Friday, May 18, 2012
Teacher's Strikes Don't Help Anyone
I have a lot of relatives and good friends who are teachers and every time I make a comment about teachers some of them will say that I’m too hard on them, that I don’t know what I’m talking about, that I’ve never had to teach children.
Well that isn’t right.
I have taught children in school band and tutored them in music lessons.
I’ve led a church youth group for many years, and in my youth I was a sunday school teacher and a school scripture teacher.
I organised combined regional youth group of almost a thousand attendees in my university days in Lismore.
I been a leader with many groups of young people camping with Salvation Army Youth activities and was the Chairman of the Festival of Light’s Education Committee.
But most importantly I am a parent.
Even if I had never worked with children a day in my life, as a parent I have more than some insight into my own children.
As a parent I see them come home with homework they don’t understand and work that the teacher has told them complete by asking their parents to teach them. We don't mind being involved but....
Often parents feel that this is why homework is given, because the teacher hasn’t taught or can’t teach the subject adequately and expects the parents to help them do their job of teaching the children.
Now this morning once again teachers have abandoned their role of teaching children during the hours they are paid to do that job. They are asking for the support of parents.
But the government is making changes that have long been needed. Sure these changes might not be perfect.
But will strikes help anyone?
Turn It Up
I'm Michael Robinson
Thursday, May 17, 2012
The Teacher Tantraum
I find it hard to have respect for a professional body that thinks it’s profession has the right to shut the state down for a full day and take a day off school because they want to hold a 2 hour union meeting, and in work hours too.
Why should they take the day off work for a 2 hour union meeting, little wonder some of our young people are having problems with respect, responsibility and with maths.
I know and am also related to many hard working teachers and they tell me that they don’t like this proposed new system where Principals will have greater power and greater autonomy. They say it can pose problems for teachers where the teacher and the principal have what is essentially a personality clash.
The proposed bonus system may also need some refinements.
A good teacher can help a child excels for many year but a poor teacher can mean a child struggles for years and that cannot and should not be ignored.
There is also the issue of teachers and aides in special needs classes, and classes that are taught by multiple teachers over the year, that is difficult to identify who deserves bonuses.
At least the state government is doing something to improve on the current system, and parents are grateful for that.
Teachers need to work towards even more improvements but what do they do?
Every time they don’t like something they throw a tantrum and tell everyone to go away for a day they aren’t going to teach that day because they want a day without children so that they can hold a 2 hour union meeting.
Turn It Up...
I’m Michael Robinson
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Do you smack or discipline your child?
This week I’ve been talking about the first stage of learning which is of course
“That you don’t know what you don’t know.”
Once again this week the debate about smacking children was reignited.
(on 60 Minutes last sunday night) See
http://sixtyminutes.ninemsn.com.au/blogs/8466018/michael-usher-the-divisive-smacking-debate
http://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/the-smacking-debate/x9vh53l
http://sixtyminutes.ninemsn.com.au/stories/8465814/the-smack
Many people want to tell others whether they should or should not smack their children.
I would prefer to see the community support parents as they raise their children and help them understand the overall discipline process.
The "meddlesome do-good-er" who wants to interfere knows nothing of the circumstances or family and yet they are eager to interfere in another family’s life.
It is more important that parents understand the 7 steps of good discipline and that we educate parents and support them in their role and in their choices.
Helping them to understand that good discipline is
1. first about establishing clear rules with
2. known cause and effect.
Consequences if you like.
With clear consequences of any wrong doings being established ahead of time.
3. If, or more likely when, children break those rules … the consequences are already clearly established in a calm and known way and are implemented without anger but to ensure discipline and justice.
4. Then children have the opportunity to admit their wrong-doing, confess their sins if you like.
5. The next stage is the punishment if it is appropriate and needed any punishment needs to be appropriate for the individual, and to the point of regret. ***see note below
Now that is a very individual thing too.
