Education Think Tank

Teaching Racism and Holocaust awareness effectively

noreply@blogger.com (Marilisa) — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 05:31:00 +0000

COMMENTARY | Patricia Mulholland, a South Carolina middle school teacher has been placed on administrative leave and charged assault and battery for dragging a student 10 feet under a table. She told him "this is what Nazis do to Jews." The incident was supposed to be part of a social studies lesson, says the Associated Press. Lesson or not, Mulholland's actions were in poor taste and showed flawed judgement.
According to Bluffton Today/WJCL/WTGS, the student, a 7th grader in Mulholland's class at Bluffton Middle School, was sharpening his pencil when she is alleged to have grabbed him. The student's parents have decided to press charges. I think that's a good call. I imagine an experience like that would be alarming for students and embarrassing for the boy. He could have been hurt, too.
I'm concerned about comments made in Mulholland's defense by her lawyer Robert Ferguson. "What was a demonstrative attempt to teach about World War II and the Holocaust has been taken to mean an anti-Semitic rant and it was nothing like that. As a teacher, I can understand Mulholland trying to make history real. I don't believe her "Jew" comment was meant to be a slur, either. However, Mulholland's demonstration went overboard.
I once taught a similar type of lesson. I did not use slurs, nor make an example of anyone, but a few took thought I was commenting against them. Rather than belabor my point, I apologized for any offense. We teachers have to be sensitive to student perceptions of our lessons. This is particularly important when discussing topics that are already touchy, like Holocaust history. We also have to make lessons age-appropriate. What might work in high school, can create misunderstanding in younger grades.
The most egregious violations of teacher protocol were Mulholland's alleged physical actions. Whatever the reason, a 23-year veteran teacher should know that dragging a student may be misconstrued as manhandling. In most districts I've worked teachers aren't even allowed to hug a crying student, let alone lay hands on them roughly, even as a demonstration.
This incident is also a good wake-up call for all us teachers to use common sense and discretion in classroom activities.

Recycled Holiday Crafts For Kids: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Chanukah

noreply@blogger.com (Marilisa) — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 23:10:00 +0000

Parents, do the holidays find you up to your eyebrows in kids and work? Why not put those vacationing youngsters to work making #Crafts, greeting cards and decorations for Thanksgiving, #Christmas, Kwanzaa, Chanukah, or whatever winter holidays you celebrate? These cheap, green homemade crafts save money using recycled materials while keeping preschool kids productively busy and helping prep for your celebration. Recycled Holiday Crafts For Kids: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Chanukah

Yoga in school: Kids' fitness workouts and phys. ed in the classroom

noreply@blogger.com (Marilisa) — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 16:19:00 +0000

Schools often put the cart before the horse in that they try to educate a child's mind while ignoring bodily needs. Tired, hungry, uncomfortable children don't learn well. Here are school fitness workouts for kids to improve mental functioning. Use yoga stretches and breathing exercises for classroom phys ed. Yoga makes perfect winter school fitness workouts for kids because they can do yoga in the classroom--no need to go to the gym or outdoors. Yoga stretches and breathing exercises foster learning. And lest any parent object to the use of yoga in schools, for religious reasons or otherwise, this isn't meditative yoga, it's just basic asanas or postures. Call it Brain Gym or just phys ed if that makes parents feel better.

Why use yoga in the classroom? For 6-8 hours a day, students sit in uncomfortable desks, breathing stale, recycled air. When she's not sitting, she's lugging around an achingly heavy backpack. She gets very little healthy exercise but a lot a stress and strain. Many schools have phys ed, but generally only one to three times per week. High school students get none unless it's an elective. School fitness workouts for kids are essential, even if they're just short ones.

Do short periods of yoga or other stretching and breathing exercises throughout the school day serves several purposes. Yoga strengthens lungs by teaching students to breathe deeply and use oxygen more efficiently. Yoga breathing calms the mind, body and spirit. It puts students in a tranquil, receptive frame of mind for learning. Yoga stretches and breathing exercises, even without meditation, purges the body of negative energy. Yoga is particularly useful for special needs students who can't do certain exercises or who suffer anxiety.

The benefits of stretching periodically are many. Students experience fewer cramped muscles, stomachaches, headaches and discomfort. They are more attentive when given a chance to limber up. Students are happier and more willing to cooperate when they know that teacher cares about their whole self, not just the thinking part. Yoga requires no special equipment. It's perfect for school fitness workouts for kids and in-class phys ed.

