Your thoughts on homeschooling
The Oklahoman published a package of stories and video clips today about homeschooling — why parents choose it, how they feel about recent judicial and legislative moves, what they do to ensure a quality education for their children, how they join together for athletic competitions, and what recent research shows, among other issues.
We’ve shared information with you. Now, we want you to share your thoughts with us. Post your comments here to get a discussion going about these homeschool topics.
Plant one here
There’s a neat story in this week’s Home & Garden section about the yearly poinsettia sale at Oklahoma State University’s campus in Oklahoma City. It included the statement that poinsettias aren’t toxic to humans, as is commonly thought.
I wondered if it was safe for pets too. I’d like to get some plants this year but have three dogs and a cat, all known to sample a leafy lunch.
According to Dr. Sandra Morgan, an associate professor at OSU’s veterinary school, the pretty holiday plants have gotten a bad rap over the years.
“Like any plant, if a dog or cat eats too much of it, it will get ill,” she said. She warned that mistletoe is far more toxic to animals than poinsettias.
That’s good news for my pets — and my holiday decor. Not such good news for my husband, who won’t be getting any kisses under the mistletoe.
Susan Simpson, Education Writer
Sugar Plum Fantasies
I learned an ugly truth in second grade. From a teacher no less.
The tooth fairy may not be an actual wing-wearing, coin-toting magical creature after all. She might be nothing but a fairy-tale.
I was horrified, scandalized, and permanently immunized — against such childish flights of fancy.
Now I’m a parent, and I’m wondering if there’s ever a right time to shine the glaring light of reality onto a child’s eyes. At what age should you have that “talk” about imaginary heroes propagated by toy sellers and story books.
Maybe you never have that talk, and the innocent learn the hard truth from playmates or teachers. Yes, you wait. Because childhood fantasy is a precious gift and dreams don’t come gift-wrapped by elves.
Susan Simpson, Staff Writer
Treat for Mom Too
I grew up on a farm so trick-or-treating was tricky. We’d drive to some neighbors’ houses and then into “town” to visit a select more friends. The upside to this was that we knew all the candy was safe. But we never experienced the tradition of walking around a neighborhood.
I live in the suburbs now, in a neighborhood I really like. Last night, my daughter and I met up with some other families on our block to trick or treat. This group had lived in the neighborhood a long time, so they knew which houses had the best decorations or really splurged on the treats. My daughter loved traveling in a pack with lots of other kids, and I liked talking to the other parents about such important things as what to do if you are blocks from home but your child needs to use the “facilities.” The answer to that depends on the type of costume said child is wearing.
So while farm life can seem idyllic — and at times it was — I think there’s a lot to be said for reaching out to neighbors that live across the street — not over the next hay field.
Susan Simpson, Education Writer
52-Pickup
I don’t know how to shuffle cards. At least not neatly. A few always pop out of my hands or fall to the floor. No biggie, since the card games I play at this (Mommy) stage of life are Go Fish and Uno.
But help is available for folks that can shuffle and want to get a job at a casino. Oklahoma City Community College is offering noncredit online courses in dealing poker, blackjack and baccarat.
The courses are offered through Gatlin Education Services and The Johnny Chan Academy. Chan is 10-time winner of the World Series of Poker.
The courses aren’t cheap. $1,195 for the 75-hour baccarat class, and $1,395 each for the other two classes, which are 100-hours each.
OCCC says students that complete the program get job placement help from the Johnny Chan Academy.
What do you think? I don’t know what dealers earn here or elsewhere. Is this a career gamble that you would take?
Susan Simpson, Education Writer
How to Take the Work out of Homework
Homework.
It’s a noun with a public relations problem. While accurate — it is work that you do at home — it just doesn’t sound like a lot of fun — with the work part and all.
Maybe we should start calling it Supplemental Educational Opportunities? Or Brain-Boosting Bonanza? “B-to-the-3″ has a nice ring.
Regardless of its name, homework is here to stay. My step-daughter has been bringing home assignments since she was in kindergarten. We usually try to get it out of the way early in the evening, but sometimes it’s a struggle to fit it in or keep her focused.
What tips do you have for helping your children with homework? How do you assist the younger ones, or encourage older students? Do you think homework is worthwhile?
E-mail me at ssimpson@oklahoman.com
Susan Simpson, Education Writer
Rabid Response
Did you know that 55,000 people die every year from rabies, a disease that is 100 percent preventable?
The majority of victims are children that live in poverty, often in undeveloped countries.
Two Oklahoma State University students, Alex Glover and Jennifer Moreno, aim to help prevent the deaths by raising money with a 5K Race for Rabies at 8 a.m. Sept. 8 at Boomer Lake in Stillwater.
The entry fee is $20 and includes a T-shirt. And dogs can even join their owners, provided they have current proof of rabies vaccination.
The proceeds will go to the Alliance for Rabies Control. Also OSU veterinary students will be eligible to win a symposium by international rabies experts and can apply for a two-week internship at a field site in Africa.
For more information, contact Moreno at jennifer.moreno@okstate.edu
Glue for You
I’m not a student but I love the school supply aisle.
The bounty of brightly colored notebooks (one subject, three-subject, wide-ruled) the pegs of pens (retractable, felt, ball point) the little plastic pencil sharpeners that never really work, the big big box of crayons.
Who says school supplies are only for kids? Grown-ups can find treasures as well, often cheaper than at the local office supplier.
We all need paper, and that Helly Kitto notebook will be a cute addition to my desk. Purple pens are a fun ways to write a note to a co-worker. And for my “must meet deadline or else” days, there’s the Super Woman eraser set, which might not make me work faster but makes me smile.
So don’t let the kids have all the fun. Add some sparkle to your plain-Jane work supplies. Except for the protractor — I never really figured that one out.
Susan Simpson, Education Writer
Shop-nanza
Kohl’s department store opened at 8 a.m. today, an hour early. But customers started lining up at 7:30.
When I got there a few hours later, the store was busy, but not packed with shoppers, probably because many people had to work today.
Not Abby Thomas. The mom of two took off work today to beat the crowds and save money on school clothes. She was joined by her mother, Carol Smith, who was buying clothes for four grandkids. The sales tax savings, 8.35 percent at this store on Northwest Expressway, was icing on the cake, she said. That’s because every item in the store was on sale.
“When you are buying a lot, outfitting four kids, it is a significant savings,” Smith said.
Tina Novak had considered going to Dallas to shop during the Texas sales tax holiday, so she was happy to hear that Oklahoma established its own weekend to help parents save on back-to-school clothes. Her 12-year-old son Hunter needs jeans, shoes and t-shirts for school.
“I had planned to spend $250 this weekend,” she said.
The sales tax break will save her $20.87. Not a bad deal, if you ask me.
Let me know about your bargains at ssimpson@oklahoman.com
Susan Simpson, Education Writer
