Omama - Opinionated Moms

Went to a great talk last night by Sir Ken Robinson. He spoke about the need to adjust the current education system to allow more creativity. Challenging in an education system that teaches to the "standards" but something parents can do on their own. A very interesting book "The Element" and talk. Check it out.

If Jodee Blanco comes to your town to do a workshop - I highly recommend you go and take your kids (if they are middle school age or up). I took my soon to be 12 year old son last night and it was a really powerful presentation and I know it had a positive impact on him. http://www.jodeeblanco.com/index.htm

Anyone else hear about the new education requirements in Texas? Apparently, kids have to learn about the historical relevance of the NRA and other conservative organizations...how do we feel about that?

Happy President's Day!

Off to for an educational trip to Rome and Pompeii next week with middle schoolers--learning about ancient Rome. Will report in on travelling with teens and their parents!

yes! a degree is worth it...if not for anything than just to say you started and finished something. plus...try to get a good job or a masters without one!

Good to see that New Orleans reaped some benefits from hurricane Katrina! Whatever improves the kids' lives is good, right? Too bad it took a tragedy to do it!

Found another great learning resource for children with reading issues. Lindamood Bell. They've got a website..are national and were featured in Newsweek Magazine. Check them out if your child struggles with reading!

I was so happy that my youngest learned about MLK this year and really took in the message of loving one another. I agree with tiredmama...the speech makes me cry each time!

I've never read the words to MLK's "I have a dream" speech...amazing.

Pretend City is a great museum! My kids love it.

Try a site called 'teacher tube' to see cool educational videos...

I'm hoping that these games raise some IQ's around my house and neighborhood...maybe my friends and I should start playing them more!

Check out all the news from this weekend!

Lots to be thankful for in 2009! Love to all of you O-MAMAs!

I'd be mad as hell, too! 32%? Crazy!

Watched schoolhouse rock...love that you posted it! Learn something new every day...

gonna show my kids the consitution! love schoolhouse rock!

Honestly, didn't know the difference between the different documents...now I do! Saw the speech and didn't catch that mistake. You would think our government leaders would though...

If you have a spare 20 mins - watch this - I think it is brilliant http://www.cnn.com/2009/OPINION/11/03/robinson.schools.stifle.creativity/index.html

I love Halloween...any swine flu worries with the trick or treaters?

Madonna should just move to Africa ... she should take a lesson from Oprah though and get someone to run the school properly before just enrolling students.

We should have a new teachable moment every week!

@momof2: Loved the MSNBC KIPP video above...GREAT teachers inspire GREATNESS in kids. That is for sure!

The KIPP video is an inspiration. Teachers should rule the world! I wish all parents could watch this and see how much a few people can inspire and effect their kids. Way to go

my solution has been simple. i keep telling my son that people aren't allowed to drive until they're 30 (i know in a few years he'll catch me on that one).

REad the story about the pupil who had to be pried from the teacher's arm in OHIO! That kid needs help! Makes me sad for him. What would make a child act that way?

Sotomayor's mom is my inspiration

Oprah had a story about a kid like this..is this the same one?

Fun fact to share with our kids!

O-MAMAs, please check out the CNN post above. What an amazing kid!

Of course, but sports do help inspire kids...and the Olympics was going to generate a lot of jobs, so kids would have parents that work and set a good example for them.

Too bad about the Olympics, BUT....the schools are not really responsible entirely for our children... we parents must inspire them to be more, strive for more and work harder to achieve their goals. We can do it without the olympics ..right?

All of the above probably! They are just trying to keep it together half the time...following rules, making friends, avoiding bad situations...it's all stressful. Maybe go into the teacher room and ask their perspective?!

Why do kids cry at school? Stress? Fear? Who knows the answer...teachers?