Blessings and Blessings in Disguise by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Blessings and Blessings in Disguise by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Many grandparents have the responsibility as caregiver to a second generation of young people – their grandchildren. Many have assumed the entire or sole responsibility of raising their children’s children or grandchildren. For some, such may be a struggle and for others, much like riding a bike after not having done so for a long period of time – such requires time to readjust and still others – it is smooth sailing.

Such may not have been that which you initially intended, but you assumed the responsibility. Grandchildren are a blessing and can be blessings in disguise. In today’s Keeping Hope Alive this Holiday Season Series Part 4 Blessings and Blessings in Disguise, I want to introduce you to the Haskells; they have the sole responsibility of raising their three grandchildren, but before I do, I want to take a minute or so and share 12 Ways which Grandchildren can be Blessings and Blessings in Disguise to many Grandparents.

Grandchildren can:

1.      Teach Grandparents different and new things

2.      Give Grandparents a purpose

3.      Put a smile on a Grandparent’s face

4.      Develop a special bond with a Grandparent(s)

5.      Keep Grandparents lively and energetic

6.      Learn new things from Grandparents, often readily, due to the patience of some Grandparent(s)

7.      Assist Grandparents with little errands and help them around- physically

8.      Keep Grandparents mentally alert – they have the tendency to ask lots of questions

9.      Become Grandparents’ pride and joy

10.  Give some Grandparents the opportunity to do for them that which they were not able to do for their children

11.  Make Grandparents feel important

12.  Reverse the situation and at some point in time become your devoted caregiver and thus, your blessing in disguise.  

To those Grandparents who have accepted the sole care of your grandchild/ren, we want to take a moment and offer a heartfelt thank you. To Grandparents who engage positively in some manner with your grandchildren; thank you for doing so and making a difference. We wish you and yours a Happy Holiday and Happy New Year!

Now to Parents Taking Charge in Education Channel at YouTube for Pt. 4 Blessings and Blessings in Disguise; please click the link to access the video:              http://youtu.be/vEpln0m9FVI  or

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEpln0m9FVI

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Founder

Parents Taking Charge in Education   http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/PTCnEducation

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MrsDBarronPTCnEd

E-mail: barron.dorothy@yahoo.com

 

4 Pt. Series - Keeping Hope Alive this Holiday Season – Pt. 3 Thanks and Supplication for a better Tomorrow by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

4 Pt. Series - Keeping Hope Alive this Holiday Season – Pt. 3 Thanks and Supplication for a better Tomorrow by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

                                    

Parents, it is never too early to teach children about bestowing upon others kindness and charity.  As Parents, we set the example.  On today in our 4 Pt. Series - Keeping Hope Alive this Holiday Season – Pt. 3 Thanks and Supplication for a better Tomorrow; you will be introduced to two families. You can also use their or your own situation this Christmas as a teaching opportunity.

Is your Christmas going to be prosperous and abundant or less fortunate with your having to be frugal and thrifty? If frugal and thrifty due to being less-fortunate, do not bemoan that which you do not have.  If you have little ones make your and their holiday as merry and festive as you can; remember we all have much in which to be thankful.

Note; the above statement was to “make YOUR and their holiday as merry and festive as you can....” You do not have to spend a lot of money to create a festive look – just some time.

The first family is the Belgardes; they have much and much for which to be thankful. Out of their abundance of wealth they made sure some less-fortunate individuals benefitted from their abundance, although you will never hear them boasting about that which they have done for others.

The second family is the Belgraves; their story is very different. Dad has been out of work for many months and the family’s savings have dwindled, but Mom does not let what she terms “a little setback” spoil the family’s Christmas Holiday and why should it? The Christmas Holiday to these families is all about Family and being together.

 You will learn a bit more about the families in Pt. 3 of our video at Parents Taking Charge in Education Channel at YouTube. The Christmas Holiday to these families is all about Family and being together.

As we continue to hope; have faith and work for a better tomorrow; on today, let us appreciate, enjoy and give thanks for family and that which we do have for we all have much in which to be thankful.

Now to today’s Video; 4 Pt. Series - Keeping Hope Alive this Holiday Season – Pt. 3 Thanks and Supplication for a better Tomorrow at Parents Taking Charge in Education Channel at YouTube, here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdVwPkeRPcE

Condolence: We would like to express our condolences to the Families who lost loved ones and especially Parents with children in the school shooting which occurred in Connecticut.

