One Thing For Certain

We are experiencing so much uncertainty in our world, and it impacts all of us on both a local and global level. Even in the world of education, we are facing very real uncertainty- how will budget cuts effect us this year, will we be losing any staff members, how do we prepare for this new standardized test being implemented by politicians.
However, one thing for certain, in a couple weeks the bells will ring and doors will open for another year of your child's education. When I think about the essence of a new school year I think of the quote by Theodore Roosevelt, kind of "a mantra" for school's all around the world, "People don't care about what you know until they know how much you care." The only difference in the land of education is we change the word "people" to CHILD.
Does your child know how much you care? Do an experiment tonight. Don't immediately think about all the stuff you need to get done, and how there is no way you have time. While you are eating dinner tonight (I don't care if it is a bag of fast-food in the car) tell your family that you will be having a "Question of the Night." Let them know that they are going to think about each other's favorite things to do, and you will have to share what you think is everyone's favorite things. Not only will this experiment give you a great reflection piece to gain insight into the eyes of your children, it will also give you a really fun game to play with your family. Once your family gets the hang of it let your kids start asking questions.
Ok, so you heard what your children...and spouse believe is each person's favorite thing. This is where my challenge comes in, make yourself a goal. The beginning of a school year is symbolic for new goals, new promises, and optimism for the exciting year ahead. Maybe your goal will be to read to your child every night or to show that one of your favorite things is helping them each night with homework. Whatever your goal is, I hope that the upcoming school year offers you plenty of opportunities to show your child how much you care.