Because I Said So!!!!
Blazing Turtle

Have you ever heard these words before? Probably from a parent or grandparent. These are words kids hate to hear but parents love to repeat over, and over and over!

I vowed when I was a kid never to say those words to my kids. Not only did I say those words I said them over and over. Ha!!

Yesterday at school I had the pleasure of getting back into the gym and teaching a second grade class. Lots of fun! I had two boys who didn't particularly care to play by the rules. Guess what I did? I used those words.

I repeated those words over and over...they hated them. I loved them..I got a kick out of saying them. They sure didn't. Ha!

What do those words mean to children..they mean it's not the answer I want and I want to hear something different. What do these words mean to the adult. They mean you need to follow the rules and I don't need to explain it.

I don't need to explain it because I said so! Ha!

Because I said so is what adults say when they want kids to be obedient to things that should be obvious..To the two little boys in PE...the message I was trying to tell them wasn't obvious and that was not the message they want to hear.

I think parents and I include myself in that mix..need to use these words more often and mean them. Too many parents these days and I include myself in that mix, need to stand up, get our back firm and our eyes direct and say those 4 words...Because I Said So!

Now doesn't that feel good...it does because YOU are doing the right thing!!


Have a great day!!!
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Cats and Dogs
Blazing Turtle

I don't know about your place but in Broken Arrow it is raining cats and dogs. That means it is raining a lot.

Several years ago I had the pleasure of going to Panama. It was life changing. I worked deep in the rain forest talk about primitive..No running water, no electricity and when night came it was dark.

Our interpreter was a young man by the name of Carlos..boy I miss that guy. He was sooo kind and always cared for all our needs while we were there.

What I remember most about Carlos was when he was interpreting for us and myself or a member of our group would use a slang..like raining cats and dogs or some Okieism. And Carlos would look at me like I was from some other planet. What he was looking for was some clarification of what in the world we were saying.

I think about this at school when I am talking to primary age children. As adults we say things that in our world make perfect sense, but in their world it is like we are aliens. Sometimes we do it just to see their reactions.

Each day at school teachers are working very hard in getting the message across to their students in math, reading, english, science, social studies, and in the fine arts. Most of the time we do a great job at communicating the message...but when we don't get it right...that is where you step in...the parent. We cannot do the job of educating alone and in a vacuum. We need your help desperately.. You know your child better than anyone...

Thanks for listening.

Mr. Smith
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Made to Stick
Blazing Turtle

One of the latest books I have read is a book entitled, "Made to Stick" by Chip and Dan Heath. If you are a leader in your company or know someone who is this is a must read.

The basic premise of the book is an in depth look at why things stick. Here are the basic principals.



Your message needs to be:

1. Simple
2. Unexpected
3. Concrete
4. Credible
5. Emotional
6. Contain Stories

In the book it talks about stories that have stuck in your mind...In the book it tells of a story that I am sure you have heard. Have you heard that the Great Wall of China is the only man made structure that you can see from outer space?? I heard this and I said yes that is true. Not...Most major highways are wider and longer than the Great Wall of China...However, the story has stuck with many of us...

What this book made me look at is how we as teachers approach our lessons. What makes them memorable? What makes the message we are trying to convey stick? Is it the numerous worksheets? I don't think so...I hope not!

I have shared this book with all of my teachers. I can tell you that they all do a great job of making the learning at school stick. Below is a link to a site where you can look at excerpts and if you want...buy the book! Let me know what you think.

Here is the link:
http://www.madetostick.com/


Mr. Smith
Indian Springs Elementary, Principal
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Snowing In BA
Blazing Turtle

I am sitting at home after a very busy week at school enjoying the snow as it falls outside. I am thinking about this past week and how it was busy and fast paced.

Teachers and students at my school put forth unbelievable effort. They are excited to be at school and most are excited to face new learning challenges everyday.

This coming week we have Grandperson's Week. It is a time for our students to invite a special person in their life to come and eat lunch with them and visit the classrooms.

The idea of Grandperson's week started some 16 years ago at Arrow Springs. I saw many students coming to school everyday who had mom and dad to be a part of their life but that was it. Grandma and Grandpa were not close by to enjoy their grandkids on a regular basis. So I thought, why don't we have a special week to have kids invite a special person in their life to come to school and to share.

Over the last 16 years on average we have had both at Arrow Springs and Indian Springs over 200 visitors during the week. Kids and grandparents alike are excited to see each other and enjoy the time at the school.

I think I am pondering Grandperson's Week more so this year than years past, because I am now a grandparent. I can't imagine not being close to my granddaughter and having that time with her as she grows.

I hope you have a chance to come up during the week and enjoy the time with your child and drag along a grandparent if you can, it will mean the world to your child.

Children need you in their lives both socially and educationally. Ask your kids questions, spend time with them, do stupid stuff with them, but most of all enjoy them.

I hope to share my thoughts here on a weekly basis. Feel free to share your thoughts with me.

Have a great week!


Mr. Smith
Indian Springs Elementary, Principal
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