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Founder

Parents Taking Charge in Education   http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/PTCnEducation

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MrsDBarronPTCnEd

E-mail: barron.dorothy@yahoo.com

Keeping Hope Alive during the Holiday Season 4 Pt. Series - Pt. 2 Santa, bring him Home by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Keeping Hope Alive during the Holiday Season 4 Pt. Series - Pt. 2 Santa, bring him Home by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

 

In our 4 Pt. Keeping Hope Alive during the Holiday Season Series, we present Pt. 2 Santa, bring him Home.  You will find the link to the accompanying video below.

On today, we want to offer and express cheer, hope and thanks to our military and their families. We want to continue to be mindful of the sacrifices you make on behalf of this country.

To truly understand that which you and/or your families encounter we would have to walk in your shoes or personally experience that which you do. Though we may not always remember to say thank you; we appreciate you and the sacrifices which military men and women and families of those who serve have encountered and/or continually encounter, we want to stop and take this opportunity to do so now.

As a country, we often take so much for granted. Those of us who celebrate the Holiday Season can do so in a certain environment; one in which America is not physically at war on its own soil. Many can experience a sense of peace and peace of mind because men and women of our military are serving in various parts of the world helping others and keeping America at peace from external forces.

Prayers for your peace and safety are extended this Holiday Season. For those afar, should you not be able to come home during Christmas or throughout the Holiday Season, we hope very soon, thereafter.

In return for your service and sacrifices may America and Americans continue to work toward making your hopes and dreams a reality.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to our Military and their families!

Now to Parents Taking Charge in Education YouTube Channel for Pt. 2 of our 4 Pt. video Keeping Hope Alive during the Holiday Season Series- Santa, bring him Home! By Mrs. Dorothy Barron 

                             http://youtu.be/vECvQCNK7MY

 

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Founder

Parents Taking Charge in Education   http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/PTCnEducation

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MrsDBarronPTCnEd

E-mail: barron.dorothy@yahoo.com

 

Keeping Hope Alive this Holiday Season Series Pt. 1 of 4 A Wonderful and Magical Christmas made by hand by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Keeping Hope Alive this Holiday Season Series Pt. 1 A Wonderful and Magical Christmas made by hand by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

 

Mrs. Dorothy Barron of Parents Taking Charge in Education presents during the month of December our 4 Pt. Series - Keeping Hope Alive this Holiday Season. Each part of the series has an accompanying holiday video consisting of 2-3 illustration panels and a narrative which will be featured at our Video Channel on YouTube.

This Series portrays “hope,” depicted sometimes through wishes; other times, endurance and most often through faith demonstrated by action(s). Regardless of wherever and whatever the circumstance(s), hope does not allow one to give up; hope sustains! Hope gives one the fortitude to keeping seeking and searching - looking forward and relying on a brighter and better tomorrow. Instead of providing you with the title of each part of the series, we would rather surprise you each week with both title and Holiday Video.

Keeping Hope alive this Holiday Season Series Pt. 1 A Wonderful and Magical Christmas made by hand

Being a one-Parent family is not easy. Many challenges are greater because one Parent for the most part is doing the parenting alone. It is perhaps this time of the year for a Parent(s) when if unable to provide you little ones with the gifts they desire or you would like them to have sometimes give Parents the impression that they have somehow failed the child and/or themselves in some respect as a Parent. It does not make it any easier with all the commercialism surrounding the Holiday. Many within society’s culture measure the value of a gift by the popularity of the gift and/or cost; which for some equals the worth of both giver and receiver and therefore, the most expensive gifts are the most desired by some.  Do not allow society to determine your standards, values and/or worth.

 Gifts which are the product of our own labor(s) and given out of love are still the most priceless and can be the most desired gifts of those who know and/or realize their true worth; they will often evoke memories that can last a lifetime.  Some of the most beautiful, loving and unique gifts do not have to be purchased; they can be created by one’s own two hands as shown in Pt. 1 of our video.

May this season and the New Year bring you and yours all your needs and many of your desires!