Try doing whole group yoga stretches and breathing exercises twice a day. Start first thing in the morning and immediately after lunch. Utilize "waiting in line" time and walking halls for mini phys ed breaks. School fitness workouts for kids help keep them focused. Do whole body stretches and deep breathing exercises. If kids are concentrating on yoga stretches, there will be less need for obligatory teacher shushing in the hallway. Once students get the hang of yoga stretches, fitness workouts and breathing exercises while walking, they will do it automatically whenever they are waiting somewhere. Here are video demos of yoga in the classroom. Here are more yoga for kids videos.

'My 600-lb Life' Ashley Reyes weight loss shows odd but critical link between obesity and sexual abuse

noreply@blogger.com (Marilisa) — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 22:11:00 +0000

Ashley Reyes is an atypical patient on "My 600-lb Life" in many ways. It's not the morbid obesity: at 668 pounds, Ashley is on par with the other reality TV show patients. It's her bizarre pain after gastric bypass surgery. And that provides haunting but also helpful clues to origins of extreme weight gain. After losing 255 pounds, "Ashley R's story" uncovered an oddly crucial link between weight loss and and pain following bariatric surgery. 'My 600-lb Life' Ashley Reyes weight loss shows odd, crucial link to obesity, sexual abuse

Donald Trump names non-educator billionaire politician Betsy DeVos Education Secretary

noreply@blogger.com (Marilisa) — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 02:52:00 +0000

President-elect Donald Trump provoked more criticism with his selection for Education Secretary. Michigan billionaire politician Betsy DeVos has no teaching credentials and has never taught school. She's never been a school administrator. Neither she nor her Amway scion husband Dick DeVos have any background in education, but they run charter schools and now the entire U.S. education system. DeVos originally supported Common Core curriculum that Trump railed against yet he named the business woman head U.S. teacher. DeVos will be telling certified teachers how to teach and passing educational mandates from her lack of experience. Donald Trump names non-educator billionaire politician Betsy DeVos Education Secretary

Donald Trump, Michael Moore fellow fat cats? 'Trumpland' shows weight loss begins at home

noreply@blogger.com (Marilisa) — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 20:21:00 +0000

What do Donald Trump and #Michael Moore have in common? Is this a joke? That's what everyone's wondering about notoriously liberal anti-fat cat Moore's film. "Michael Moore in Trumpland" is ostensibly pro-Trump. At least the Republican presidential hopeful hopes it is and Moore hasn't denied it. So this documentary is politically ambiguous, but one thing is clear: brothers Trump and Moore share weight problems of one kind or another. Donald Trump, Michael Moore fellow fat cats? 'Trumpland' shows weight loss begins at home

'Rob & Chyna' Rob Kardashian, Blac Chyna celebrate pregnancy, baby girl, weight loss

noreply@blogger.com (Marilisa) — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 03:35:00 +0000

'Rob & Chyna' Rob Kardashian, Blac Chyna celebrate pregnancy, baby girl, weight loss Rob Kardashian is excited about fathering a daughter, Blac Chyna's pregnant body, and losing 50 pounds.Youtube still: "Rob & Chyna | Rob Kardashian & Blac Chyna Reveal the Sex of Their Baby" E! Entertainment channel Youtube still: "Rob & Chyna | Rob Kardashian & Blac Chyna Reveal the Sex of Their Baby" E! Entertainment channel

Rob Kardashian and #Blac Chyna have a lot to celebrate. The Celebrities of reality TV "Rob & Chyna" are madly in love and will welcome a baby girl soon. Plus, plus-sized Kardashian has dropped 50 pounds. The "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" star credits his fiance Chyna with bringing a lot of good things into his life including weight loss. Rob plans to return the good vibes and is fully onboard with Chyna's weight gain in the pregnant body phase. Best of all, after proclaiming his desire have a son, he's just as happy to be welcoming a daughter. 'Rob & Chyna' Rob Kardashian, Blac Chyna celebrate pregnancy, baby girl, weight loss

Best ABC books for kids: Children's literature alphabet books to teach reading

noreply@blogger.com (Marilisa) — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 20:13:00 +0000

