better write something

i have been watching a lot of documentaries lately. loving lampposts, about how families deal when their child is given an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. forks over knives, which makes a very convincing argument about why we should all immediately start eating a plant-based whole foods diet (*note, i spent the weekend after watching this eating way too much fried chicken, pizza, and birthday cake--what can you do with three parties in one weekend?), little man, about a mom's advocacy for her 20-week-old preemie son and the effects of this kid's life on his family, and being elmo, about the puppeteer who created this character--his devotion to his dream and how mentors bring up the next generations.

my son turned 9, and it was a very different party than those of previous years. four guests, a sleepover, and unlimited screen time. not long ago we were doing treasure hunts and pirate themes, and now four boys huddled together around their nintendo ds games. miles is growing up fast. but still not able to get his own bowl of cereal! i was very grateful for a long period sunday morning lying cuddled in bed reading our books together.

we had a furlough day friday. miles was invited to a friend's house whose teacher mom organized an all-day activity in which they learned about the branches of government and then wrote a bill and passed a law for kids to get their own phones. maya and i went to my brother's house where four girls did a science experiment, homework, and then wrote and recorded a song about furlough days. it was hard not to think about all the kids who don't have teacher-y parents or parents who could take time off work, and were probably home watching tv most of the day.

this morning mayor ed lee came to congratulate the kids at starr king for their great improvement on the STAR tests next year. i have been seeing some real negatives of teaching to the test lately,and felt a little cynical about this visit. i am seeing firsthand that the focus on high test achievement discourages giving teachers time or motivation to differentiate and help the kids who are struggling or not challenged by grade level material. it also takes time away from the many valuable subjects which are not directly represented on the tests.

many folks have written far more eloquently on this subject, sorry.

mayor lee was so down-to-earth, though, and good at speaking right to the kids, that i appreciated his visit. "work hard and do well in school and you will be better able to get a good job, help others in the world, and help your parents when they get old" was his message.