Bunchland

Britain has an opportunity to reinvent how it teaches information technology

A recent editorial in the Guardian newspaper wrote that Britain is in danger of producing a generation that doesn’t know how Google works. As such, the editorial states that this is a prime opportunity to overhaul the education system and bring information technology education into the 21st century.

Is North America any better? Maybe a little. Our kids know to how to download an app or a song and we’ve raised them to think of Google as a verb as much as a company, but are we providing them with the right tools to invent the next Google? In the current and old system, kids learn how to use specific programs, but what does that do when the essential programs completely change every few years? Schools should instead be teaching information systems.  Read more...

What we’re reading today:

1. How do you deal with kids obsessed with names brands? Boost their confidence, encourage them to “develop a multi-faceted identity through sports, music, volunteerism, faith or other activities that they are good at and that include them in a community.

2. Soda pop is bad for your kids and could be aging you faster. (Does that include San Pelligrino?)

3. So baby monitors are a pretty genius device, yes? Want to kick them up a few notches? How about a onesie that’s also a wireless biosensor? Get updates on your baby’s heartrate and skin temperature sent right to your phone!

4. Telling kids that “learning is difficult and failure is common, but practice will help,” is a good way to get kids to fail less.

5.  Do your kids know the classic “What’s Opera Doc?” aka “Kill the Wabbit”? How about a remix?  Read more...

What we’re reading today:

1. Any parents/step-parents navigating the whole blended family thing? Rebecca Eckler talks about raising her daughter with her fiance, his two daughters, while expecting a new half-sibling for these three girls.

2. For all those following the gong show that is the GOP primaries, do you miss Bachmann a little? Apparently Rush Limbaugh isn’t the only one who doesn’t understand how birth control works, because Michele Bachmann was talking about birth control and how once the state gets involved, it won’t take much before America has a one-child policy.

3. Older parents think that childless 30-somethings should get a move on it.

4. Do you think that the public school system needs some work? Here’s why being a part of it can help make it better.  Read more...

What we’re reading today:

1. Jan Berenstein, of Bears fame, has died.  One Slate writer is pleased that there will no more Berenstein Bears books, but good riddance is a bit much, isn’t it?

2. How do you get your kids to listen to socially conscious music? Put some K’Naan on. Also, keep them away from Chris Brown’s music, but we don’t know why the kielburgers aren’t still listening to the Beastie Boys.

3. A new study shows that kids who play active video games (Wii Sports, dancing games) don’t get any more exercise than kids playing inactive games. 

4. At what age should kids be identified as “gifted”?

5. Construction paper isn’t known for being the coolest of craft supplies, but this stop-motion music video for a new Josh Ritter song proves otherwise. Also, if you’re not listening to Josh Ritter, this is a good opportunity to start. He’s awesome.
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What we’re reading today:

1. Jezebels resident mom expert shares all the stuff she wishes she’d learned before being a mom. Namely, funny voices.

2. What happens when parents can opt out of a school’s curriculum?

3. So, about this SOPA blackout thing; what if your kid has a project due for tomorrow morning and you need to research stuff? GeekDad has some Wikipedia blackout survival tips.

4. Rebecca Eckler is thrilled that her kids will be nearly a decade apart in age.

5. Speaking of having awesome older siblings, this video is pretty cute:

education

What we’re reading today:

1. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney says he supports PBS, but he doesn’t want to support PBS; it’s high time Big Bird and the gang at Sesame Street had some commercials.  If there’s one thing toddlers need more of, it’s advertising.

2. We’re all too busy these days with constant updates and as a result of this, kids aren’t growing up with any space to think about reflect on individual subjects. It’s showing in their test scores and educator Diana Senechal thinks giving kids a little more solitude would improve this. Sounds like someone wants to start a slow think movement.

3. Still no more than seven people know the sex of baby Storm.

4. Here’s one mom arguing why books are better than e-books for kids.

5. Five-year-old Riley says girls want superheroes and princesses. Amen, sister.  Read more...

What we’re reading today?

1. So what’s the Tickle Me Elmo of 2011? The iPad.

2. Why students don’t need grades.

3. Have you checked in with the tournament of Muppets lately?

4. Acupuncture for kids? Sure! A new study says it’s safe.

5. In the late 80s and 90s, a lot of very adult stand-up comedians had their own kids shows. Yeah, that IS weird to think. But we do remember Bobby’s World pretty fondly.

Photo by Deborah Leigh via Flickr