There we proceed to
6. forgiveness and
7. restoration,as the last two stages where the child is reminded that their actions were wrong but they are loved and ultimately they have your forgiveness.
Or do we just take the children away from parents and have the world’s do gooders raise them?
Turn It Up
I'm Michael Robinson
*** My Blog note after on air comment.....
I would also remind parents and teachers that each of these important 7 stages of Discipline or 7 rules about rules require much more detail and there is much more that needs to be added but for time on radio I've shortened these here.
One very important general principle or rule about discipline is to
.....Discipline or chastise PRIVATELY
.....& Praise publicly
Also in regards to "privately".....with modern rules, laws and regulations especially in regards to child protection in schools and in the workplace etc, if you are a teacher perhaps it is more suitable and appropriate to have another adult present when telling a child what they've done wrong, at least know the laws and policies relevant to your school and workplace.
I'm sure I will do more on this soon, if you have any question, comments or contributions please add yours below.
“That you don’t know what you don’t know.”
Once again this week the debate about smacking children was reignited.
(on 60 Minutes last sunday night) See
http://sixtyminutes.ninemsn.com.au/blogs/8466018/michael-usher-the-divisive-smacking-debate
http://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/the-smacking-debate/x9vh53l
http://sixtyminutes.ninemsn.com.au/stories/8465814/the-smack
Many people want to tell others whether they should or should not smack their children.
I would prefer to see the community support parents as they raise their children and help them understand the overall discipline process.
The "meddlesome do-good-er" who wants to interfere knows nothing of the circumstances or family and yet they are eager to interfere in another family’s life.
It is more important that parents understand the 7 steps of good discipline and that we educate parents and support them in their role and in their choices.
Helping them to understand that good discipline is
1. first about establishing clear rules with
2. known cause and effect.
Consequences if you like.
With clear consequences of any wrong doings being established ahead of time.
3. If, or more likely when, children break those rules … the consequences are already clearly established in a calm and known way and are implemented without anger but to ensure discipline and justice.
4. Then children have the opportunity to admit their wrong-doing, confess their sins if you like.
5. The next stage is the punishment if it is appropriate and needed any punishment needs to be appropriate for the individual, and to the point of regret. ***see note below
Now that is a very individual thing too.
There we proceed to
6. forgiveness and
7. restoration,as the last two stages where the child is reminded that their actions were wrong but they are loved and ultimately they have your forgiveness.
Or do we just take the children away from parents and have the world’s do gooders raise them?
Turn It Up
I'm Michael Robinson
*** My Blog note after on air comment.....
I would also remind parents and teachers that each of these important 7 stages of Discipline or 7 rules about rules require much more detail and there is much more that needs to be added but for time on radio I've shortened these here.
One very important general principle or rule about discipline is to
.....Discipline or chastise PRIVATELY
.....& Praise publicly
Also in regards to "privately".....with modern rules, laws and regulations especially in regards to child protection in schools and in the workplace etc, if you are a teacher perhaps it is more suitable and appropriate to have another adult present when telling a child what they've done wrong, at least know the laws and policies relevant to your school and workplace.
I'm sure I will do more on this soon, if you have any question, comments or contributions please add yours below.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Florence Nightingale and Chronic Immune & Neurological Diseases Awareness Day May 12th
Florence Nightingale and Chronic Immune & Neurological Diseases Awareness Day May 12th
FRIDAY May 11th
This COMMENT was made on Grant Goldman's breakfast program after the 7am News on radio 2SM 1269AM and networked radio stations on May 11th 2012.
Recently I’ve made a few comments about May the 12th being The Florence Nightingale C.I.N.D. Awareness Day http://www.may12.org/ for the Chronic Immune & Neurological Diseases. *
http://www.rescindinc.org/ * Side Note - there are MANY websites online....This year I've chosen these few to highlight
These very real and very debilitating conditions that affect 1 in 15 people.
