Understanding real learning

Well I have yet to spread my intellectual wings on this blog, so here I go! I won't get too technical, but I feel compelled to share a bit about some new insights.

As the principal of a dual-language immersion, public PK-8 school, I face the daunting challenges of educating our youth in today's world on a daily basis. Despite all the barriers they, the children, and we, the educators, have to encounter (funding, appropriate materials and supplies, parental support, etc.), I still manage to find some glimmer of hope for our future. I say glimmer because the state of public education in our country is beyond dismal...it is so utterly disintegrated, that I believe we will not see significant change for at least another generation. However, a conference I attended last week offered me a bit of hope...a small sign that the field of education is not dead, but just drowning, muffled, merely hanging on for dear life before going totally under!

A group call Scientific Learning (look them up on the web) came to a meeting for principals to market their support programs for struggling learners. Their product is based on extensive brain research and actually embraces very progressive thoughts about how individuals learn. Many people in the scientific community have understood for years that learning is not static, nor is the brain a fixed entity. Yet these concepts have never truly been adopted in the educational community. Children are still labeled, told they simply do not have the intellect, and left to their own devices to basically fail in a system that provides no real support or outlet for them. Now, I'm not just speaking of special needs students or even bilingual learners, but of all students in every mainstream classroom. How many children who struggle with spelling , memorization or mathematics processing are simply given a failing grade because the methods employed to teach them simply do not meet the mark? Even strategies that target the multiple intelligences are often leaving many students behind as the real issues concerning their "learning challenges" do not get addressed. This group's presentation shows that after accepting the brain to be "elastic,"educators at the university level decided to study how certain skills are acquired by the brain...which parts or areas of the brain are functioning when spelling, computing math problems, understanding complex theories, etc? After determining this with functional MRIs, these scientists and educators then collaborated to determine when the stimulation of these cerebral areas take place in development...how significantly poor prenatal care, poor nutrition, TV , etc. play a part in the brain's development. For example, if letter recognition begins at the young age of two months, yet a child is never read to at that age or never exposed to verbal communication, that child, more likely than not, will fall behind in reading and spelling skills. Because of this, that child will be challenged at every turn in the educational setting and more than likely begin to fail...possibly be labeled "learning disabled" and simply thought of as "not as smart" as his/her peers. Well, the product this company offers asseses the processing skills of all students to help identify which areas of their brains need more stimulation...more exercise. We all know that, just like when we work out, more exercise leads to stronger muscles, and that even after a hiatus from our work-out routines, our muscles maintain memory and can quickly rebound once exercised again. Well, the brain is no different---we need to stimulate, exercise, and train those parts of the brain that are not working up to standard for these children. Perhaps they lacked the stimulation at some pivotal points of development; perhaps their genetic make up prevented a few key connections in brain development to take place, and we must learn how to optimize what connections they do have; perhaps we need to retrain educators in the idea that all learners are in fact different and need to be addressed according to their needs.

Public education has rebuked this notion because the mere idea of how to fund individualized instruction is overwhelming. They cannot possibly entertain the idea that everyone can learn--at their own pace, in their own way! Pubic education simply cannot handle this, and I not sure if it is even reasonable for it to do so. Yet we must change how we think about education. The trends and research show that increased technology has dumbed down our intellect. We have not trained or worked-out the brain appropriately, and now our children and our world are paying the price. Like I said before, this is not new to anyone who has taken the time to read up and follow scientific brain research, but education is FINALLY recognizing this information. I have invited this group to my school to train my teachers, but most of my principal colleagues brushed it off as they feel it is just another product line trying to promote their sales. I actually cannot buy the program for my school (price tag is upwards of $20, 000 for the entire school) but the company is willing to offer the training because they are dedicated to this shift in education. I applaud their efforts, and this product does offer me hope that real, meaningful learning can start to take place for children otherwise deemed as "lacking."

Well, I'll stop there because the constraints of time and energy are limiting me from diving any deeper into this issue right now, but believe me....this is a VERY deep one...perhaps bottomless! HOPE YOU LOOK INTO THIS COMPANY; HOPE YOU READ UP ON BRAIN RESEARCH, AND HOPE YOU THINK TWICE ABOUT DEVELOPMENT THE NEXT TIME YOU TURN ON THAT TV FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE!

Enough whining already!

