You have to pick your battles.
The wonderful humid weather did a number on Brynn's hair - actually I think it is exponentially larger than before. It's late and I think she's in her room almost asleep, but when I look closer, I see that the bed is empty. I follow the sound of the music on the radio and it leads me to my bathroom, my almost 12 year old, and my flat iron.
"Brynn, it's late and you have school tomorrow." I say (can you hear the annoyed tone in my voice?)
"I know mom. If I'm tired tomorrow, it's my problem."
Couldn't really say anything after that. I've worked hard to give my children age appropriate choices throughout their lives. This means, however that you have to really let them decide . . . . and live with the consequences.
When Brynn was little, we went to visit my brother in San Marcos. It was a cold, rainy fall day and we were headed out to lunch. Brynn had decided to wear her bathing suit that day. Yes, her bathing suit. I thought about it - will she be in danger if I let her wear her suit? Will this harm her in any way? No. . . so I chose logical consequence instead of battle. I'm sure she'll be cold and change her mind at any moment.
So we start driving, and my daughter is wearing a bathing suit. Of course, I brought real clothes just in case she changed her mind - which I thought would happen in the 45 minute drive up I35. . .
Nope.
OK, we're getting out of the car and it's windy and cold. Now, I thought, she'll want to wear clothes.
Nope.
You should have seen the looks I got from the people in the restaurant. There sits my adorable red headed daughter, enjoying her delicious lunch - wearing her bathing suit. It's a bit drafty in the restaurant - will she put on her shirt?
Nope.
We're back outside, it's still cold and windy, Brynn is still in her bathing suit. We drive to the outlet mall and then . . . . . . . in the Osh Kosh store. . . . . and the sweetest little voice says,
"Mommy, I'm cold. Can I put my clothes on?"
"Sure, let me help you!"
It was her choice and she decided for herself.
I'll take a little embarrassment over a battle any day.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
A Book
We're sitting at the dining room table (yes, homework again...).
"Is this a good book?" the boy asks.
(he's holding Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein - a book left on the table from a previous night of, you guessed it. . . homework)
"It's a book of poetry." I answer. "It's really funny. You should read some of them."
He flips through some of the pages. Of course, one of the wonderful drawings catches his eye. How could it not! He reads "Lazy Jane" and giggles.
One poem read silently turns into at least fifteen poems read aloud.
taking turns......laughing......discovering......sharing.......smiling
parent, child, and
a book.
"Is this a good book?" the boy asks.
(he's holding Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein - a book left on the table from a previous night of, you guessed it. . . homework)
"It's a book of poetry." I answer. "It's really funny. You should read some of them."
He flips through some of the pages. Of course, one of the wonderful drawings catches his eye. How could it not! He reads "Lazy Jane" and giggles.
One poem read silently turns into at least fifteen poems read aloud.
taking turns......laughing......discovering......sharing.......smiling
parent, child, and
a book.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Parents
I got to go back to middle school tonight. You know, the meet the teacher, 10 minutes per class open house. I started thinking about how crazy it is that my child spends all day with these people I don't know and I'm not there. Of course, she is in middle school - this is when it's supposed to happen. I started having flashbacks to our special time together when she was 4 years old and I took her to Yamaha class - JMC Book 1 - Saturdays at 8:30AM!!!
I feel so lucky to not only teach young children, but help cultivate the special relationship of parent and child. It seems that many other activities the parent is simply an observer, but in Yamaha classes, they are a vital part of our program. Because our students are so young, the parent must attend class so they can help reinforce the class activities at home. Parents do every activity with the child in class - sing, play, create, dance, and have fun. (ok - sometimes they complain a little about the dancing. . . )
The parent-child relationship is the core of a young child's world - and making music together strengthens it. I can't tell you how many times a parent has brought their child to music class because it's something they have always wanted to do themselves - and they get to share it with their child.
I can't think of a better way to spend an hour a week :-)
I feel so lucky to not only teach young children, but help cultivate the special relationship of parent and child. It seems that many other activities the parent is simply an observer, but in Yamaha classes, they are a vital part of our program. Because our students are so young, the parent must attend class so they can help reinforce the class activities at home. Parents do every activity with the child in class - sing, play, create, dance, and have fun. (ok - sometimes they complain a little about the dancing. . . )
The parent-child relationship is the core of a young child's world - and making music together strengthens it. I can't tell you how many times a parent has brought their child to music class because it's something they have always wanted to do themselves - and they get to share it with their child.