Many of them have constant pain, fatigue, dizziness, weakness, other symptoms that affect them but are invisible to others. Imagine that you have the flu and have just moved house, were in a car accident last night and were beaten up on the way home and that is what a good day is like.
http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory-written-by-christine-miserandino/
A great list that circulated online recently is a list of 10 things not to say when speaking to someone with a Chronic Immune & Neurological Disease. (yes I slightly modified this for my times constraints)
http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/sick-humor/sick-humor-the-top-ten-worst-suggestions-commonly-given-to-someone-with-a-chronic-illness/
1. Don’t say, “We all get aches and pains and get tired as we get older, or suggest that you felt tired last week too, they just have to get over it.”
3. Don’t suggest that they just need a hobby or a job to get their mind off their symptoms.
4. Don’t say that someone you know said it is not a real disease.
Or that if they slept better they’d get over it.
6. Please do NOT say that you read about some miracle food or product that cures everything and that they should give that a try.
7. Do Not remind them that it is just a blessing to be alive or 8. how great it is that they get welfare so they don’t have to work.
Do not tell them
9. If they exercised more or
10. were more positive that they’d … get over it.
While many of these things sound helpful they are no more helpful than telling a quadriplegic to think more positively, change their diet and they’d get better.
There are many things that do help improve a person’s health and well being ***
Oh and don’t say at least your suggestions were well meaning...
...Turn It Up
I’m Michael Robinson
***Side note feel free to contact me via email turnitupmike AT gmail DOT com and ask me about the notes I've been taking of the experiences of many people, their hints and tips and notes and be put in touch with many groups and individuals who have put together many of the pieces in the puzzle of improving your health and well being and living with these conditions rather than not living with them.
Recently I’ve made a few comments about May the 12th being The Florence Nightingale C.I.N.D. Awareness Day http://www.may12.org/ for the Chronic Immune & Neurological Diseases. *
http://www.rescindinc.org/ * Side Note - there are MANY websites online....This year I've chosen these few to highlight
These very real and very debilitating conditions that affect 1 in 15 people.
Many of them have constant pain, fatigue, dizziness, weakness, other symptoms that affect them but are invisible to others. Imagine that you have the flu and have just moved house, were in a car accident last night and were beaten up on the way home and that is what a good day is like.
http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory-written-by-christine-miserandino/
A great list that circulated online recently is a list of 10 things not to say when speaking to someone with a Chronic Immune & Neurological Disease. (yes I slightly modified this for my times constraints)
http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/sick-humor/sick-humor-the-top-ten-worst-suggestions-commonly-given-to-someone-with-a-chronic-illness/
1. Don’t say, “We all get aches and pains and get tired as we get older, or suggest that you felt tired last week too, they just have to get over it.”
3. Don’t suggest that they just need a hobby or a job to get their mind off their symptoms.
4. Don’t say that someone you know said it is not a real disease.
Or that if they slept better they’d get over it.
6. Please do NOT say that you read about some miracle food or product that cures everything and that they should give that a try.
7. Do Not remind them that it is just a blessing to be alive or 8. how great it is that they get welfare so they don’t have to work.
Do not tell them
9. If they exercised more or
10. were more positive that they’d … get over it.
While many of these things sound helpful they are no more helpful than telling a quadriplegic to think more positively, change their diet and they’d get better.
There are many things that do help improve a person’s health and well being ***
Oh and don’t say at least your suggestions were well meaning...
...Turn It Up
I’m Michael Robinson
***Side note feel free to contact me via email turnitupmike AT gmail DOT com and ask me about the notes I've been taking of the experiences of many people, their hints and tips and notes and be put in touch with many groups and individuals who have put together many of the pieces in the puzzle of improving your health and well being and living with these conditions rather than not living with them.
Florence Nightingale and Chronic Immune & Neurological Diseases Awareness Day May 12th
FRIDAY May 11th
This COMMENT was made on Grant Goldman's breakfast program after the 7am News on radio 2SM 1269AM and networked radio stations on May 11th 2012.
