tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post4226266508064842931..comments2024-03-15T23:39:29.134-08:00Comments on Scribbit | Motherhood in Alaska: Following UpScribbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178711182424809035noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-30788025582389511622009-12-11T20:23:51.789-09:002009-12-11T20:23:51.789-09:00Blogrant. You go girl. I'm 100% behind you. ...Blogrant. You go girl. I'm 100% behind you. Those are my grandchildren you're talkin' about. They deserve better than DVD's...they need to read and have discussions. Sounds like lazy teachers.!!!!2xmom10xgmahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10693560491662740789noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-35506842982931179542009-12-08T10:04:44.224-09:002009-12-08T10:04:44.224-09:00One point I'd like to bring up as a former tea...One point I'd like to bring up as a former teacher is not just that it is tough to get kids to pay attention right before break (which it is, but heck--that's the teacher's *job*) but that it is actually impossible to have students pay attention who are not present.<br /><br />If you teach when a large number are absent, then you get complaints about them missing vital learning and information. If you re-teach everything when they return, the kids who were there (often the kids who don't need the extra reinforcement) complain about that.<br /><br />At any rate, teachers need to be more creative than just showing an entire movie for weeks on ends. So I agree with you there.<br /><br />I used to show short clips, followed by discussions.<br /><br />The silent film in German class? That's the one I would have been calling about.Candace Aprilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05888447703056321730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-17533748976575689482009-12-05T17:37:53.721-09:002009-12-05T17:37:53.721-09:00Just wondering... if Pepsi put it together, then d...Just wondering... if Pepsi put it together, then does that mean they're also showing Pepsi advertising before it? Because that's an entirely different issue...Unplanned Cookinghttp://www.unplannedcooking.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-3877628302985962862009-12-05T08:58:10.749-09:002009-12-05T08:58:10.749-09:00It was good that you voiced your opinion, which I ...It was good that you voiced your opinion, which I happen to agree with. 3 days for TV is a waste of time!adriannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-14922478804072520192009-12-01T21:09:49.293-09:002009-12-01T21:09:49.293-09:00I can relate to being non-confrontational. It prob...I can relate to being non-confrontational. It probably wasn't easy taking your concerns to the principal, but it probably made an impression on your daughter--speak out when you don't think something is right. That's a valuable lesson right there. <br /><br />I think you are absolutely right on with your epiphany. Frightening and sobering, but has always been true.Sonjahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08693007110690293244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-74480682915307140082009-12-01T18:36:06.314-09:002009-12-01T18:36:06.314-09:00My husband shows the version of "Glory" ...My husband shows the version of "Glory" that was made especially for educators, and it actually is heavily censored, though students are still shocked when they hear racial slurs being used. Most of those edited-for-educator movies are sponsored by some big company because studios won't do it for free. I even showed a Romeo & Juliet version that was sponsored by Exxon (I have no idea why Big Oil is interested in Shakespeare, but whatever).<br /><br />I think one reason why teachers resort to films (particularly of the Hollywood version) is because they have a lot of student learning levels to accommodate for. I'd like to watch the Ken Burns documentary, but plenty of students wouldn't stay awake for it.<br /><br />That said, I'm not a huge fan of excessive movie watching in place of teaching. My husband usually goes the route of showing it after school for extra credit and most students show up.<br /><br />The shirtless thing, however, is very creepy and someone in the teachers' union should be notified. That is totally inappropriate.<br /><br />Most of all, though, I'm sorry your principal didn't seem to take you seriously. That's very frustrating.Stephaniehttp://www.creaturebug.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-16918781900065913552009-12-01T16:18:18.350-09:002009-12-01T16:18:18.350-09:00LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From an ex-high school tea...LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />From an ex-high school teacher, I Love The Recorded Message!!Cherihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17257167943852259844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-63727431468757589592009-12-01T05:06:41.032-09:002009-12-01T05:06:41.032-09:00My daughter started middle school this year, and h...My daughter started middle school this year, and has a teacher whose mentality matches that of her 13 year old students. She recently had some cosmetic surgery and now has "new boobies". That is now the big distraction in her class. When she returned to school after her recovery, she stood in front of the class, stuck out her "new" chest and exclaimed "Well, how do you like them?". Really? Are you serious?<br />My daughter, who almost always has A's and the occasional B, came home with a C in this class. Before I could panic too much, my daughter said, "Read the note on the back first". The teacher had written "She should not have a C in my class, I need to check, because I think I have entered some grades wrong". Well maybe if she weren't so worried about about her new boobies, she could keep everything straight. My daughter continues to do poorly in her class and I am very concerned. I don't like confrontations and often get the same reactions from school officials like the one you got. They seem very un-concerned about thier teachers, and assume everything they do is great. Well things are not so great and that's something I have to deal with before her grades tank this semester. Aaargh!