There are literally hundreds of ABC books for kids. They all teach reading and letters of the alphabet to children. But some alphabet books are top shelf. They're not just cute picture books for kids, These alphabet books are children's literature in and of themselves. They feature interesting alphabet words, stellar illustrations and stand-alone stories. Here are the best ABC books for kids. Best ABC books for kids: Children's literature alphabet books to teach reading | Examiner.com

Educational movies, printables: Earth science, severe weather, natural disasters

noreply@blogger.com (Marilisa) — Thu, 19 May 2016 21:44:00 +0000

April and May kick off severe weather season in the northern hemisphere. Hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, hail, lightning and thunder storms are all in the spring forecast. Here are educational movies on earth science, severe weather phenomena, geology and natural disasters. Use these great educational movies for science lessons and severe weather exploration? Educational movies include links for free printables to follow up earth science lessons. These educational movies cover many aspects of earth science in an exciting, visceral way. Educational movies, printables: Earth science, severe weather, natural disasters | Examiner.com

Free printable Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles coloring pages, TMNT activities

noreply@blogger.com (Marilisa) — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 15:22:00 +0000

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles first appeared in cartoon form in 1984 and 2016 marks the 32th anniversary of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Also known as Teenage Mutant Turtle Heroes, or simple Ninja Turtles, the series grew into an animated television series, live-action series and movie. Now a second Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows film will be released. The TMNT are a group of turtles, trained in Ninjutsu by their Sensei, Master Splinter. The turtles, named for famous painters Raphael, Donatello, Michaelangelo and Leonardo (DaVinci) live in the sewers of Manhattan. Each turtle has his own bandanna color and special martial arts weapon. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows will feature the alien villain Krang and bad guys Bebop and Rocksteady. Free printable Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles coloring pages, TMNT activities | Examiner.com

Free printable May Day lessons: Unions, organized labor movement, labor history

noreply@blogger.com (Marilisa) — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 18:28:00 +0000

Spring is a poignant time in labor history. March 25, 1911 remembers 146 workers, mostly women, lost in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. April 28 marks Workers' Memorial Day, on which the organized labor movement pays tribute to the fallen in workplace accidents or in organized labor struggles. May 1 is May Day, honoring International Workers' Day. May 4 commemorates casualties at Chicago's Haymarket riot at a 1886 labor rally. May 19, 1920 is a day when the organized labor movement grieves the Matewan and Mingo County massacre of coal miners. On May 26, 1937 those who would from unions were assaulted at Ford's River Rouge plant "Battle of the Overpass" in Detroit. Free printable May Day lessons: Unions, organized labor movement, labor history | Examiner.com

Harry Potter wizard chemistry magic tricks, science experiments from literature

noreply@blogger.com (Marilisa) — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 21:35:00 +0000

March is National Reading Month and one of the best adventure series for kids is Harry Potter. Would you like to make has some wizard magic like Harry Potter? He can't do magic outside Hogwarts but you can with these chemistry magic tricks and wizard science experiments. Hocus pocus up some Harry Potter fun with kitchen science experiments. Teachers and homeschool parents, impress, educate and engage apprentice wizards with these chemistry magic tricks from Harry Potter. Use these weird science experiments for a Harry Potter Halloween party! Children's literature selections are given for follow up. Harry Potter wizard chemistry magic tricks, science experiments from literature | Examiner.com

Free printable Mysteries of Harris Burdick story starters on Chris Van Allsburg | Examiner.com

noreply@blogger.com (Marilisa) — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 03:46:00 +0000

Once upon a time a quiet, non-descript man by the name of Harris Burdick walked into the office of a Mr. Wenders, book seller. Mr. Burdick offered a series of images he had drawn along with companion stories. He brought only the images but not the stories behind them. Mr Wenders was enthralled and mystified by the pictures. Each posed an impossibly fantastic, wondrously eerie concept. Wenders asked Harris Burdick to return immediately with the stories, but alas, when Harris Burdick walked out of Mr. Wenders office, ... he was never heard of again. Free printable Mysteries of Harris Burdick story starters on Chris Van Allsburg | Examiner.com

Casey Anthony, America's most hated mom, open for business: Forgive and forget?

noreply@blogger.com (Marilisa) — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 03:08:00 +0000