Recently I’ve made a few comments about May the 12th being The Florence Nightingale C.I.N.D. Awareness Day for the Chronic Immune & Neurological Diseases. *
* Side Note - there are MANY websites online....This year I've chosen these few to highlight
These very real and very debilitating conditions that affect 1 in 15 people.
Many of them have constant pain, fatigue, dizziness, weakness, other symptoms that affect them but are invisible to others. Imagine that you have the flu and have just moved house, were in a car accident last night and were beaten up on the way home and that is what a good day is like.
A great list that circulated online recently is a list of 10 things not to say when speaking to someone with a Chronic Immune & Neurological Disease.
(yes I slightly modified this for my times constraints)
10 Things not to say with someone with a Chronic illness
1. Don’t say, “We all get aches and pains and get tired as we get older, or suggest that you felt tired last week too, they just have to get over it.”
3. Don’t suggest that they just need a hobby or a job to get their mind off their symptoms.
4. Don’t say that someone you know said it is not a real disease.
Or that if they slept better they’d get over it.
6. Please do NOT say that you read about some miracle food or product that cures everything and that they should give that a try.
7. Do Not remind them that it is just a blessing to be alive or 8. how great it is that they get welfare so they don’t have to work.
Do not tell them
9. If they exercised more or
10. were more positive that they’d … get over it.
While many of these things sound helpful they are no more helpful than telling a quadriplegic to think more positively, change their diet and they’d get better.
There are many things that do help improve a person’s health and well being ***
Oh and don’t say at least your suggestions were well meaning...
...Turn It Up
I’m Michael Robinson
***Side note feel free to contact me via email turnitupmike AT gmail DOT com and ask me about the notes I've been taking of the experiences of many people, their hints and tips and notes and be put in touch with many groups and individuals who have put together many of the pieces in the puzzle of improving your health and well being and living with these conditions rather than not living with them.
Also see the websites above.
Recently I’ve made a few comments about May the 12th being The Florence Nightingale C.I.N.D. Awareness Day for the Chronic Immune & Neurological Diseases. *
* Side Note - there are MANY websites online....This year I've chosen these few to highlight
Please visit these websites - click on the LINKS here
These very real and very debilitating conditions that affect 1 in 15 people.
Many of them have constant pain, fatigue, dizziness, weakness, other symptoms that affect them but are invisible to others. Imagine that you have the flu and have just moved house, were in a car accident last night and were beaten up on the way home and that is what a good day is like.
A great list that circulated online recently is a list of 10 things not to say when speaking to someone with a Chronic Immune & Neurological Disease.
(yes I slightly modified this for my times constraints)
10 Things not to say with someone with a Chronic illness
1. Don’t say, “We all get aches and pains and get tired as we get older, or suggest that you felt tired last week too, they just have to get over it.”
3. Don’t suggest that they just need a hobby or a job to get their mind off their symptoms.
4. Don’t say that someone you know said it is not a real disease.
Or that if they slept better they’d get over it.
6. Please do NOT say that you read about some miracle food or product that cures everything and that they should give that a try.
7. Do Not remind them that it is just a blessing to be alive or 8. how great it is that they get welfare so they don’t have to work.
Do not tell them
9. If they exercised more or
10. were more positive that they’d … get over it.
While many of these things sound helpful they are no more helpful than telling a quadriplegic to think more positively, change their diet and they’d get better.
There are many things that do help improve a person’s health and well being ***
Oh and don’t say at least your suggestions were well meaning...
...Turn It Up
I’m Michael Robinson
***Side note feel free to contact me via email turnitupmike AT gmail DOT com and ask me about the notes I've been taking of the experiences of many people, their hints and tips and notes and be put in touch with many groups and individuals who have put together many of the pieces in the puzzle of improving your health and well being and living with these conditions rather than not living with them.
Also see the websites above.
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