Student Responsibility

This is the exact speech given by President Obama to all the students watching the morning of Sept 8.

If you remember from a previous post, I was on the fence concerning this speech. My children did not get to see the president speak; our county decided not to show it because they did not want to re-arrange their lesson plans to accomodate it. This may come as a shocker to some, but I'm disappointed about that decision.

I will say that this is a decision that's led only because of the wonderful thing called hindsight and everybody knows that vision is a lot better than what we have in the present.

The White House actually publicly displayed the speech and it was available to print by Monday. I did so and watched the coverage via CNN, with the script in hand to see if he veered from it any. He rarely did and when he did, it certainly wasn't significant.

I loved that speech. I know a lot of conservatives weren't thrilled about this, though we all pretty much agreed that it wasn't the speech we had a problem with. But here's the thing: none of the teachers had to promise to do any of those lesson ideas. The speech was worth hearing.

When my kids got home from school that day, I sat them down and told them that the president had spoken to many kids and I wanted them to hear what he had to say. I read the script to them.

I know they are only 6 and almost 5, and some of it went over their heads, but we discussed it some after I read it. I encourage my blog readers to do the same with your own children. He said some things that we should be telling our kids at home.

President to Address the Students

September 8, 2009 at Noon EST, President Obama plans to talk to students across America (that is, if the school's decide they want to be a part of this).

Here is the story

I have mixed feelings about this. I don't really have a problem with President Obama addressing children regarding their responsibility to do well in school, to set goals for their lives, and understand the challenges of their generation.

I, like others, do have an issue with the arrogance prevalent in the suggested activities for both grade groups. Things like: teachers should take quotes and excerpts from the President's speech and post them around the room; teachers should read about the President through his books and teach the class who he is; etc.

I do however, think some of the more general ideas and questions expressed in the activities are great for kids to be exploring. Things like: What are your strengths?; What do you think makes you successful as a student and as a person?; What ideas do we associate with the words "responsibility," "persistence," and "goals?". But do we need a speech from the President to start questions like these within the classroom?

I asked my youngest daughter's teacher today if they would be watching the speech and she didn't know anything about it. I did ask that if it comes up and they are to watch it (this is Pre-K) that I would like a note sent home telling me this.

I have a conference later with my 1st grader's teacher. I will ask the same of her. I will be going to the school and will be present during the speech if their school chooses to participate. I want to know what is said to my children, especially in this arena. I will be watching it at home if they choose not to show it as school. Can't help it; curiosity will kill this cat.

Boost Your Child's Test Scores

I saw these on a teacher's desk when I was helping proctor the TCAP (Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program) Achievement Tests a few weeks ago:

1. The breakfast for better grades- instant oatmeal helps you to have better spatial memory.

2. Visualization that calms nerves: Tell child to imagine their favorite place if they get frazzled during test. Visualizing something calm and happy triggers the brain to produce relaxing alpha waves in less than 30 seconds, slowing heart rate and breathing.

3. The finger game that beats brain freeze! If your child goes blank during the test, tell him to draw a spiral on scratch paper and trace it with his finger 5 times. Freezing during a test is due to the "fight or flight" response, a biological reaction that shuts off clear thinking. But focusing on something else- especially a spiral- clears the head!

4. The eye move that triggers memory instantly! Your child studied the facts but suddently can't remember them? Teach him to move his eyes back and forth from left to right several times. This stimulates communication between the two sides of the brain -the logical left and creative right- so your child will have better recall and be able to solve problems more easily.

5. The tongue trick for better concentration! Does your child find it hard to concentrate during a test? Have her place her tongue up against the roof of her mouth and breathe deeply three times. Brain scans show this simple movement affects the brain's limbic system, which is responsible for feelings and emotions, and triggers the release of the stress-reducing hormone oxytocin, so she'll have less anxiety. And within 30 seconds, her mind should be clearer.


I don't know that I'll ever remember to tell my kids these and am still a bit skeptical about the effectiveness of some.

I had a history teacher that passed out Tootsie Roll pops every time he gave us a test. I think it helped me relax. I noticed teachers handing out pieces of gum during the TCAP. I think having something to chew on can help relax you and give you an outlet for stress.

How about a pack of Smarties for each kid with a note:
Be a "Smartie"! Do your best on your test.