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-17255336689721825912009-12-01T04:53:47.449-09:002009-12-01T04:53:47.449-09:00I am not surprised in the least at the response of...I am not surprised in the least at the response of this principal. Society has become so compliant as to what is and isn't acceptable. I think they send notes home or pretend like they care (when the could give a fig) only because they're required to.<br /><br />I think in this day and age it's more rare to find a teacher who cares about a parents concerns. I think their thought is, "It's a rated 'R' movie, what's the big deal," because many parents feel the same way.<br /><br />That doesn't mean it's ok, just another sign of the enemy. Our children are being desensitized on every front. It's very sad.<br /><br />I have to admit, I'm one of those parents who calls in and tells them exactly how I feel, or send a pretty scathing email. I can get pretty ugly when I think something I believe is "wrong" is happening with one of my kids. I know I may not be a great example of Christ in those situations, but I try to be as humble as possible.<br /><br />As for the Pepsi connection, that certainly wasn't encouraging to know they're the ones who decided what was appropriate or not for a teen to view! Sigh...<br /><br />I loved that YouTube video!! Nice find.Mimi Nhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16860967608697974293noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-33134568297017457342009-12-01T01:15:34.601-09:002009-12-01T01:15:34.601-09:00Makes you wonder what teachers used to do before t...Makes you wonder what teachers used to do before the days of dvds and videos in the classroom.... not to mention the days before everyone wants their 'reality fame' by sharing too much information (tattoos, really?!?).<br /><br />Teach, perhaps?<br /><br />sighewe are herehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13339650361453626546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-78145394105360967102009-11-30T20:05:33.207-09:002009-11-30T20:05:33.207-09:00Not sure if this makes you feel any better, but by...Not sure if this makes you feel any better, but by the time my 4th child entered Kindergarten (I now have 3 children in the same elementary school and one in high school), the principal would see me walking down the hallway and ask, "Is something wrong? Do you need to see me?" <br /><br />I don't like confrontation either, but if we don't speak up, who will? I don't mind having the reputation that if something doesn't feel right, I'm happy to address it with the proper "authority" whether that is the teacher or the principal. In fact, I had the very conversation last year that you have had recently re: tv watching in class. I was told all of the teachers were reminded at a faculty meeting about recommended television viewing for youngsters, etc., yet the very next day, I entered my daughter's classroom and saw that they were watching tv - again. For now, I scope out the best elementary teachers and request them for my children. So far, I haven't been turned down. You know what they say about the squeaky wheel. Unfortunately, it's not as easy with middle and high school teachers. I feel your pain.Kellihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13278967001162213182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-70946648553541896752009-11-30T19:40:31.359-09:002009-11-30T19:40:31.359-09:00I'm totally disgusted after reading that. Scr...I'm totally disgusted after reading that. Scribbit, please, please, please, remember that you are you're best child's advocate. Don't EVER feel afraid about confronting the teachers and admin.. It's awful that they have your kids watch all that tv, r-rated or not. I'm sick to my stomach. And ps: including the you tube clip. You didn't need to do that to show teachers that you have no bad feelings towards them. We know they work hard and are underpaid, but not ALL teachers work hard. There are a lot of losers in that profession like all others. Keep doing what your doing, you have my support.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07791830953279465128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-24855009226529606432009-11-30T19:40:13.087-09:002009-11-30T19:40:13.087-09:00I think I'd probably take it a step further (a...I think I'd probably take it a step further (at least on the shirtless wonder dude) and go to the district. Write up your concerns in a letter and ask for a response as well to have your letter them to placed in the teacher's file.<br /><br />This way you are taken seriously and not swatted at like a pesky fly. But then I'm used to a more direct approach when dealing with the school system.Mrs. Ohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14159440829600935461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-61422579662902624072009-11-30T18:40:31.804-09:002009-11-30T18:40:31.804-09:00My US History class watched Glory when I was in hi...My US History class watched Glory when I was in high school and I thought it was an interesting follow up to the material we had already learned, which was pretty intense anyway because it was an AP class. And we didn't watch it until after the AP test was over, but there was still some time left in the school year.