I can't think of a better way to spend an hour a week :-)
Monday, September 10, 2012
All About Keyboards
It was in 1887 when Torakusu Yamaha made his first reed organ. (Click for more info!) When I took Yamaha as a child in the 70s, we actually played on reed organs like this one!
Times have changed! Once a student is enrolled in the Junior Music Course or Young Musicians Course, they must have a keyboard or a piano to practice on at home. Portable keyboards are fine for the first year or two of classes, but you will need to upgrade for your child to progress to their full potential. The portable keyboards we use in class are not available for purchase, but here are some tips for finding the best instrument for your child.
1. Keys must be full sized with a minimum of 49 keys.
Notice how the keys on the organ above seem small - they are! If a child practices on a keyboard with smaller keys, they will learn an incorrect hand position.
2. Piano/keyboard must play the correct pitches.
This is one benefit to using electronic instruments. They never need tuning and are set to the correct pitch. Pianos should ideally be tuned every 6 months-1 year. In order for your child to confirm and solidify their ear training, the pitch must be A440. Basically, if they play middle Do (C) along with the CD, it should match!
3. The piano or keyboard should be YAMAHA!
This is not a requirement, but a very high recommendation! We have compared other brands and there's no comparison. Yamaha produces high quality instruments that are innovative and beautiful - to listen to and look at!
4. The instrument must be at a proper height.
Students should be able to sit comfortably at the instrument. They should not be reaching up to the keys, nor should they be hovering over them. A sturdy keyboard stand and bench are recommended. Typically, portable keyboards do not come with a stand or a bench.
Some higher priced digital pianos come with their own stand.
4. I have a piano - will that be ok?
Yes - assuming that it is in tune and all the keys work. Sometimes, however, it is very difficult for a small child (ages 4-6) to physically push the piano keys. This sometimes can create an undesirable finger and hand position. If you do choose a portable keyboard to start on, you will need to upgrade sometime during the 2nd or 3rd year of curriculum.
Still have questions? We are having a special Instrument Petting Zoo at our Family Fun Fest on Friday, September 14th from 6-8pm. Our friends at Alamo Music Center will be there to answer any questions you might have and give you a chance to compare the different types of keyboards available (weighted keys. touch sensitivity, etc.)
If anyone wants to buy me an instrument - this is the one I would like :-)
Times have changed! Once a student is enrolled in the Junior Music Course or Young Musicians Course, they must have a keyboard or a piano to practice on at home. Portable keyboards are fine for the first year or two of classes, but you will need to upgrade for your child to progress to their full potential. The portable keyboards we use in class are not available for purchase, but here are some tips for finding the best instrument for your child.
1. Keys must be full sized with a minimum of 49 keys.
Notice how the keys on the organ above seem small - they are! If a child practices on a keyboard with smaller keys, they will learn an incorrect hand position.
2. Piano/keyboard must play the correct pitches.
This is one benefit to using electronic instruments. They never need tuning and are set to the correct pitch. Pianos should ideally be tuned every 6 months-1 year. In order for your child to confirm and solidify their ear training, the pitch must be A440. Basically, if they play middle Do (C) along with the CD, it should match!
3. The piano or keyboard should be YAMAHA!
This is not a requirement, but a very high recommendation! We have compared other brands and there's no comparison. Yamaha produces high quality instruments that are innovative and beautiful - to listen to and look at!
Students should be able to sit comfortably at the instrument. They should not be reaching up to the keys, nor should they be hovering over them. A sturdy keyboard stand and bench are recommended. Typically, portable keyboards do not come with a stand or a bench.
Some higher priced digital pianos come with their own stand.
4. I have a piano - will that be ok?
Yes - assuming that it is in tune and all the keys work. Sometimes, however, it is very difficult for a small child (ages 4-6) to physically push the piano keys. This sometimes can create an undesirable finger and hand position. If you do choose a portable keyboard to start on, you will need to upgrade sometime during the 2nd or 3rd year of curriculum.
Still have questions? We are having a special Instrument Petting Zoo at our Family Fun Fest on Friday, September 14th from 6-8pm. Our friends at Alamo Music Center will be there to answer any questions you might have and give you a chance to compare the different types of keyboards available (weighted keys. touch sensitivity, etc.)
If anyone wants to buy me an instrument - this is the one I would like :-)
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Homework
It's Sunday night.
