur Book Festival NEVER disappoints. We missed the rest of it so we could head to Alabama, but Nick Bruel (Bad Kitty,) Jarrett Krososcka (Lunch Lady,) and Peter Brown (Creepy Carrots) were other big names I wanted to see! Save the date for next Labor Day and join us in Decatur. You will not be oh so glad you did! 

Preschool Prerequisites

Sooooo......T has started pre, pre K. He likes it (now) and I do, too. I have questions though. He is 3 1/2. He is a boy. He is adorable. He is a genius. He is creative. He is very handsome. He is well behaved and pretty much perfect in every way. Sorry-got a little bit carried away. :)

What should I expect in preschool? Do they want too much? Do I want too much? 

School (private preK)
letters and sounds
preprimer sight words
patterns
counting to 30
writing letters
creative play
fine and gross motor development
recess
games

Me (mommy and teacher)
letters to mastery
sounds 
counting 
fine motor and gross motor
painting (everyday!)
play centers
playdough
cutting
recess
social development
games

I'm please with what T's school offers. If not, he wouldn't be there. However, I can't help but wonder, what else should be on my list? What else should be on their list?