<br /><br />I'd be more concerned about the teacher showing off his tats and bragging about drinking. Perhaps he thinks it makes him cooler to his students, but it's NOT appropriate. And it reminds me of some of the inappropriate teachers I had in high school--one of whom was later busted for child pornography on his home computer.Kayrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15397302130308197831noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-34140291925915272352009-11-30T18:20:20.373-09:002009-11-30T18:20:20.373-09:00When I was in High School, my American History tea...When I was in High School, my American History teacher showed us a ton of movies. BUT, instead of taking school time to do it, we had special movie nights on Thursday nights. It was neat and I remember learning a lot from that class (not just from the movies) This teacher was also a state legislator so this brought a neat view into all the history that he taught.....and he was the owner of the local ice cream shop, so he'd bring ice cream to the movie nights!Gingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03461120126921851679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-40476985758108415752009-11-30T15:49:07.705-09:002009-11-30T15:49:07.705-09:00I'm glad you addressed the issue directly with...I'm glad you addressed the issue directly with the principal. I hope you feel a little better about Glory, in any case. Sometimes a movie is a good teaching tool, but too much of it isn't the best teaching technique.Daisyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11647906900944224234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-60529306499852204572009-11-30T15:21:42.928-09:002009-11-30T15:21:42.928-09:00I teach. I show movies maybe 3 times a year: edu...I teach. I show movies maybe 3 times a year: educational stuff that fits with the current unit of study and is no longer than 15-20 minutes, one for the day Winter Break starts, and one for the day Summer break starts. It is so hard to cater to all the parent's desires for what is/isn't appropriate for their child, but there are certainly school guidelines that I have to follow. I wish more parents would call me and express their beliefs. I often end up relying on the kids who suddenly say, "Oh, I'm not allowed to have/watch that!" I admire the child for speaking up, but we could have avoided the situation entirely if the parent had called me in September to say, "You know, I really object to my child seeing PG movies. We only allow G." Then, even though PG is allowed for students in my class (grades 3 and 4) I would avoid showing them that year. <br /><br />Having taught with some less-than-stellar teachers, I wish more parents would call them on their bad teaching. The truth is, you might not be getting the whole story from you child (especially if they are in elementary school) and the teacher could clear it up. OR, you could be getting the whole story and your call might put the teacher on alert that he/she better straighten up.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-73005526342236885962009-11-30T14:28:12.184-09:002009-11-30T14:28:12.184-09:00That video was hilarious - thanks for sharing. I&...That video was hilarious - thanks for sharing. I'm still totally appalled by the amount of TV being shown in the school, and I know it's not just limited to your daughter's high school. There is entirely too much wasted time in public schools, and this is why I hope to homeschool my children - much more efficient, and actual learning can take place!Carriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10702958291049563341noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-32773316308104707352009-11-30T13:47:40.571-09:002009-11-30T13:47:40.571-09:00Do you want to come and teach my daughter German? ...Do you want to come and teach my daughter German? :)<br /><br />I don't like the notebook thing either. What Grace has said too is that she's seen kids vandalizing the computers in the lab. They have so much and care so little for public property they'll rip out parts and cause all sorts of problems. They've finally installed video cameras in teh lab to catch them. <br /><br />At least that's what she's said. What a waste of money.Scribbithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03178711182424809035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-57226695767386447012009-11-30T13:37:54.902-09:002009-11-30T13:37:54.902-09:00As an ex-HS German teacher, I would have to say th...As an ex-HS German teacher, I would have to say that I'm a bit jealous of all those movies. I have a ton of German DVDs, but the times the students watched anything were few and far between. I have a friend (also a German teacher) who has the students watch a few DVDs - but for each one, she's created a unit plan to go with it. So they have grammar worksheets, writing assignments, role-plays, etc that go along with the movie. Not a bad idea...<br /><br />Which brings up another beef I have - the HS kids here ALL just got Netbooks and they are planning to distribute them to all the middle school students next year! Call me old school, but I'm not a fan of an entirely computer based education and hate that all the girls in my church's youth group talk about hacking the school's wireless network/filters and getting on the internet whenever they want with their school-issued laptops!!<br /><br />As an educator, I understand the limitations. It can be a thankless job and I understand that students are lazy and disrespectful enough to make you cry. But I feel like the kids get enough technology thrown at them everywhere, they don't need to have laptops and movies all day at school...<br /><br />I wanted to comment on your last post too. I'm with you on this. So there's my two cents (well, more like thirty cents...)dieMuttihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14245417518531262072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-630285898091441042009-11-30T13:02:58.819-09:002009-11-30T13:02:58.819-09:00The only way I've ever seen Glory is through s...The only way I've ever seen Glory is through school. I saw it once in seventh grade and once in high school. That made me laugh, especially imagining scenes with Pepsi logos superimposed in the backgrounds.Lorihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04503404052538005760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-40655894057012332932009-11-30T12:25:43.521-09:002009-11-30T12:25:43.521-09:00Erin--thanks for the question. I'll try to mak...Erin--thanks for the question. I'll try to make an intelligent answer here.