And now, to our Video – A Wonderful and Magical Christmas made by hand

                        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdXFV7bX5nE&feature=plcp

 

Photograph Credit: P. Jarrod Barron

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Founder

Parents Taking Charge in Education   http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/PTCnEducation

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MrsDBarronPTCnEd

E-mail: barron.dorothy@yahoo.com

Going Back to the Basics in Education Pt. 5 of 5 - I am not able to assist my child with Homework- what other ways can I help? By Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Going Back to the Basics in Education Pt. 5 of 5 - I am not able to assist my child with Homework- what other ways can I help? By Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Link to today's Parents Taking Charge in Education YouTube Channel Video Going Back to the Basics in Education - Pt. 5 of 5 Homework Assistance, Oh My! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEqdyhZSwMk&feature=plcp

We would have been remiss in our Going Back to the Basics in Education 5 Pt. Series had we not gone to the root or where education begins – in or with the home. Understanding such, what does a Parent do when he or she realizes, “I am not able to assist my child with his/her homework.” You do not panic or throw in the towel (give up).

Not being able to assist your child/ren with homework is a dilemma many Parents face; barriers may consist of education limitations; the subject; concept or methodology; lack of patience; your work hours or schedule, limited time with the child, and/or etc.  You may not be able to assist your child/ren with homework, but there are other ways that you may be able help your child/ren with performing better and succeeding academically. We suggest a number of ways under our four (4) subtopics for your consideration:

·         Ensure that your child/ren have the tools needed to do a good job education-wise

o   Such may be things as simple as a notebook, pencil and paper

o   Materials for that special project

·         Find academic assistance; bookmark and share it

o    With the internet so full of resources and resource material, do not wait or expect your child’s teacher to supply all your child’s academic needs.

o   If you have a computer and discover exceptional academic resources, bookmark it, talk to your child’s teacher and provide the link to the teacher. Many Educators welcome quality academic resource information; perhaps and possibly, such can be incorporated into your child’s in-school learning curriculum experience or an afterschool homework program curriculum. If your PTA/PTO publishes a newsletter, consider sharing the resource with Parents (be sure to check attribution and other intellectual property guidelines).

·         Provide Support - 

o   Support your child by providing him/her with nutritious meals and snacks.

o   Find ways to continually show your child that he/she is loved, secure and important.

o   You may not be able to assist your child with his/her homework, but you can make sure that the homework your child completes is presentable and neatly done.

·         Offer Encouragement  -

o   Sometimes little extras make a difference – an item that makes a child feel special or of which the child can call his/her own has a way of motivating the child to  give his/her best or do better, academically.

o   Praise and encourage your child to do his/her best regardless of the subject and/or difficulty with the subject; sometimes, it takes time to master a skill.

o   Provide opportunities for the child to spend time doing activities of which he/she is very good at and enjoy doing; this point cannot be stressed enough. Often such serves to “de-stress” the child and re-affirm that even if he/she is not very good at one thing; he or she is very good at another or others (and can prevent the child feeling as if he/she is a failure).

o   Be an example; sometimes settling down nearby in a chair with a book or your own paperwork can give you child a sense of relevancy and keep the child grounded.

This concludes Parents Taking Charge in Education 5 Pt. Series, Going Back to the Basics in Education. Remember, little and/or basic things can often make a positive difference and impact.

Illustration by Niks

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Founder

Parents Taking Charge in Education   http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/PTCnEducation

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MrsDBarronPTCnEd

E-mail: barron.dorothy@yahoo.com

Going Back to the Basics in Education: Pt. 4 Educators and Administrators - Consider the Needs of the Parents of Your Students by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Going Back to the Basics in Education: Pt. 4 Educators and Administrators – Consider the Needs of the Parents of Your Students by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

 

 

Parents Taking Charge in Education YouTube Channel:                                                                        

Educators and Administrators, in relation to the needs of Parents of your students, four (4) questions have been posed for your consideration in today's Going Back to the Basics in Education: Educators and Administrators – Pt. 4 Consider the Needs of the Parents of Your Students by Mrs. Dorothy Barron and can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGEwe7PblCM&feature=plcp

When it comes to the education of students;

We want Parents to…

We want students to…

We want children to…

We want, we want, and we want…

but, and until you first show genuine interest in Parents of your students and their needs, what you want will continue to take a back seat as it relates to the education of your students. If a Parent and his/her child’s basic needs are lacking and not met, how do you expect to get the best of the child physically, mentally and academically?