We had a fun day at a swimming party for my brother's birthday.
Now. . . . it's homework time.
Didn't I already pass 4th and 6th grade?
Yes. Yes I did - and I did very well, thank you very much.
I am a teacher, and yes, I give homework. But, I only spend one hour a week with them - so it seems completely reasonable that they would need to practice something before their next class. I only expect a student to spend maybe 10-15 minutes every other day. Of course, as their songs become longer and more difficult, they will need to practice longer.
What I don't understand is the amount of homework children get from schools and teachers that spend over 7 hours with them Monday - Friday.
I know that many people may argue that homework teaches discipline and responsibility, but I think that a child's time after school would be better spent outside playing with friends and family.
I encourage you to go visit this website:
http://www.thecaseagainsthomework.com/
or this one too :
http://www.alfiekohn.org/books/hm.htm
Take it a step further - talk to the teachers, talk to the administrators, talk to the school district.
That's all I have to say about that. (sorry. . . I watched Forrest Gump with my kids last night :-) on VHS!)
We had a fun day at a swimming party for my brother's birthday.
Now. . . . it's homework time.
Didn't I already pass 4th and 6th grade?
Yes. Yes I did - and I did very well, thank you very much.
I am a teacher, and yes, I give homework. But, I only spend one hour a week with them - so it seems completely reasonable that they would need to practice something before their next class. I only expect a student to spend maybe 10-15 minutes every other day. Of course, as their songs become longer and more difficult, they will need to practice longer.
What I don't understand is the amount of homework children get from schools and teachers that spend over 7 hours with them Monday - Friday.
I know that many people may argue that homework teaches discipline and responsibility, but I think that a child's time after school would be better spent outside playing with friends and family.
I encourage you to go visit this website:
http://www.thecaseagainsthomework.com/
or this one too :
http://www.alfiekohn.org/books/hm.htm
Take it a step further - talk to the teachers, talk to the administrators, talk to the school district.
That's all I have to say about that. (sorry. . . I watched Forrest Gump with my kids last night :-) on VHS!)
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Just One Week!
I am thoroughly enjoying my new Music Wonderland classes (for 3 year-olds). I have to tell you, thought, that the first week is really rough. I have to work so very hard to try to keep these adorable little kids interested for 45 minutes. The first class always seems so long and they get really tired, mainly because of how hard their little brains and ears are listening. You see, at this first class, absolutely everything they hear in class is brand new and they are trying to absorb every tiny sound they hear.
So after this first class, not only am I exhausted, but I'm also a bit worried -
will they be able to do it?
will they remember?
The parents and children go home and they listen to their CD and the next week in class - it's like a whole different class. You would think I wouldn't be surprised since I have seen this happen in many classes before, but every time, I'm completely amazed. They remember so much and are so focused in class. Usually a parent comments about what parts the child talked about during the week - remembering details from a particular song.
When my daughter was three, the US did not have the Music Wonderland course yet. My son was lucky - he was in the very first Music Wonderland class in the US. Both of my children are excellent musicians, but sometimes I see something in my son - almost a sparkle of knowledge - like he knows what he hears is special. He has started to notice that some of his friends don't hear music the same way he does. He was telling me about singing with other kids and he said :
"I can sing on pitch and know when the notes are right. You know, how the music gets in my head and then it's stuck there and I know all the notes?"
That's Music Wonderland at work! (7 years later!!!)
So after this first class, not only am I exhausted, but I'm also a bit worried -
will they be able to do it?
will they remember?
The parents and children go home and they listen to their CD and the next week in class - it's like a whole different class. You would think I wouldn't be surprised since I have seen this happen in many classes before, but every time, I'm completely amazed. They remember so much and are so focused in class. Usually a parent comments about what parts the child talked about during the week - remembering details from a particular song.
When my daughter was three, the US did not have the Music Wonderland course yet. My son was lucky - he was in the very first Music Wonderland class in the US. Both of my children are excellent musicians, but sometimes I see something in my son - almost a sparkle of knowledge - like he knows what he hears is special. He has started to notice that some of his friends don't hear music the same way he does. He was telling me about singing with other kids and he said :
"I can sing on pitch and know when the notes are right. You know, how the music gets in my head and then it's stuck there and I know all the notes?"
That's Music Wonderland at work! (7 years later!!!)
