Educated Politicians Needed Asap

                    As the entire world is ravished by Covid we suddenly realized just how important it is for those in democratic societies to have educated electives who are expected to act in the best interest on our behalf. Now by educated I am not talking about academia because holding  a degree does not make one rational at times. This is quite visible as we are seeing play out before our very eyes on the world stage.

   

                    When I say educate here I mean people who are elected by the people who listen to Scientists as well as try to learn from others with experience and have knowledgeable people around them to act as guides. But in many parts of the world we see quite the opposite,some politicians have deem the virus to be a hoax, even though thousands have died and are still dieing. Some countries refused to shut down and only did so reluctantly when the virus started to spread rapidly.

           In other instances some countries even though they closed their borders reopened some parts too soon and now Covid is on the rise. The question I ask is why in a democracy do we keep electing these politicians who are incompetent to represent the people. In Brazil the leader ignored the people's outcry with  taking the virus seriously and even though he has contracted the virus it doesn't seem as if there has been any changes there in terms of planning on how to bring down the numbers. Boris Johnson Uk's Prime Minister also was down playing the virus by being out and around in public and he too contracted it.

             When he came out of the hospital he was saying something different of course and he thank the hospital staff profusely for how he was treated. America takes the prize as they lead the world in both cases and deaths.After all Trump did campaign on making America great again. Americans are heading into an uphill battle as they try to keep safe and also balance their finances.

             This is made twice as hard as the country is lead by someone who doesn't care, cannot empathize with the country, doesn't believe in Science and is still hoping that one day the virus will go away. And there are many other politicians like Trump who only want the economy to open but there is no concern for the people who elected them as to how will they keep their constituents safe. Schools are ordered to reopen but what is the plan? Republicans refuse to pass a bill to help Americans through a few more months to pay their bills. What a world we live in.

           In Canada the Education minister has state that schools will reopen in September. High school students will be in school alternative days but Elementary students will be in school all week at maximum capacity. Who are these clueless politicians who just do not get it. I am still waiting on what is the plan for the school system. I guess when a few teachers die then they will get it.

            This has made me realize that while I definitely value freedom and cannot imagine living under a totalitarian regime we in democracy governments need to kick our pathetic politicians who will not work on our behalf. Stop electing the ones who are bloody loud with no substance, those who make promises that will never be delivered and for god sake do not elect failed bankrupt and corrupt business people to represent your issues in parliament.

      The world is going through a serious crisis. Climate conditions threatens our human existence but yet we have politicians who think otherwise. Crime in some regions is an existential threat in many countries, racism continues to raise its ugly head. The threat of Nuclear power hangs on a thread but leaders across the world just do not have answers and in some cases other countries relied on America which has been absent in leading the world for the last three and half years.

           It is my opinion that countries and the electorate should start to vet politicians more seriously. We need Political Literacy. Politicians need to come from the people. How the hell do you think someone who has been spoon fed and live a certain life is going to ever understand the plight of the working class.

    Also if you only have the same type of people in parliament then who fights on your behalf. Prime example is in America in the Republican party where its a majority of old white men who are out of touch and could not care less about the unfortunate.So who is defending the minority, women, the disabled, the poor, and those who are different.

          Educated Politicians are badly needed for the people. Politicians who can unite a country when it is needed. While not knowing everything but can be guided by research. Politicians who can fit into all walks of life and stand with its people but most of all govern all its people.Not just who voted for their party. Politicians who wont be perfect all the time but decent and abide and uphold the rule of law.

          Lets not give up on this planet we call earth. Even if not for this generation but wherever you are and which ever country you are in let us start thinking a different way in how we elect those we expect to serve.

          

  

           

knowledge is Power

    We are living through very serious times with Covid-19.  The disease certainly knows no boundaries, the color of your skin or your class status. despite that one thing is certain is that there is a difference between the haves and have not.

     Those with better income or savings most certainly will not be impacted with staying home. Not to mention the less fortunate who live in crowded cramp spaces, social distance is not  practical. Or the person who lives hand to mouth  will be stressed out about how to pay their bills.


    As anxiety looms in some countries than others the biggest question is what will the Fall looks like and will students be able to return to school. It is obvious that the virus will not be going away any time soon therefore it is very important that we educate ourselves on how to survive living with Covid. It is not going to be easy to just send students off to school. How do you get  young children to social distance?. Children need to interact and in doing so they are always in contact.

   It is important to listen to Science and follow the facts and not instead give in to conspiracy theories as this is not simple just the flu. As humans we have to realize the power lies within ourselves to flatten the curve in this virus. Wear a mask and practice social distance as much as possible. It is crucial to try and soothe children's fears  about the virus.

  Help children to understand how different this summer will be. Parent, Guardians and Caregivers will need to be  creative as possible in helping children get through the summer. It is understandable that everyone wants to get back to normal therefore some parents will want to send out their children to summer camps and summer activities but just be reminded that in doing this may cost parents more grief should they contract the virus.

   Be weary of people in high place such as government officials who are telling you its safe to send out your children to school. Their objective is not about your interests but rather for political gains. Do your own research and listen and follow the Science.Safety comes first and follow the guidelines from doctors not politicians in sending out your kids to school in the Fall.


  We are stronger together. Be kind, be patience, be supportive. Help out each other if and when you can. We will get through this.