A Suggestion to School Administrators & PTA/PTOs – sometime it is easy to overlook basic unmet needs of many students and their Parents. A good joint project between the school and PTA/PTO would be to compile and keep an updated list of available sources, resources and contact information to provide to Parents of students. The list can be comprised of agency sources; academic resources, places to purchase inexpensive clothing, computers and other type equipment. You would tailor the resource list to your school’s Parents and students’ needs. Sometimes Parents are reticent about asking for assistance or certain resource information. Lack of basic and needed resources may make a difference as to whether a student succeeds or fails.

Illustration: Niks

Dress designed (2012) by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Founder

Parents Taking Charge in Education   http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/PTCnEducation

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MrsDBarronPTCnEd

E-mail: barron.dorothy@yahoo.com

Going Back to the Basics in Education – Pt. 3 Can Your School meet your child’s basic needs in Education? By Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Going Back to the Basics in Education – Pt. 3 Can Your School meet your child’s basic needs in Education? By Mrs.   Dorothy Barron

Video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FspprakDzaE&feature=plcp

Can your school meet your child’s basic needs? In other words does your school have necessary supplies, equipment and other resources to properly function and provide those tools needed to properly educate students; your child/ren?

Do some of the same problems in Education that existed 20 or more years ago still exist today?

A teacher remarked recently that she was elated that she was at a school where the school’s copier actually worked and supplies were ample. Parents, these were prevalent problems 20 years ago and to which I can attest; I experienced the dilemma along with staff and faculty and saw firsthand how lack of basic equipment and supplies impeded teachers’ efforts to provide some of the best learning experiences for students. Such also dampened teachers/staff’s morale over a period of time. Teachers did not have time to stand around all day in attempts to get the school copier to operate. I often tried to coax the copier to function properly in an effort to make copies for teachers or while engaged in PTA business and just as often wound up with as much copier ink on me as the inked carbon copies.  

Parents can make a Difference in Education

At the school in which I served as PTA President, the problem was resolved after PTA members voted to, raised funds and purchased a new copier and supplies. The sighs of relief!  Staff and faculty were greatly appreciative that Parents were concerned and concerned enough to make their jobs a bit easier. That one small gesture made a difference in the entire school’s environment. 

Meeting the Basic Needs of Children in Education

Surely and hopefully, with present modern and advanced technology available, schools are not still using outdated ink-paper carbon copiers. Of course this was one example, but the point is - basic needs in Education for children such as equipment, supplies and other resources cannot be lacking in our schools. If teachers and educators do not have necessary equipment, supplies and resources to assist and enable them with providing a basic quality education to students, how do we propose Educators/teachers assist students with advancing and excelling academically? Parents can your school meet your child’s basic needs or do you know?

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Founder

Parents Taking Charge in Education   http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/PTCnEducation

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MrsDBarronPTCnEd

E-mail: barron.dorothy@yahoo.com

Going Back to the Basics in Education – Pt. 2 Discovering and highlighting Beauty within your Schools by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Going Back to the Basics in Education – Pt. 2 Discovering and highlighting Beauty within your Schools by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

In Parents Taking Charge in Education Going Back to the Basics in Education Series Pt. 1 - An Environment conducive to Learning - Beauty makes a difference, we raised some questions hopefully to get you thinking about a school environment conducive to learning in relation to the look of your child school’s exterior school building and offered a suggestion for the creation of such an environment through a beautification initiative.

We want to now focus on the interior of school buildings as we continue to look at creating an environment conducive to learning. The inside structure and operational components should be operational and fully-functioning. Today in PT. 2 of our Series, Discovering and Highlighting Beauty within your Schools, we share small acts and actions utilized which created beauty inside some school buildings and made positive differences and an impact on students, school staff and others. What such acts and actions may have students saying can be found in today’s Parents Taking Charge in Education YouTube Channel Video at the link listed below.

  Decorative School Bulletin Boards:

During my formative years in elementary school one of the greatest highlights were bulletin boards; yes, bulletin boards from the perspective of the teacher having turned those boards into educational “work of arts,” beauty and learning tools. Older children were asked to assist and boy, oh boy, one could not wait until he/she was selected by the teacher to assist with cutting, pasting and stapling pre-cut letters, borders and art onto those bulletin boards.

