The Life Cycle: an Integrated Curriculum

Little kids coming to school naturally want to know why? And it has been shown that somewhere around the 4rth grade, they begin to ask, “Is this going to be on the test?” This occurs largely because the lack of interconnectivity in the disciplines that kids are exposed to when young. We now know that learning separately, however expertly; our distinct academic subjects are not enough to be educated. There are the vital connections that exist between all the basic subjects that are vital to children’s learning and loving to learn. You see, when you walk in the woods on a fall day you are not subject to the individual subjects of botany, biology, weather, geology, geometry etc., in a vacuum. No, far from it the young mind is exposed to these and other subjects in an interconnected manner that reflects the real world; something that our classrooms, all too often, do not.

We know that teachers and students over time have not been satisfied with the separate treatment of subjects and curriculum. Frustrated teachers have often begun their own integrated units utilizing themes such as space exploration or trips across the Oregon Trail. However, if we as a system are to do right “The Basic School” believes that the cross connecting curriculum that crosses the borders that exist in nature and the real world can be categorized into commonalities that should be followed and in fact should envelope all the subjects being taught. The eight commonalities referred to are: The Life Cycle, The Use of Symbols, Membership in Groups, A Sense of Time and Space, Response to the Aesthetic, Connections to Nature, Producing and Consuming, and Living with Purpose. Within these commonalities the core curriculum can exist and thrive!

The goal of The Life Cycle: That all basic school kids understand that human life has a beginning, a growth period and an end. While gaining an appreciation for and the basic knowledge of the body’s needs and functions; they develop personal habits that further wellness. They develop an appreciation for how special life is, and understand how life perspectives and experiences differ from culture to culture. This commonality as are the next seven is a spiraling one. As the appropriate age is reached the age appropriate lessons are integrated into the Basic School curriculum.

Matt Emery: From The Basic School by Ernest Boyer

It's good to be involved in your kids education, Ya' think!

Why is parental Involvement Important in Children's Education?

Numerous research has been done to conclude that parents who are involved with their children's education are building the foundations for a better educated child. These children will be better adjusted to school which can lead to more education. In addition, parents are sending a message to their children that education is important.

In addition, parental involvement is important because parents who are part of their children education will understand the importance of reading. These parents will read to their children beginning at a young age. Also, this parent will make sure that their child can read on the right grade level throughout the educational process. Since reading is a big problem in our country, the reading foundation that the parent are developing will assist the child in its future educational endears as well as life goals. For more on this article....

Developing "Characters" in our Kids

Every parent wants their child to develop positive character traits. One way to supplement your child's character education is to act as a filter for the movies and television shows your child watches, and to review the books your child reads.


The following categories are modeled after "The Book of Virtues for Young People," an excellent book for children in its own right, written by William Bennett. When developing a curriculum of character education for your child, it's helpful to review each children's book, television show, and movie for both positive and negative examples of each of the ten virtues outlined in "The Book of Virtues for Young People." The stronger the message, the more it will contribute to your child's character education.

Following are some ways in which the virtues can manifest as character traits in children's books, movies, and in television shows:

Self-Discipline: A character discusses his feelings of anger rather than impulsively striking out. Or, a character gets his chores done before he goes out to play.

Compassion: A character understands the pain or suffering of a friend, and steps in to help, even when it means she can't attend the party she was looking forward to.

Responsibility: A character admits it was his baseball that broke the window, and offers to pay for a replacement. Or, a character keeps her promise to babysit her younger sister, even though she'd rather go to the movies with her friends.

Friendship: A character stands up for her friend in front of her peers, even though it's not popular. Or, a character befriends the class bully in an effort to get him to change his ways.

Work: A character approaches her job with a positive attitude, and does her very best even when her boss is being unfair. Or, a character makes up a game to get through an unpleasant task, and takes pride in her work even though it goes unnoticed.

Courage: A character is afraid of the raging waters, but takes the risk and dives in to save her family. Or, a character stands up for what he believes in, even though it's unpopular.

Perseverance: A character continues to strive to make the basketball team, even though he's a foot shorter than the other players. Or, a family works together to keep their home, even though the father has lost his job and the mother is ill.

Honesty: A character admits to himself that he isn't trying his hardest. Or, a character talks to an adult about a friend in trouble, even though the friend will get angry at her.

Loyalty: A character sticks with his losing soccer team in the hope of helping them become better, rather than joining a winning soccer team. Or, a character stays at her friend's side during a serious illness or hardship.

Faith: A character reaches out to God to help him in his time of need.

When evaluating character traits and virtues in kids' books, movies, and television shows, also look at negative behavioral influences. Ideally, these influences will be minimal. Consider, for example:

Violence: Does the character hurt himself, another person, or an animal through his words or actions, and does he act without remorse?

Profanity: Does the character use foul language, sexual language, or take God's name in vain?

Nudity: Does the movie, television show, or book show or describe suggestive styles of dress or partially clothed or nude characters?

Sexual Content: Do the characters engage in implied or overt sexual behavior, or do they engage in aberrant sexual behavior?

Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco: Do the characters use or abuse legal or illegal substances?

Scary Elements: Are the scenarios depicted gratuitously frightening?

Negative Behaviors: Does the character show disrespect to his parents? Or, does he neglect his homework? Or, does he frighten other children?

By evaluating both the positive character traits and negative behaviors of movies, television shows, and books, and selecting those that reinforce the values and virtues that are important to you, you'll go far in developing your child's character education.

By Brent Sitton: http://www.discoveryjourney.com/bookchild.htm

Nestle helps in the fight against Child ....Advertising

The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. In November 2006, the BBB launched the Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative to shift advertising targeting children to encourage healthier dietary choices and healthier lifestyles. There are currently 15 food and beverage companies participating in the Initiative, and the latest company to join the effort is Nestlé USA.

Nestlé has pledged that as of January 1, 2009, 100% of its advertising directed to children under age 12 will be only for products that meet nutritional guidelines of the initiative. Nestlé will no longer advertise WONKA brand candies to children younger than 12 years old. With this announcement, Nestlé will be the fourth candy company in the BBB Initiative to stop advertising candy to this age group. In addition, Nestlé USA will not target any advertising to children younger than 6, regardless of the product’s nutritional profile.

"Nestlé has agreed to only advertise foods to children that meet nutritional guidelines, which means that one of their best selling brands, WONKA candies, will no longer be advertised to kids under 12 years old," said Elaine D. Kolish, Director of the Initiative. "Nestlé USA has shown a serious commitment to promoting healthier foods for kids not only in the types of products they produce-including milk and juice- but also in their willingness to curb advertising candy to children under 12."

The company will only advertise Nestlé Juicy Juice 100$ juice, some varieties of Nestlé Nesquik ready-to-drink flavored milk, Nesquik chocolate flavored powder for milk, and Nestlé Push-Up frozen dairy desserts to children between ages 6 and 12.

"Nestlé USA is pleased to participate in the Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative and further affirm our commitment to healthier food and beverage choices," said Scott Remy, senior vice president, Communications, Nestlé USA. "This important initiative is also consistent with our global commitment to nutrition and responsible advertising to children."

Nestlé USA’s guidelines for healthier dietary choices are based on the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Those guidelines, first published in 2005, include the following requirements for foods advertised to children 6 to 12 years of age:

* A juice product must be 100% fruit and/or vegetable juice and the serving size will be limited to no more than 8 fluid ounces and no more than 170 calories
* A ready to drink flavored milk must be portion controlled at 100 calories and contains no added sugars
* Chocolate powder flavoring for milk must be either 25% reduced in sugar or contain no added sugars and
* A frozen dairy dessert must be limited to no more than 100 calories and be an excellent source of a nutrient.

In addition, as provided by the terms of the Initiative, Nestlé USA will:

* Restrict the use of third-party licensed characters in advertising primarily directed to children under 12 to products meeting nutrition criteria
* Refrain from advertising food and beverages in elementary schools
* Not pay for, or seek out, product placement in media primarily directed to children under 12
* Limit the use of food and beverages shown in interactive games primarily directed to children under 12 to products that meet its nutrition criteria

The company’s advertising on TV, radio, print and third-party Internet sites that is primarily directed to children under 12 will be exclusively for products that represent these healthier dietary choices. Company-maintained Web sites directed to children under age 12 will be modified and updated no later than June 30, 2009.

The 15 participants of the Initiative are Burger King Corp.; Cadbury Adams USA LLC; Campbell Soup Company; The Coca-Cola Company; ConAgra Foods, Inc.; The Dannon Company; General Mills, Inc.; The Hershey Company; Kellogg Company; Kraft Foods Global, Inc.; Mars, Inc.; McDonald’s USA, LLC; Nestlé USA; PepsiCo, Inc.; and Unilever United States. A report on the progress made by Initiative participants was released in July 2008. This report, as well as the pledges made by the participating companies, is available online at www.us.bbb.org/advertisers4healthykids.

By Buzzle Staff and Agencies: www.buzzle.com

The Artist in Me

When children start pre-school, it begins. They dabble with construction paper, finger paints, and glitter. They bring art work home nearly every day and we proudly plaster it across the refrigerator. But once most children start elementary school, the deluge of childhood masterpieces slows to a trickle, or in some cases, simply disappears. Thanks to shrinking budgets, many school systems have drastically reduced art instruction or eliminated it completely. So, if your child isn't taking art classes in school, how can you be sure their inner artist doesn't waste away?

Art teachers are quick to explain that art is more than just a fun outlet for students; it's an essential element of learning. According to the National PTA, art cultivates self-expression, imagination and creativity, as well as critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

"If kids don't have the opportunity to be, it's not going to dawn on them to suddenly start thinking in new ways when they're older," says Gragg. "Kids who have artistic outlets are more likely to be successful adults because they see things differently. As business people, they'll be able to apply creative solutions and think beyond the basics."

While many parents want their children to excel in the basics, students who struggle with math, reading and science often benefit from artistic expression...

edited by: maui4456

Check out the Full Article: www.edarticle.com