How Do I Help More People?

I saw some research findings that most things are caused by sleep disorders. We are in a hi-tech generation and they are not getting enough exercise to produce healthy sleep etc. All the stuff out there is so negative.

Have you ever heard of the KITA program. It is great for esteem issues.

the breakdown of the family is a big issue. check out www.parentingtodaysteens.org and focus on the family. The kids need to know they are important to God and unfortunately that is taken out of the moral equation too.

Keep up the great work-I am a parent and really appreciate the job you do and I am so greatful. I thank God for you.

I would love to talk more--kids coming home. Hope this was helpful and encouraging.

My two cents...Take what you can use and leave the rest...

I think we should define "homework" because some teachers assign work such as "read for 15-30 minutes" (depending on grade level) which, upon further explanation, can be done over the course of time (evening/weekend) with road signs, books, McDonalds menu, whatever. Other tasks assigned may include "write a paragraph about your favorite after-school activity". These teachers also expect the parents to let them know if the assigned homework is taking "too long" or "too much of a chore". The teacher may expect a detailed explanation of what is going on, but modify "homework" as needed on a per student and their individual needs basis. Are we truly saying these teachers shouldn't assign any homework - even these tasks? What about those teachers that assign tasks like those found above with a full week's notice? Are we still completely "no homework"?

Also, while I agree with the "unplug before drug(s)" as I have lived with what used to be called "hyperactivity" - now ADHD - my whole life without drugs, I also believe good teachers assign a responsible amount of homework that supports the students' learning. If we don't complain about our kids going to practice a sport, why should we complain about our kids practicing what they learned in class that day/week/etc.? I also believe that those responsible teachers need parental feedback about how each student does with the assignment(s) as the teacher isn't at home with each student. For our children to excel, parents, teachers, and whole communities must work together to support their continued education. Learning is not just for the six hours at school that they "can barely get through" especially when one considers that actual amount of time they actually receive true core subject instruction. I don't believe we can count recess, lunch, bathroom breaks, travel from location to location (such as lunch/bathrooms), etc.

Finally, while I agree many teachers put too much pressure on students or rely on homework to actually teach, other teachers do use homework responsibly to support what has been learned in the classroom. Shouldn't we support these teachers, scream for more like them, and get rid of those who pressure our kids too much? Instead of "get rid of homework", maybe we should be more demanding of effective teachers who are responsible with homework assignments and less tolerant of the teachers who are ineffective for whatever reason.

Hello J.,
As an occupational therapist and mother, I agree with what you are seeing in many of today's youth. I plan on advocating more with a group known as Be Outside Arizona, in effort to get our children outside moving their bodies/playing more vs. our sedentary technology activities indoors. Perhaps you could join with other like minded people to get your message out there. Another resource for you would be the website, Zonein.ca, which asks parents to "Unplug before they drug". Much of the work is from a school based O.T. who has observed this 3 part disconnect of children from person, others, and nature.
I would very much like to speak more with you if interested. We need more people like you advocating for our children.
Barb

I think the standardized testing imposed on the schools is directing what and how teachers are teaching - as well as the lack of cooperation from parents.

We have become a society that does not want to anything difficult - and don't take any of the responsibility.

J.
I have a few questions of my own. In other cultures i.e. German and Chinese statistically they do not have these same type of secular issues with their children. And they attend school younger and longer than we do in America. They also have close relationships to their families. Is this really about too much homework for the young children in America or something else? I would like to hear your opinion on that. Thanks