Amen, Sista!

Cartoon Captions:
"I have an even smaller wireless device that gives me access to thousands of books and movies.
It's a library card."

Brilliant Doctor Jane (Ed.D) and I have common views about children and technology, cell phones, and t.v. -- sort of along the line that they're "tools not toys".

I'm not one to preach against something.
I'd rather sing the praises of other things in life.
You know. Stay positive.

I'm not against these things by any means -- I just have opinions in how they should be managed with my own child (as with all things, right?).

Kinda like fire: absolutely useful, can be dangerous, necessary at some times, prohibited at other times, lifesaving, but in need of careful monitoring so as not to harm

Yes. In today's world we're definitely the "odd ones out"...but such is life. Considering Dr. Jane and I both love to watch Lawrence Welk & Andy Williams -- enough said.

She sent this little funny cartoon to me this morning.
LOVE IT.

I'm telling you...VERY few of my students even h-a-v-e a library card these days, but the ones who do -------- guess what?
They, at times - not always, outshine their peers in vocabulary usage, knowledge of historical events, etc. When I question how they know that particular concept, it's usually been gleaned from a book or specific classic movie they've watched at home.
(I know. Families/kids might have a Kindle or a Nook and access even MORE literature from their homes. I totally understand.)

One time a student...a little fella "from the hood" knew the answer to this puzzler when NO one else had a clue:
"______ -- a drink with jam and bread..."
Tea. It's from a song in The Sound of Music.
He told me he loved to watch that movie with his grandmother.
I'd like to join them.

Coincidental? Probably.
Or Circumstantial in that if families value library cards for kiddos, library books and all those wonderful opportunities books provide, THEN there is likely a whole family lifestyle that bring experiences for developing vocabulary and learning history.

And no. You don't HAVE to have a library card to bring these learning opportunities to children.

I wouldn't write a dissertation on these connections (today); however, I might ponder it and do it in the future.


Read on (in any format that works best for you)!!!