Friday, September 7, 2012
Boring recitals
We saw the movie The Strange Life of Timothy Green this afternoon. There was one funny scene where the main characters have to attend an annual musical concert put on by her sister and her family. They are set up in their living room :
the perfect mom at the piano
the three children playing the cello, bassoon, and flute
and my favorite - the dad playing. . . handbells!
Sitting cramped on the other side of the room are the family and friends who obviously don't want to be there. Of course, I thought this was funny and I know everyone identifies with this situation. But then I was wondered - is this what people feel when they are at one of my recitals or concerts?
What makes a recital boring? Hmm.....
You don't know anyone on stage performing
It's so much more fun to see someone you know - and it means a lot to the performer too!
You don't know any of the songs
The music is really slow
the perfect mom at the piano
the three children playing the cello, bassoon, and flute
and my favorite - the dad playing. . . handbells!
Sitting cramped on the other side of the room are the family and friends who obviously don't want to be there. Of course, I thought this was funny and I know everyone identifies with this situation. But then I was wondered - is this what people feel when they are at one of my recitals or concerts?
What makes a recital boring? Hmm.....
You don't know anyone on stage performing
It's so much more fun to see someone you know - and it means a lot to the performer too!
You don't know any of the songs
This is especially true for popular music. Usually when someone goes on tour, they have just released a new album. I always hate if I don't know any of the new songs!
It's really long
Any concert, no matter how wonderful it is, can get boring when it goes on forever!
The music is really slow
Maybe I'm thinking sleepy - for me, I'm thinking about those slow movements of some orchestral piece.....and it's dark. . . . .
They're singing in another language
It's so hard to enjoy something you don't understand. I always felt operas were boring until I saw the Austin Lyric Opera with supertitles!!! Supertitles are carefully choreographed translations that are displayed on a screen above the stage. What a wonderful invention!
You were forced to go and really don't want to be there.
I want to know - what makes recitals really special to you? Are there certain types of concerts that you always enjoy? Never enjoy? How often do you attend recitals? Do you seek them out? Do you make your kids go to concerts? Did your parents make you??
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Monkey/Ape Child
My son has an artisan type personality (monkey!). I always joke that it would be pretty boring around our house if he wasn't around. I can still see him as a toddler, standing on tip toe, reaching for the front door handle - all he wanted to do was go outside, because it's an adventure! Artisans want to enjoy every moment of their life!
Wouldn't you know it, tonight as I was talking on the phone about what I was going to write on this very blog post, Steven was demanding my attention. I'm sure you've experienced this. You are in a completely separate room doing something by yourself. Last check, your artisan child was busy doing something somewhere else. Somehow they have this sixth sense that tells them that you are not paying attention to them. He comes and stands right next to me - of course arms and shoulders touching me - holding his science notebook and pencil, and of course talking non-stop about who knows what, but it's so important that he has to tell me right now while I'm on the phone.
I try to ignore him - he'll get the hint, right?
No, then, somehow there happens to be a bicycle bell within his reach and, you guessed it, he starts to ring it......and ring it.....until I hang up the phone and take it away.
He won.
I have to thank him, though. He managed to demonstrate so many of the artisan/monkey misbehaviors wrapped in one little two minute package.
So often, the mistaken goal of these artisans is they are seeking revenge. This of course can bring out the impatient and critical parent that will just make matters worse. There are many other ways to deal with these busy artisans.
The most important thing is to accept that they need independence. That truly motivates them and they will always decide what they want to do and stop at nothing to get it.
I'm sure you guardian/bear type parents are thinking "But they just have to do what I tell them." But remember, they are not motivated the same way you are. They don't just follow the rules because they are supposed to - they're different!
The choice is yours. You have to think differently about how to approach the situation. Maybe you have something very important to do and your child wants to do something else. Instead of getting more and more irritated with them since they won't leave you alone, you might say something like : "OK. I know you really want ______ right now, so how about we do that, but after we're done, you owe me 30 minutes of quiet so I can get this finished."
I can't tell you how many times this has worked with my child and many of my students. Rewards and gifts also motivate the artisan child.
More tomorrow!!!
Wouldn't you know it, tonight as I was talking on the phone about what I was going to write on this very blog post, Steven was demanding my attention. I'm sure you've experienced this. You are in a completely separate room doing something by yourself. Last check, your artisan child was busy doing something somewhere else. Somehow they have this sixth sense that tells them that you are not paying attention to them. He comes and stands right next to me - of course arms and shoulders touching me - holding his science notebook and pencil, and of course talking non-stop about who knows what, but it's so important that he has to tell me right now while I'm on the phone.
