We're Doing Algebra! Woo Hoo!

First off, I must apologize for the lack of posting lately. We just finished the regular 'school year' and I was pleasantly surprised when my son voluntarily decided to take Algebra over the summer for high school credit (he's technically going into 8th grade this fall). He also decided to take Physical Science for high school credit in the fall.

I honestly never, ever thought he would mature enough to think summer school of any kind was a good idea. I'm genuinely impressed.

Math Skills Anyone?

This video has probably been around a while, but I just found it. All I can say is....WOW. I am glad that I am pushing math on my son! And I'm glad he gets it!

Other People's Kids

Now that summer is almost here, I find myself dealing with the challenge of OPK (Other People's Kids). Particularly, the 'tween friends of my middle child/daughter. For the most part, they are good kids, but there are a few....

What ever happened to parent's that know what their kids are doing? My daughter has two friends (and I use the term "friends" loosely here) who at the very least, have the lack of a cognizant parent, at worst, some emotional problems which require professional help. Maybe my strict upbringing is showing here, but here's what I'm talking about. Keep in mind, these are 10 year-old girls.

These two girls are two of THE biggest manipulators I know of. My daughter tends to be more of a passive, type B personality, and these two TOTALLY feed on that. One girl calls the house to see if Marissa will come out to play. If we don't answer (because maybe we're not home!) she will ring our phone every 20 minutes until the caller ID memory is FULL. WTF??? Does her mother not realize that is not appropriate? Does the mother even know this is happening?

The other girl wants my daughter to be with her 24/7, spend the night, etc... Can we say needy? When my daughter tells her that she is not allowed to do whatever is requested, she will manipulate her with tears, saying she doesn't believe she won't come and play, that her parents never said she wasn't allowed, or if one didn't she should go ask the other, calling at 10:00 pm, etc...

OK, again, WTF???

I have attempted to take the phone from my daughter during one of these episodes of master manipulation, so that I could be the bad gal and explain with a firm voice that this was not acceptable. My daughter insists, "Mom, I got this...I can explain it to her." Now the domineering force inside me wants to stand there and coach her on how to put her foot down, and the other side of me wants to let her learn to deal with it in her own way. After all, a young girl's social circle is quite complex. I just wish she could be more like me in these situations.

Encouraging Critical Thinking is Not as Easy as I Thought

I have been very conscious lately of making sure I encourage the kids to question things without being afraid of being chastized or outed in some way by their peers/elders. Even as an adult I sensor myself in front of certain people to avoid a mark on my proverbial forehead in my small town. It sucks, but it's called survival. I definitely want my kids to feel like they are able to question without judgement at home, if nowhere else.

So I found this book by Hyman Ruchlis: How Do You Know It's True?: Discovering the Difference Between Science and Superstition




This is great reading for ages 10 + and prompted a few good discussions about things that we may take for granted even though they really make no sense.

Growing up in a Roman Catholic/Italian family, I've heard my share of superstitious notions. Some of my relatives like to try and implant those seed in my children's' grey matter. This is one of those books that has helped break down and sort out all that nonsensical thinking. It' well written and easy to understand.

Growth

Well the PSSA's are finally over. I think Kevin did well, considering he finished early two out of the three days of testing. He usually knows when he did not do well. When asked "how did you feel about it?" he replied "I got at least a 'C'"

Oy.

At least I know he wasn't drowning in a sea of doubt. I know he was glad to be done. The public schools really place a lot of stress on the kids over these bloody tests...and what are they really measuring anyway? That the kids can memorize and regurgitate? It's such bullshit.

I gave Kev a well deserved 3 day weekend. We won't hit the books again til Monday.

He has also officially passed me up in height. He's about 5' 4-1/2" with hands as large as his Dad's and feet only 1/2 size smaller than Dad's. As a short person, I'm just thrilled beyond belief that he is taller than me!