        The Beauty of Students’ work and Achievements:

As an adult - at one school, which I had the privilege to volunteer and serve as PTA President, the PTA sponsored a contest of written essays on Fire Safety. The students’ essay papers were publicly displayed on hall walls and sticks of peppermint were attached to each essay. I was informed more than once that the candy would not remain; some sticky fingers would take the candy down. Such was not the case; not a single stick of candy was taken during the entire number of days the papers remained attached to the wall. The students took pride that their essays were highlighted publicly. The hall wall display of publicized essays and peppermint sticks were the adults’ way of having said, “job well done and we are proud of you.”

Beauty during the Holidays: What is more beautiful and exciting to most children during the Christmas Holidays?

The answer: A beautifully decorated Christmas tree and gifts! A beautifully decorated Christmas tree was placed in the lobby of the school and hung with peppermint sticks. The staff was uplifted and students were joyous and excited. Once again, some pessimists made the same claim; the candy would not remain on the tree. In this instance, one child did remove a hanging peppermint stick, but suddenly replaced the candy and walked rapidly away. The decorated Christmas Tree - a small endeavor which created an act of beauty seemed to have motivated everyone to work a little harder academically and served as a morale booster for all. The school janitor as usual kept the building exceptionally clean and the hall floors waxed.

The above were basic and small acts which portrayed beauty and each made a difference and positive impact in Education!

Parents Taking Charge in Education YouTube Channel Video Link ~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5k4NCHxaSU&feature=plcp Parents Taking Charge in Education Back to the Basics in Education Series: Pt. 2 Discovering and highlighting Beauty within your Schools: The Impact of Beauty when utilized within a School’s Environment – What students may say?

Bulletin Board - Images Credit:

Photo of leaves above and at the end of blog post: P. Jarrod Barron (Mrs. Dorothy Barron. All Rights Reserved. 2012)

Cornucopia Illustration: Peipei (Mrs. Dorothy Barron. All Rights Reserved. 2012)

United States History Images above: Hatzigeorgiou, Karen J. U.S. History Images. 2011. Online. Internet. <http://ushistoryimages.com>.

 Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Founder

Parents Taking Charge in Education   http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/PTCnEducation

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MrsDBarronPTCnEd

E-mail: barron.dorothy@yahoo.com

 

Back to the Basics in Education 5 Pt. Series

Back to the Basics in Education 5 Pt. Series

Pt. 1 An Environment conducive to Learning - Beauty makes a difference By Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Between the two above schools, which school is more appealing, inviting and welcoming? Which school would you prefer and prefer your child attend?

On today, Parents Taking Charge in Education begins its Back to the Basics in Education 5 Pt. Series. We will look at how beautifying our school environment can be conducive to learning; how small acts and actions and going back to some basics in Education have and can make positive differences and an impact on students, staff and others involved in and/or with Education, thus accomplishing some education goal and objectives. If you have not viewed our introduction video for this series at Parents Taking Charge in Education YouTube Channel, please feel free to check it out at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_k8P3axb-oY&feature=plcp  

On today In Part 1, our topic is An Environment conducive to Learning – Beauty makes a difference.ing back tome basic can make

Most, if not all enjoy beauty – it can be appealing, soothing, inviting, welcoming, uplifting, inspiring and pleasing to the sense of sight. Many seek, strive for and/or surround themselves with beauty; it can also motivate.

With this being the case, why do we subject some children to some of the most dilapidated, austere, outdated and ugly school buildings?

What does your child’s school building reflect from both outside and inside? On the outside, do flowers and plants adorn the exterior during spring and early fall; is it neat and attractive from street level regardless of the season? Does it appear welcoming and cheerful or the opposite? Remember, your child spends 6-8 hours; five days a week at/in his/her school building and such can have a lasting impression and impact upon a child.

It is the little things - the basics that we sometime overlook or have forgotten and which can make a positive difference to children during their early nurturing years and education. Children of a great nation deserve the best - great schools and a great education!

A Suggestion

With school Educators having enough to contend with; may I offer a suggestion? Establish a beautification committee and invite staff, Parents and Community to assist with the special project. Get suggestions from students - afterall, it is primarily their mini-community. Compile a plan, get it accomplished and preferably overseen by a person(s) who will have the time, skills and/or would enjoy the project. Don’t forget to give that person(s) some public recognition!

Credit: Illustration of Two Schools above: Peipei

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Founder

Parents Taking Charge in Education   http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/PTCnEducation

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MrsDBarronPTCnEd

E-mail: barron.dorothy@yahoo.com