<br /><br />I have never thought that the No Child Left Behind legislation was good. Now I'll say here that I don't have much experience with it myself, not being in education, but everything I've heard says that it's a sloppy piece of work that is ambiguous, difficult to enforce, irritating to educators and does nothing to really improve education. <br /><br />So I don't agree with it. <br /><br />I do tend to be conservative in my voting habits and views but I was not impressed when that went into play.<br /><br />Do I think that funding schools more is the answer? Nope. Actually, Alaska teachers are some of the highest paid in the nation and if you saw Anchorage schools you'd generally think they'd be up to date and in good shape. Giving money for the latest computer lab or for more field trips or for fancier books really doesn't address the process of learning at all.<br /><br />For what my total outsiders' opinion is worth (and this is just an opinion here) if I were to try and change education I'd consider things like going to a year-long school year, having more traditional things such as school uniforms become policy, and I would definitely support school vouchers. I would even say that privatizing the whole educational system would get my vote, turn it out into the market and let our freemarket economy do its thing.<br /><br />Why shouldn't the K-12 system be like the university system? Private schools, some state schools. I had some interesting whacked out teachers in college but they weren't lazy. They might have been way out there with their beliefs but they worked hard to teach. <br /><br />So there, I've said it. <br /><br />Apparently I'm a closet libertarian or something :)Scribbithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03178711182424809035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-73550787831239311662009-11-30T11:59:48.377-09:002009-11-30T11:59:48.377-09:00I guess my question is this and it is concerning t...I guess my question is this and it is concerning the remark you made in your last post when you used the public school system as a means to question a federally funded health care system (I'm totally paraphrasing). <br /><br />You mention very specific books and ideas for classrooms but where does the school get the money to SUPPLY those books and learning materials? Who pays for the materials needed for chemistry experiments? Who buys the 120 copies of a single book to hand out to the kids because the teacher has 4 classes of 30 students all reading the same book at the same time? (Books especially, have a tendency to "walk away" from schools and are easily damaged so every couple of years the books would have to be replaced). Who pays for lab equipment or for the animals to be dissected in the lab (or the computer program that duplicates the dissection)? Why pays for up to date textbooks so that the kids don't have to use books written in the 70s? Heck, who buys the copy paper needed for all of those tests?<br /><br />I agree that schools are starting to kind of "fall down" especially since so many teachers are forced to teach to a test to keep the funding coming in to a school (a test that, I've heard so don't tar and feather me here, values Stephen King's "It" over "The Cherry Orchard" because "It" has more pages to read). <br /><br />I think its dangerous when legislators who do not have a lick of experience in a real school setting set the rules over what should or should not be taught in school systems but I also think it isn't the most enlightened thing ever to complain about a lack of teaching in a poorly funded program. Your teachers might be some of the highest paid but what about the rest of the system? Do those teachers truly have the materials they need to do the teaching you want them to do? <br /><br />And if they don't, and you are so against a federal health care option, does that mean that you are against putting more funding into the public school system that your children use? That sounds really pointed but I'm honestly curious. :) (see a smiley to show I'm trying not to be as "in your face" as these words sound)Erinhttp://www.snarke.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-5613807200478318622009-11-30T11:55:25.185-09:002009-11-30T11:55:25.185-09:00The most heartening thing that an educator ever sa...The most heartening thing that an educator ever said to me (while I was in her office with a concern) was that it was my job to advocate for my child whether or not we were in agreement. Keep up the good parenting and hopefully if we all do our part we can make a difference.Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17196355548523049683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-70938450857691810672009-11-30T11:08:23.133-09:002009-11-30T11:08:23.133-09:00I guess that since you went to the top and got no ...I guess that since you went to the top and got no real satisfaction, if I were you I would bring it up with the PTA. They usually carry some weight with the administration, and perhaps they could start a survey to be sent to all teachers about what movies/tv shows they plan to show for the school year, and what options they have on hold if someone is ill. If nothing else, maybe they'll pick more appropriate movies for the subs to show.<br /><br />I think if the administration were to see how much of this is actually going on, they might get a bit involved. Maybe.Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00653383372182667361noreply@blogger.com