Questions and Answers

If you have any questions or concerns that relate to speech language pathology in any way, at any level....just ask.
I will answer them to the best of my ability on my blog.
Contact me at tsmotherof3@verizon.net.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Fifty Great Things About Middle Schoolers

     My principal sent this home in the last newsletter.  I though it was kinda cute.  He got it from site called Education World too many years ago. Anyway Education World turned out to be a site with lots of good information.  http://www.educationworld.com/  Check it out


I invite every one to add their ideas on why Middle Schoolers are great.




 FIFTY GREAT THINGS ABOUT MIDDLE SCHOOLERS!
1. They are eager to learn.
2. They are willing to be directed. 
3. They are diverse and interesting. 
4. They leave after three years!
5. They're just plain fun to be around. 
6. They have lots of energy. 
7. Most of them love school. 
8. They are like clay -- still impressionable. 
9. They can be influenced...positively. 
10. Ninety-two of them are great singers (says the director of the 93-member middle school chorus). 
11. They keep me young. 
12. They want to fit in, but they also want to do well in school. 
13. They have great personalities. 
14. Every day is different. 
15. They are potty-trained -- hopefully! 
16. They are a study in contrasts. 
17. They love new ideas. 
18. They have good manners...generally.
19. They will contribute to my social security fund! 
20. They respond well to adults.
21. They are enthusiastic -- times two! 
22. They are caring (usually *not* just about themselves!). 
23. They are fun to teach -- and to learn from. 
24. They're electric!
25. They are easy to please. 
26. They grow out of it! 
27. They're becoming so aware of everything around them.
28. They make me laugh all the time. 
29. They are cool!
30. They come up with the most interesting ideas. 
31. They like to try new things. 
32. They aren't shy about sharing their thoughts. 
33. They are so in-your-face honest! 
34. They are independent, but they still like their teachers. 
35. They love to use my mirror! 
36. Hugs are still popular (as long as the other students don't see them giving you one!). 
37. They still have hopes and dreams, and they love to share them. 
38. They are fashion critics, sure to tell you if you're dressed to meet "the standard"! 
39. Everything is funny to them. 
40. They're unpredictable. 
41. They have great conversation skills. 
42. They enjoy my corny stories and jokes.
43. They're unorganized, but manageable. 
44. There's no need for aerobics because teachers get plenty of exercise trying to keep up with them!
45. They are helpful. 
46. They can be molded in spite of the "supposed" I-hate-all-grown-ups attitude. 
47. The light in their eyes still shines.
48. You never know what will come out of their mouths next. 
49. There's never a dull moment! 
50. And the fiftieth thing teachers think is great about teaching middle schoolers..............June, July & August
Article by Gary Hopkins Education World® Editor-in-Chief Copyright © 1998 Education World

One Place for Special Needs: Are you a honey parent or vinegar parent?

I found this article which poses a very interesting question.  Believe me, over the course of my career, I've met my share of both "honey" and "vinegar" parents.  However, I feel the author is a little off on her suggestions.  While it is great to get little additions to the classroom or have parents volunteer,  those suggestions are at the bottom of my criteria list for a "honey" parent.  In my opinion, "honey" parents are those that truly care about their child's education and do everything they can to help make their child successful.  These are parents that work with their child and provided them all opportunities possible.  These are parents who try their best to accept their child's limitations and disabilities.  These are parents who have educated themselves the best they can around their child's disability.  These are parents who have realistic expectations for their child's success.  These are parents who try to at least see a little humor in their situation.  These are parents who speak up when necessary (it is a shame so many school systems make them fight and feel they have to be aggressive.  I never have problems supporting parent's realistic demands).  These are parents who say "Thank You" once in awhile and these are parents who genuinely like their children.

Just something for parents to think about.  Please post any other criteria suggestions for a "honey" parent.


 One Place for Special Needs: Are you a honey parent or vinegar parent?