Casey Anthony is a name you don't hear much anymore. But in 2011, she was on everyone's lips. Anthony rose to notoriety as America's most hated woman in America when she was acquitted in the death of her 2-year-old daughter Caylee Anthony in July, 2011. Anthony went incognito after the trial but has surfaced recently and is open for business. WFTV reported Feb. 8, that Casey Anthony started Case Photography, LLC, in January. And burning questions remain--is it too soon for America's most hated woman to come out of hiding? Is it too soon for public to forgive and forget? Has the furor which so hounded her, died down? Is it too soon for Anthony to step out from behind her anonymity to operate in so public a job as photographer? Will people forgive and forget and contract her to take their pictures? Casey Anthony, America's most hated mom, open for business: Forgive and forget? | Examiner.com

Lenten sacrifice, almsgiving service projects: Bible gospel parable math lessons

noreply@blogger.com (Marilisa) — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 01:43:00 +0000

The Catholic Christian church will enter the penitential season of Lent on Feb. 10, 2016. Ordinary time ends with Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), followed by Ash Wednesday which ushers in the Lenten season. Lenten virtues include almsgiving (donating money, acts of charity), prayer and fasting or sacrifice. Catholic Christian parents, are you looking for Lenten sacrifice, almsgiving activities or service projects for Lent? Here's one with math lessons based on the Bible gospel parable of the talents. Lenten sacrifice, almsgiving service projects: Bible gospel parable math lessons | Examiner.com

Chinese New Year of the Monkey festival games, crafts, activities for kids | Examiner.com

noreply@blogger.com (Marilisa) — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 19:21:00 +0000

Chinese New Year, also called the Spring Festival, begins late January or early February on the western calendar. CNY 2016 starts Feb. 9. It's Year of the Monkey. Here are easy, inexpensive ideas to throw a Chinese New Year festival in a school classroom or at homeschool or with your family. Sheep (goat) themed activities are included. Chinese New Year of the Monkey festival games, crafts, activities for kids | Examiner.com

Low income kids more often overweight: Childhood obesity, poverty, poor diets

noreply@blogger.com (Marilisa) — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 15:10:00 +0000

Low income kids are more often overweight than children in moderate to high income families. IANS reported Jan. 9, that childhood obesity is linked to poverty in a direct one-to-one correspondence. For every one percent drop in low income status, children and teens were 1.17 percent more likely to be overweight or obese. The University of Michigan study, published in Childhood Obesity, looked at roughly 112,000 Massachusetts students for poverty and obesity links. It correlated overall community childhood obesity rates with lower income status. It factored in family food stamps, free and reduced lunch and transitional aid eligibility. Low income kids more often overweight: Childhood obesity, poverty, poor diets | Examiner.com

Best Christmas presents for kids: Educational toys, holiday gifts for preschool children

noreply@blogger.com (Marilisa) — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 06:17:00 +0000

Do you vow every holiday season, not to go overboard shopping for Christmas presents for the children? It's easy to over-indulge, but if you're going to, at least look for bargains. Here's how to get a lot of bang in Christmas gifts, for you holiday shopping buck--buy educational toys and gifts. Here are low-cost, highly educational toys and learning Christmas presents for preschool age children. Best Christmas presents for kids: Educational toys, holiday gifts for children | Examiner.com

SeaWorld ends orca whale shows over 'Blackfish' Tilikum animal cruelty protests | Examiner.com

noreply@blogger.com (Marilisa) — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 21:17:00 +0000

In startling news, SeaWorld will end orca whale shows at its San Diego theme park. The Guardian reported on Nov. 9, that the decision came in the wake of animal cruelty protests over Tilikum and other killer whales featured in the 2013 "Blackfish" film. Dwindling admissions and sinking profit margins have left SeaWorld floundering. SeaWorld announced that the iconic killer whale shows will be phased out by 2017 and replaced by a "new orca experience" focused on natural environment of whales. 2016 will be the last year guests will see performing killer whales at San Diego SeaWorld amusement park. But ending the orca whale shows is only a ripple in the pond. SeaWorld is completely restructuring the entire venue.SeaWorld ends orca whale shows over 'Blackfish' Tilikum animal cruelty protests | Examiner.com

IHOP posted body shaming tweets: IHOP pulls still more crude breast, penis shaming tweets | Examiner.com

noreply@blogger.com (Marilisa) — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 19:30:00 +0000

