I’m not thrilled with the title, but So, How Dumb Are We? Younger Americans stumped in knowledge tests in our visually driven global info age is a worthwhile article by Lisa Anderson with the Chicago Tribune.

With the Internet offering up a seemingly unlimited amount of information at the literal click of a button, it is apparently becoming harder for teachers to impart the importance of knowledge about everything from history to literature to mathematics.

The wealth of information available today isn’t always a bad thing, but I don’t believe that information and knowledge are the same thing. A student might be able to repeat information heard or read, but how well is he able to add his own two cents?

Can he make an argument or engage in a healthy debate about a variety of issues?

Does she know why Shakespeare’s writing is considered to be so influential in literature?

One teacher in the article comments that it is hard to get students to memorize poetry when they can forever look it up on the Internet. How do teachers and parents help youth realize the importance of using their heads to come up with answers? And to think for themselves?

I believe it is going to take an emphasis on limiting the use of technology in education. Not doing away with–just limiting. It’s also going to take teachers imparting high expectations upon students to learn how to research well, read well, and think for themselves.

Hopefully, the holiday days will coincide with back to school specials, deals, and sales. In many stores, local school and supply lists are already on display so parents can begin to pick out the products they need.

Americans pay so much tax already, it’s nice to see this as an option for some residents. I think a great idea would be for all of the states to offer tax-free days for families, or at least get incentives from the Federal Government to do so.

With all the talk about the sluggish economy, what better way to help out families and spur responsible spending than giving folks a break on purchasing needed supplies?

This could mean good news for those who don’t want to wait until the last minute to do shopping for the 08-09 school year. Some of the best deals may be available now.

Of course, as much as I like sales and shopping ahead of time, you can never count out the great deals all these companies may decide to throw at consumers in the final weeks before the school bells start ringing.

And who wants to completely forgo the mad dash for the classic spiral binders that are often priced so cheaply before schools start? You don’t want to miss out on the chance to get those babies for mere cents, or miss out on seeing the mess the school supplies aisle becomes at your favorite store.

Opponents argue that lottery states experience more poverty, and that gambling–type funds shouldn’t be used for schools. Proponents argue that many state residents who live near state borders cross those borders and purchase lottery tickets from participating states, thereby funding college scholarships and school districts anyway. Only those dollars are going to schools in other states.

This article in a northwest Arkansas newspaper quotes a guest speaker at a political meeting who believes that using money from a lottery would help the state move up from its close–to–last–place position in education among all the states.

Although the “almighty dollar” may control more than we like it to, there isn’t necessarily a direct relationship to the money thrown at schools and the achievement rate of students.

I like to see much-needed money spent responsibly on schools, but I wonder about the motives of those encouraging lotteries.

What’s in it for them? And how much of that money do colleges and district schools actually get?

In the lazy, hazy days of summer, don’t forget to keep your body moving. According to this article, Exercise Your Memory by Michael O’ Shea, doing so can help keep your mind sharp.

While this brief article is about the long term effects of regular exercise, I believe keeping the body moving can help students stay sharp in the brain, whether on a long or short break from school.

Depending on where you live, the temperatures are climbing upwards to the peak of summer heat. It can be hard to stay motivated and energetic. Here are a few tips and ideas:

* If outdoor activity is the best for you, try getting outside as early in the morning as you can. It’s the coolest time of day to let the kids help work in the garden, take a walk, jump rope, or ride a bike.

* Take advantage of city pools and shaded parks for fun and cool physical activity

* Don’t waste water, but if you’re going to water a garden or lawn anyway, let the kids put on a bathing suit or some old clothes and run around in the sprinkler.

* Keep fruity, citrus drinks handy: lemonade, orange juice, Gatorade for a refresher.

* Exercise doesn’t have to be outside: Go up and down the stairs for 10 minutes, do a short workout (10-15 minutes),

* Get up from sitting down at least every 30 minutes and stretch or take a quick walk three times around your house or up and down stairs in your apartment building.

Parent Center

Ways to Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten

Disney Family Parenting: What Some Experts Say

Education.com: Considering Kindergarten

Education.com: Kindergarten Readiness: More Than Academics

Kindergarten is a fun and challenging milestone for both kids and parents. The information can be overwhelming, but you know your child better than anyone.

I hope these resources, as well as the suggestions this week on the Schooldays blog, will help you make an informed decision about when to send your child off to their first day of school!

Life experiences

Yes, it is possible for a five-year-0ld to have life experiences! Experiences help make people what they are, and kids are no exception.

* Have there been difficult circumstances in the child’s life that may warrant waiting another year before starting school? This might include: custody issues, family emergencies, or an extended illness.

* Has your child had an abundance of experiences that make him or her a good candidate for starting Kindergarten at the age of five?

* Does your child demonstrate adequate or exceptional knowledge in various academic areas that may warrant sending her to school sooner rather than later? For some of these kids, they may be ready for the challenge.

Previous Schooling

Preschool is not a necessity for children entering Kindergarten. It does make a difference thought if children have spent a little structured time in short periods (5-15 minutes) each day reading books with parents, learning some of the Kindergarten Readiness skills, and having playtime with and exposure to other children.

However, pre school programs may make a big difference for some children. Those who have special needs have often been in programs in the few years before Kindergarten, and while they may face unique challenges academically or socially, many are used to the structure and schedule that comes with a school day.

On the heels of yesterday’s post, here are some factors to consider when deciding when to send your young child to Kindergarten.

Social development

Is your child used to being around other children?

Does he or she play well with others, understanding the need to take turns and share?

Does she exercise self control around others?

Is he able to sit for short periods of time (15-30 minutes)?

Does she follow basic guidelines and rules?

Does he understand and follow verbal instructions?

Does your child have special needs or considerations?

Kindergarten Readiness

This is a term often used to define the pre-academic/academic skills that a young child has. For example, a child who shows awareness of rhyming, alphabet sounds, and alphabet letters is demonstrating readiness for reading skills. A child who is able to count a few objects and understand basic concepts of quantity (more/less) may be ready for simple number concepts of more/less and simple addition problems.

If your child is struggling with basic social skills, or having difficulty with readiness indicators, it may be wise to wait and spend the year working with him on skills that will help him be successful in his first year.

Tomorrow: life experiences and previous schooling

Most districts have requirements for when students must turn five years of age before being able to attend the first year of elementary school. Just because your child meets this specific requirement doesn’t necessarily mean that it is a good time to send her.

There are several factors a parent should consider when deciding whether or not to start children in the first year of school once they are age-eligible. These include social development/maturity, Kindergarten readiness, life experiences (yes, it’s possible to have this at five years old), previous schooling (preschool).

This week the Schooldays blog will touch on some of the considerations to think through when making this decision for your child.

Feel free to weigh in with your thoughts and questions.

I recently read that one district has a few school buildings that-for a variety of reasons-won’t be ready when the school year begins. This will either mean using the old school facilities or sharing classrooms for the first month.

I ran into a problem of sorts when I taught school. It was decided that my students would share a classroom with another class for the last six weeks of school. It wasn’t fun, and it certainly wasn’t an optimal learning environment, but we managed to survive in spite of it all.

Will your school building be ready this year?