On My Mind

Here's a few things I've been thinking about lately....

• I have an idea for a business venture.  When someone posted a question on my mom's group message board asking if anyone had used the product Your Baby Can Read, the teacher in me wanted to scream from the hilltops, "Run as far away from that product as possible!"  Of course, the mom in me sympathizes with the need to give our children nothing but the best in life.  So, in comes my idea.  Rather than selling parents on misinformation and lofty promises, let's provide accurate, research-based information on how children develop literacy and offer appropriate activities that can support this process-NOT flashcards and DVDs for heaven's sake!  I'd love to have some of my teacher friends join me on this one.  I'm thinking of a three-session workshop where we outline the key components of literacy as well as the stages a child progresses though on their way to becoming a proficient reader.  We could start off on the mom's group circuit and go from there.  Any takers?

• In need of fresh air, we left the house late yesterday afternoon on a Christmas shopping excursion.  There is new play area at the mall meant for children 42 inches and shorter, which I knew my son would love.  I am sorry to report that our experience at this play area was very disappointing.  It seems most parents thought it was meant as a dumping ground for their rowdy school-aged children.  In fact, one child was running around with a toy assault rifle pretending to shoot other kids.  He pretended to shoot my 14 month-old son! This behavior was infuriating and disturbing at the same time, and I didn't see any parents jumping to their feet to intervene. Needless to say, we didn't stick around for long and headed for a ride on the train instead.   
  

• Finally, here's another confession.  I'm a fan of the show Hannah Montana.  Yep, a normal Saturday at my house begins with my son and I enjoying an hour of cheesy tween t.v. beginning with Miley and company followed up with Ashley Tisdale and the gang from the Suite Life of Zack and Cody.  Actually, we first watch Good Morning America Weekend Edition for the Your Three Words segment and stick around for the next hour, too.  I'm happy to report there's usually a nice message the shows are trying to pass along as food for thought.  For example, this week Miley learned to better appreciate the sacrifices her older brother, Jackson, makes on her behalf.   Even though it was a repeat for us, we definitely enjoyed this episode.