Pancake purveyor IHOP tried to be IHIP but ended up being IFLOP. The famous breakfast chain IHOP posted body shaming tweets at men and women, reported the Daily Meal on MSN, Oct. 20. One of the tweets showed poked fun at small-chested women. It compared a stack pancakes to breasts with the quip "flat but has GREAT personality." Actually what fell flat was IHOP's body shaming joke. Then IHOP took tweet pot shots at men showing a pile of little cocktail wiener sausages with the facepalm comment "small but knows how to use it" (permission to cringe!)IHOP posted body shaming tweets: IHOP pulls crude breast, penis shaming tweets | Examiner.com

President Obama demands stricter gun control laws in Oregon shooting at Umpqua Community College

noreply@blogger.com (Marilisa) — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 21:54:00 +0000

A school shooting left 10 dead and 7 wounded at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon, reported the Oregonian on Oct. 1. Addressing the nation on this horrific mass slaying, President Obama called for tighter gun regulations. In fact, he didn't just ask, Obama demanded stricter gun control laws after the Oregon college shooting, The Commander-in-Chief was clearly pained and angered at having to speak on yet another mass slaying. Right wing gun rights advocates called the president's words objectionable and accused him of using a tragedy to further political agenda. President Obama demands stricter gun control laws in Oregon shooting at Umpqua

Free printable September 11 lesson plans, 9/11 social studies printables

noreply@blogger.com (Marilisa) — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 16:13:00 +0000

As Britain commemorates Guy Fawkes Day on November 5, Americans "remember, remember the 11th of September." On the 14th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, how can we commemorate in a proactive way? A nonprofit called My Good Deed, suggests making it a National Day of Service and Remembrance reports the International Business Times. But how do you teach children why September 11 is so important? How do you explain what happened to the World Trade Center, Flight 93 and Pentagon? How can you help them understand war, violence and terrorism? Here are free printable September 11 lesson plans to help. Free printable September 11 lesson plans, 9/11 social studies printables - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

Republicans Todd Courser, Cindy Gamrat hid affair behind gay hookup they eschew

noreply@blogger.com (Marilisa) — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 23:51:00 +0000

Two Michigan Republican Tea Party members may win the title for biggest hypocrites. Michigan representatives Todd Courser and Cindy Gamrat hid their extramarital affair behind the gay hookup Courser supposedly had with a male prostitute, reported the Grand Haven Tribune on August 19. The staunch conservatives both eschew LGBT issues and have pushed for Bible-based values--gays not included--in Michigan law. So they pontificate against homosexuality, yet Courser used it to his own ends when he needs it. Facepalm! Both representatives want to see extremist rightist Christian morality at the forefront of political agenda all the while carrying on a relationship that is 50 shades of immoral in Christian teaching, and actually kinda immoral in most all ideologies! Double facepalm!! Republicans Todd Courser, Cindy Gamrat hid affair as the gay hookup they eschew

Dellarontay Readus gets in to all Ivy Leagues, needs college money to bury mom

noreply@blogger.com (Marilisa) — Fri, 14 Aug 2015 16:41:00 +0000

You can't listen to Dellarontay Readus talk about his mother's death without crying. WREG told the story of the teen who got in to all 8 ivy league colleges who now needs his college money to bury his mom, on August 12. Actually WREG has been following Readus's star ascendant and he's touched a lot of people. Readus's mother Lynn Readus, who struggled with heart and stomach problems, got to see her boy graduate. She was able to witness him get a 31 on his college placement exams. But she won't get to see her boy go to Stanford, the school he selected after offers from Princeton, Yale, Harvard and others.Dellarontay Readus gets in to all Ivy Leagues, needs college money to bury mom - Grand Rapids News | Examiner.com

Drone drops drugs in prison yard, eggs on jailbird fight in Ohio - Grand Rapids News | Examiner.com

noreply@blogger.com (Marilisa) — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 23:58:00 +0000

You can't make this stuff up. A drone drops drugs in a prison yard and said package eggs on a jailbird fight in Ohio, reports the Associated Press on August 4. Inmates were outside taking in a little exercise at Mansfield Correctional Institution (MANCI) when a trove of narcotics rained from the sky. The parcel contained a quarter bag of heroin, 2 ounces of pot and 5 ounces of tobacco. Drone drops drugs in prison yard, eggs on jailbird fight in Ohio - Grand Rapids News | Examiner.com