I try to ignore him - he'll get the hint, right?
No, then, somehow there happens to be a bicycle bell within his reach and, you guessed it, he starts to ring it......and ring it.....until I hang up the phone and take it away.
He won.
I have to thank him, though. He managed to demonstrate so many of the artisan/monkey misbehaviors wrapped in one little two minute package.
So often, the mistaken goal of these artisans is they are seeking revenge. This of course can bring out the impatient and critical parent that will just make matters worse. There are many other ways to deal with these busy artisans.
The most important thing is to accept that they need independence. That truly motivates them and they will always decide what they want to do and stop at nothing to get it.
I'm sure you guardian/bear type parents are thinking "But they just have to do what I tell them." But remember, they are not motivated the same way you are. They don't just follow the rules because they are supposed to - they're different!
The choice is yours. You have to think differently about how to approach the situation. Maybe you have something very important to do and your child wants to do something else. Instead of getting more and more irritated with them since they won't leave you alone, you might say something like : "OK. I know you really want ______ right now, so how about we do that, but after we're done, you owe me 30 minutes of quiet so I can get this finished."
I can't tell you how many times this has worked with my child and many of my students. Rewards and gifts also motivate the artisan child.
More tomorrow!!!
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Bears and Monkeys
I'm not really talking about bears and monkeys - well, not the bears and monkeys you know.
Actually, many of you are bears (45% of the population)
And many of you have monkey children (35-40% of the population).
OK, let me explain.
Bears are the guardian type personality. See if you identify with these characteristics:
Actually, many of you are bears (45% of the population)
And many of you have monkey children (35-40% of the population).
OK, let me explain.
Bears are the guardian type personality. See if you identify with these characteristics:
- Practical
- Traditional
- A good citizen, follows the rules
- Follows directions
- Cautious
- Economical
- Seeks security
- Worries about things
- Values authority
- Compliant
I hope you know me well enough to know that I am not a bear. Bookkeeping would be so much easier if I was!!!
Monkeys are the artisan type personality. See if this sounds like your child (this is Steven!!!)
 |
| Steven at his Bike Rodeo in 1st Grade He of course thought he was going to win!!! |
- Likes to have fun
- Excitable
- Non-conventional
- Seeks independence
- Wants to do what s/he wants
- Lives in the moment
- Stimulus hunger
- Uninhibited
- Changeable
- Risk taker
- Easily wound up
- Easily bored
- Bold and daring
Sound familiar??? If you happen to be this special parent child relationship of bear to monkey, I know you have had many, many frustrating moments together.
Make sure to read tomorrow's blog when I'll explain the different misbehaviors of each type and how to motivate your child! (I have all the secrets!)
Characteristics and animal types from :
Golay, Keith Ph.D. The Relationship of Temperament & Learning Styles to YMES Class Management, 2005 YMES
Jamboree.
Characteristics and animal types from :
Golay, Keith Ph.D. The Relationship of Temperament & Learning Styles to YMES Class Management, 2005 YMES
Jamboree.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Opportunity
Tonight I had the pleasure of watching a former classmate deliver the keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention.
I thought about what he said about opportunity. He talked about when he and his twin brother went to Stanford and Harvard - how they were surrounded by the brightest folks in the world - and how he thought about his classmates back at Thomas Jefferson High School. That we (yes, I went to school with Julian Castro) had the same brains and same dreams as those attending Stanford and Harvard - the difference was opportunity.
Doesn't every child deserve the opportunity to reach their dreams?
I listened and watched and was so proud.
Proud of all of the wonderful people of the west side community around Jefferson HS who have supported the Castro brothers and many others (all those BBQ plate fundraisers!!!)
Proud of the fabulous teachers at my alma mater - who gave all of us a foundation for our success in life.
Proud of Rosie Castro - the single mother who worked so hard to provide for her sons.
And of course proud of both successful sons - Julian and Joaquin.
I know that opportunity does matter - but amazing things still can happen....
by working together with compassion and love.
I thought about what he said about opportunity. He talked about when he and his twin brother went to Stanford and Harvard - how they were surrounded by the brightest folks in the world - and how he thought about his classmates back at Thomas Jefferson High School. That we (yes, I went to school with Julian Castro) had the same brains and same dreams as those attending Stanford and Harvard - the difference was opportunity.