One Love

Charmaine

Create Writers for Life

Three Parent Plans to Create a Strong Writer

Three Parent Plans to Create a Strong Writer

by Susan Stephenson, www.thebookchook.com

There are lots of things we can do as parents to encourage our children to enjoy writing and master it as a skill. As I did with Three Parents Plans to Create a Strong Reader, I have condensed creating a strong writer into what I see as three crucial plans:

1. Make sure your kids SEE you writing. Point it out to them and explain your purpose when you make a list, write a thank you note/invitation, or create a plan for your next holiday. Encourage kids to join in when you write. Little ones could help by drawing a picture; older kids might spell out part of a word or write their own ideas. Participate as a family in events like Put a Poem in your Pocket Day and International Book Giving Day. Writing something as simple as a poem for your pocket or a hello card to accompany a book gift definitely counts as writing.

2. SET aside writing time on as many days as you can. Just like reading should be a daily habit, so too should writing. Think about when you can fit writing in so it becomes a natural part of your day. Do you keep a journal? Writing time! Would your kids like their own journals to write in - whatever they want? Do you make a list of groceries to buy perhaps? Writing time! Can your kids help with that list, jotting down items they know you need? (You may have to explain the difference between needs and wants!) Some writing may be on paper, some will be typing - kids should see and experience it all.

3. GRAB any excuse for writing. Just read a great book? Let’s write down its name so we can keep a record of great books. Loved that author? Let’s write down her name so we can see if the library has more books by her. Just made up a silly story? Let’s type it up so we can send it to Grandma. Need some funny jokes for when our friends come over? Let’s make a joke book and write out some of our favourites. Reading and writing go very well together - kids might like to make a list of silly characters or scary villains and draw them. When kids are just learning to read and write, it can be fun and useful to draw or take pictures of all their toys, then label them and make a little book. Tracing over or just sounding our the words is a great way to embed that word in our brains.

The more we link writing as a natural extension of family activities and play, the more natural and habitual it becomes for kids. I believe natural and habitual writers grow into strong writers - and that’s cause for celebration!

(Image Credit: My Cute Graphics) 

NB: The Book Chook will be cutting down on articles over the next several months while Susan is studying. From next week, you will mostly find one article each Wednesday, and mostly book and app reviews. The usual program of articles on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays about children’s literacy, literature and learning will probably recommence in August.

If you’re interested in encouraging kids to write, you might like to read Easy Ways Parents Can Encourage Kids to Write, Top Tips for Young Writers, and Nurturing Readers and Writers.

Or check out my Listly list on Teaching Kids to Write, embedded below.

Is Home Work Important?

  

 
                               Guide to Helping Children with Home Work

According to  the collin's dictionary home work is work done at home.  Home Work is a sore point with many parents and students. For students they feel as if home work should be non existence and takes up too much time and on the other hand home work is a torture that many parents would love to wish away.
Home work should not be a burden but rather should be a continuation of  work done  during the school period. Unfortunately  many schools pile on too much home work which really isn't necessary and often times children are very much turned off as well as parents end up doing their children's home work.

With technology at our finger tips it is very easy to access information but having this simple access is often abuse as parents  log on to the internet to get answers to their children's home work. What is meant to be a learning process for children ends up being all too easy which leaves children without learning important skills on how to access information or even acquiring correct study skills.
Some countries have looked at the possibility of banning home work. Having had a home school for several years I personally was not a fan of having students do a lot of home work, and in some instances there were parents who thought I needed to give more work. So what really is the point of home work?

Parents should not get stressed over helping  their children with home work but should rather take it in strides. When I used to be in the class room one of the things I encouraged parents to do is if they come across a concept that they do not know instead of stressing over it either tell their child to ask the teacher to explain or they set up a meeting with the teacher. But it was quite okay for it not to be completed in that moment.

1.  Parents should guide their children with home work and not give them the answers or do it for them.

2. Discourage children from going on to google to search for answers. If your child does not know the answer or how to solve a problem chances are that the concept was not grasp correctly, therefore children should be encourage to speak with their teacher.
3.  If children are in private school or in a school that gives a lot of home work parents should set up a system  to complete the home work. For example maybe start with simple subjects first and so on.

4. Children should have a desk or sit around a table when doing home work. Try to cut out the distractions around. No television in the back ground or iPods on.
5. Do not be afraid to let your child know that you do not  know the answer and if you are solving a problem and your child complains that is not how it is done by the teacher, then meet with the teacher so that you are on the same page with how your child is taught. You will then have consistency which is important to a child learning pattern.
6. Children should be encourage to do home work as they get home or at a certain time during the weekend and not wait until the last minute as this proves to be stressful to both parents and children.
7. Children with learning disabilities should not be over whelmed with  all the home work at once but rather should be given home work in small portions at a time. For such children structure is very important and breaks should be given in between.
8. Always remember that you learn best by doing and children need to learn how to learn. If helping your child with home work is stressful then seek help either from the teacher a tutor or another family member who may have more patience.

The essence of home work should be to practice and build on concepts learned. It should not be a burden or should not be stressful to children.

Are You Living Beautifully ?

Project Summary

Living Beautifully Authored by Charmaine Walker

List Price: $15.00

5.06" x 7.81" (12.852 x 19.837 cm)
Black & White on White paper
56 pages

ISBN-13: 978-1515210238 (CreateSpace-Assigned)
ISBN-10: 1515210235
BISAC: Body, Mind & Spirit / Inspiration & Personal Growth

Living Beautifully is about living life on your terms and living for yourself and not for anyone. It is about finding your authentic self and being true to the person you are instead of what society expects you to be. CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/56370