The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character- that is the goal of true education. Martin Luther King, Jr.
While schools traditionally played a key role in literacy, parents are a child’s first teacher and can inspire a love of reading.
Modern jobs demand a high level of literacy. I’m not talking about scanning or skimming an article on the internet.
According to the National Institute for Literacy, the ability to read, write and speak in English, compute and solve problems are the what literacy is about.
Literacy is the foundation of a democratic society and strong families are the foundation of any successful society. Without both we are in peril.
Imagine what your child will know by sending 20 minutes each day with his or her face buried in a good book.
One of the truest predictors of future success is the amount of reading that children do at a young age. The amount of time children read and are read to predicts whether they will be successful.
Surprisingly, parents and children do not have to read for hours each day; they only need to read for 20 minutes each day. With 20 simple minutes of reading, students are exposed to over 1,000,000 words in the course of a school year. In comparison, children who read for five minutes per day are exposed to a paltry 8,000 words each year.
Imagine what your child will know by sending 20 minutes each day with his or her face buried in a good book.
I just discovered a great resource for youths. I was surprised that it also had information and a link that caters to military kids. As a former Navy spouse, I know that military kids face unique challenges.
This is a great site for the entire family. It has inspirational stories by youth, contests, and many worthwhile services. Be sure to check it out.
Studies show that there is a correlation between art and other achievements.
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once one grows up.” I love this quote by Picasso. It brings to mind the precious first drawings my three children created during childhood. I was distraught the other day when one of these fragile keepsakes began to tear inside of a frame. It seems the backing of the frame had come apart along with the drawing.
Society is often good at destroying creativity as well. As children grow up, creativity is often discouraged. Creativity while fragile is the backbone of society. When archeologists study past cultures they often gauge their development by the complexity of the art produced.
There is hope. Many schools have Science, Technology, Art and Math (STEAM) curricula. Creativity is a great way to keep students engaged especially now that so many students are studying online.
Studies show that there is a correlation between art and other achievements. A report by Americans for the Arts states that young people who participate regularly in the arts (three hours a day each week through one full year) are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, to participate in a math and science fair or to win an award for writing an essay or poem than children who do not participate.
Even in a war torn world, a gesture of kindness goes a long way.
With so much bad news dominating the headlines, it’s good to read that Americans embraced the true spirit of Christmas this year.
According to Reuters, while Food Banks saw an increase in people seeking help, they also received unparalleled donations.
Other non profits saw giving increase 7.9% over 2019. Americans of all income brackets gave.
As Bob Hope once said, “My idea of Christmas whether old fashioned or modern is loving others. Come to think of it; why wait for Christmas to do that?”
May we continue to embrace the spirit of Christmas each day.
The iconic Jeffrey’s Hook lighthouse rose to fame due to the popularity of the book “The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge” by Hildegarde W. Swift and Lynd Ward. This story was so compelling that it inspired hundreds of children to write letters that saved lighthouse. I love books that inspire children to make a difference. Taking a clue from the book I included the bridge in my painting of the lighthouse.
This workshop engages children in an exciting exploration of art and social science. Children will learn about civic responsibility, the role of government and how they can make a difference.
EDUCATION STANDARDS
SS.KA2.3 Listen to and retell stories about people in the past who have shown character ideals and principles including honesty, courage and responsibility.
SS.K.E.1.3 Describe different kinds of jobs that people do and tools or equipment used.
SS.1.A.2.2 Compare life now and in the past.
SS.1.C.1.2 Give examples of people who have the power and authority to make and enforce rules and laws in the community.
SS.2.E.1.3 Recognize that the United States trades with other nations to exchange goods and services.
VA.1.2.3.4.5 Develop the skill to use art to organize objects sequentially.
LAF.1.W.1.2 Write information in which they name a topic, supply some facts about the topic.
Length 1 ½ – 2 hours
Topic: The Role of lighthouses and light keepers
Objective
Children will learn how lightkeepers and lighthouses contribute to the welfare and economic well-being of the United States. Students will discover the function of lighthouses such as warning against visible shipping hazards. They will learn the role of government and how to impact their neighborhood and the world around them.
We live in text based history more than any other time. We actually have trouble not reading. But adults aren’t reading books.
Placing the blame on technology and the educational system gives adults excuses for not engaging with their kids.
Parents can raise children who read by actually reading a book. This teaches kid that reading is important. Reading with a child teaches them that they are important.
The Pandemic is a great opportunity to the boost the literacy rates in the United States. Modern jobs demand a high level of literacy. I’m not talking about scanning or skimming an article on the internet. According to the National Institute for Literacy, the ability to read, write and speak in English, compute and solve problems are the what literacy is about.
Multicultural Art 4 Kids 