http://schooldays.today.com Just another Today.com weblog Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:22:36 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Is the fast--clicking world of the information age causing a ripple in the brains of our youth? Some argue it is. 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 ... http://schooldays.today.com/2008/07/18/are-children-lacking-critical-thinking-skills/ Does your state do this? Some have a tax holiday for back to school supplies. What a great idea. 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 ... http://schooldays.today.com/2008/07/17/sales-tax-holidays-for-school-supplies/ Did you hear? Apparently, it's that time again. Big stores and retailers are already marking down prices and offering sales for clothing and school supplies, earlier than ever this year. It is being compared to Christmas shopping that begins right after Thanksgiving. This could mean good news for those who don't ... http://schooldays.today.com/2008/07/16/back-to-school-shoppingalready/ A number of states use lottery money to help fund education in a variety of forms. It's a hot topic and one that doesn't suffer from lack of controversy. Opponents argue that lottery states experience more poverty, and that gambling--type funds shouldn't be used for schools. Proponents argue that many state ... http://schooldays.today.com/2008/07/15/gambling-on-education/ Consider this a well--into--the--summer reminder from the Teacher and check out some good reading in the Sunday Parade. 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 ... http://schooldays.today.com/2008/07/14/dont-stop-moving/ I've listed some resources I found to contain good information on the subject of sending children to Kindergarten. 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 ... http://schooldays.today.com/2008/07/12/resources-for-parents-on-this-weeks-topic/ Here are a few more factors for parents to consider when making a decision on when to allow their child to start 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 ... http://schooldays.today.com/2008/07/11/sending-kids-to-kindergarten/ The times have changed, and the days of Kindergarten being the place where young children learn a variety of social and pre-academic skills to prepare them for the coming grades are vanishing. Students now are expected to have a variety of academic and social skills before walking through the door to their first day ... http://schooldays.today.com/2008/07/10/giving-children-the-gift-of-time-kindergarten-quandry-continued/ It is a subject parents with young children struggle with: When do I send my child to Kindergarten? 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 ... http://schooldays.today.com/2008/07/09/the-kindergarten-quandry/ With bond issues providing additional tax money to districts all over the United States, many schools are undergoing construction changes to update facilities, add and improve accessibility for children with disabilities, and make the necessary improvements to add air conditioning or more computers. I recently read that one district has a few ... http://schooldays.today.com/2008/07/08/is-your-school-ready/