Doesn't every child deserve the opportunity to reach their dreams?
I listened and watched and was so proud.
Proud of all of the wonderful people of the west side community around Jefferson HS who have supported the Castro brothers and many others (all those BBQ plate fundraisers!!!)
Proud of the fabulous teachers at my alma mater - who gave all of us a foundation for our success in life.
Proud of Rosie Castro - the single mother who worked so hard to provide for her sons.
And of course proud of both successful sons - Julian and Joaquin.
I know that opportunity does matter - but amazing things still can happen....
by working together with compassion and love.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Who is that?
So last night we ate dinner at Grimaldi's in San Antonio. You know, the famous Brooklyn Bridge pizza place (it's on the Brooklyn side of the bridge).
There are many photos of the NY city skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, and a whole bunch of "famous" people. I used quotation marks because during the course of the meal, I discovered that my almost 12 year old didn't know who any of the people were.
After being a bit horrified at her not knowing, it quickly turned into shame - my own shame. For who should have educated her about these icons of the 50s and 60s.
Ok, well maybe I'm feeling a bit more shame because the "famous" people weren't any great historians, presidents, or movement leaders - no, they were...entertainers.
Yes, there were the pictures of the famous "Rat Pack", plus Marilyn Monroe and Debbie Reynolds. As a musician, I couldn't believe that she didn't know Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin or Sammy Davis, Jr.
So guess what we're going to do?
Listen to "Sway" (she actually knows this song from a Michael Buble album) and "I've Got You Under My Skin"....
I have a feeling there might be other movies and songs I need to share!
There are many photos of the NY city skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, and a whole bunch of "famous" people. I used quotation marks because during the course of the meal, I discovered that my almost 12 year old didn't know who any of the people were.
After being a bit horrified at her not knowing, it quickly turned into shame - my own shame. For who should have educated her about these icons of the 50s and 60s.
Ok, well maybe I'm feeling a bit more shame because the "famous" people weren't any great historians, presidents, or movement leaders - no, they were...entertainers.
Yes, there were the pictures of the famous "Rat Pack", plus Marilyn Monroe and Debbie Reynolds. As a musician, I couldn't believe that she didn't know Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin or Sammy Davis, Jr.
So guess what we're going to do?
Listen to "Sway" (she actually knows this song from a Michael Buble album) and "I've Got You Under My Skin"....
I have a feeling there might be other movies and songs I need to share!
Sunday, September 2, 2012
6th Grade
I'm sure most of you remember 6th grade, right?
the new freedom of switching classes......only having to spend 50 minutes with one teacher (especially nice if you didn't like them!).....feeling grown up.....yet feeling awkward.....electives...
I was a band geek in school. As my daughter was choosing her electives for her 6th grade year, I had to stop myself from being too enthusiastic about joining band. She had to choose for herself.
I realized what a difficult decision this was. I know nothing is forever, but it seems that once you make this choice in 6th grade, most often, your stuck there through most of the next 7 years.
There is a part of me that always wished I could have taken art or theater arts, but I was in band. I understand that for many of these electives, you do have to commit to them in order to improve and continue in the program, but how I wish you could choose more than one!
I think of the musician that happens to also be a good athlete, or the speech person who is an amazing artist.
Wouldn't it be nice if extra curricular activities weren't so demanding of time....if the pressure to win everything and be the best wasn't the only goal....then maybe our children could do all the things they love to do - enjoy it, and still have time to play :)
Any guesses what my daughter chose?
the new freedom of switching classes......only having to spend 50 minutes with one teacher (especially nice if you didn't like them!).....feeling grown up.....yet feeling awkward.....electives...
I was a band geek in school. As my daughter was choosing her electives for her 6th grade year, I had to stop myself from being too enthusiastic about joining band. She had to choose for herself.
I realized what a difficult decision this was. I know nothing is forever, but it seems that once you make this choice in 6th grade, most often, your stuck there through most of the next 7 years.
There is a part of me that always wished I could have taken art or theater arts, but I was in band. I understand that for many of these electives, you do have to commit to them in order to improve and continue in the program, but how I wish you could choose more than one!
I think of the musician that happens to also be a good athlete, or the speech person who is an amazing artist.
Wouldn't it be nice if extra curricular activities weren't so demanding of time....if the pressure to win everything and be the best wasn't the only goal....then maybe our children could do all the things they love to do - enjoy it, and still have time to play :)
Any guesses what my daughter chose?
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