Ok...for the last 2 days I have been whining! Yes, that's right! Whining about a new hair cut and today, or at least by 3:00pm today, I've decide that enough is enough! It's starting to grow on me, and frankly I realize that it will eventually grow back and fill in the way I want....so as they say in Spanish, ajo y agua! (Fuck it and go on!) Great saying...we all should use it more often! I also realized that none of my drama really matters so I need to release it....there are much bigger issues out there to deal with! Not to mention the fact that it was only one week ago that I was fretting about my son's situation...amazing how much can change in a week....definetley has given me some perspective!
I plan on working out later tonight and hope to also get some shopping in so as to make the best of this rather dreary, November day! Lot's of sad news came my way today, including a death in the family and my brother's car accident in Senegal, but nevertheless, I'm trying to make the best of it all!
Looking forward to the holiday season and hoping that lots of joy comes my way! Well, I'll keep it short for now... just want to share one last thought before I sign off...
I am very grateful for all of you in my life who read this blog, listen to my rants, put up with my preaching, and love me for who I am...without any doubt it is due to all of you that I am able enjoy my day-to-day existence! I love each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart!

Zumba and more!

Tonight I go to my Zumba class and I am so looking forward to it! I need the rush that comes with great exercise to lift my spirit and brighten my mood...

Yesterday I was very happy, but as the day went by, I became increasingly filled with anxiety...about what? Who knows! I have always been a sound sleeper, but last night I woke up every hour on the hour, for no particular reason! I was exhausted when I went to bed, but just couldn't seem to stay asleep! Could be excessive amounts of caffeine, or possibly some other issue that is playing havoc on my subconscious...whatever it is has made me VERY tired! I'm going to try to make it to and thru Zumba without drinking that extra cup of coffee today so that when I'm finished I'll feel rejuvenated, cleansed and actually ready to rest!

I can't tell you how much the exercise helps! For those of you who do it regularly, you know what I'm talking about! That feeling of euphoric exhaustion that comes when you complete your workout is quite exhilarating! No wonder why mental health care providers often prescribe exercise to battle depression....those endorphins released can make miracles happen! So for those of you in a funk, like myself from time to time, get moving! It is a great release and a wonderful way to be beneficially selfish...actually one of the few ways, besides some other activities too private to mention on this blog! (HAHA) You don't have to be some amazing athlete to feel this amazing rush either....just an average person interested in battling the blues and being active will serve the purpose! Nothing like getting that blood flowing, that adrenaline racing, that spirit soaring...I'm telling you, it is SOOOOOOOOOOO worth the time and investment because the returns are enormous!

Returning to normalcy...whatever that means!

Well, the weekend is over; my son is doing well, and my life has returned to its normal state of crazy! I wanted it this way...the quicker I rebound, the better it is for my family and me! I am able to put away---file nice and neatly as a mere blip on the map of life-- all the drama and stress that surrounds my son's situation. Sounds great, right?! Well, I'm having second thoughts....don't know if this way of coping is simply a form of escapism...the only way I have to run from that fear filled reality....too afraid to really delve into an analysis of my mental state....Oh well! It is what it is and that's why I'm me.....some perceive it as strong, resilient, admirable...frankly, it is the only way I know to be.....when faced with crisis, I get to work...I keep busy...I keep social and active....I don't let my fears take over....but this time I've been taken over by a feeling that I didn't easily recognize as it doesn't often enter my life: ANGER! Yes, as I said before, I am angry about this reality! As my dear friend so eloquently pointed out, I am mourning myself....my former identity...my independence! I am angry that I will probably NEVER regain any of that former self, and my only hope for true happiness is coming to terms with this reality as I redefine myself.....
So the process must begin....I keep asking myself why the universe brought my special needs son into my life....was it to teach me more patience?...FOR SURE! Was it to teach me to surrender control? ...DEFINITELY....But I believe there's more....I am a very passionate, opinionated, intelligent woman....is my son's situation a tool for me to use to help redirect my focus...to give me a platform to use my voice, knowledge and experience...? I will examine these possibilities...I will draw from his strength and love to help clarify the situation....I will take a deep breath and think...not act right away, but think, feel, emote, express...allowing the process to flow through me...! I'm hopeful this will bring about more personal growth and result in a new, improved Naomi....STAY TUNED!

When life around you stops

Well, I got home about six hours ago, and I'm still numb. Thursday I went to get my son out of bed so that I could administer his medicine before I went to work, and I found him in the midst of a seizure! It had been 10 months since his last one, yet every time he has one it is unexpected and severe! Who knows when it started, but during the two hours that followed, my defenseless child endured nearly non-stop seizure activity. He received unimaginable amounts of medicine, a CAT scan, blood work, urine tests, a transfer to a different hospital (per my request), and an overnight stay as he was too drugged up to truly assess and release.
I was and am very ANGRY....frustrated that this reality exists for my family...my son suffers, my husband is in constant anguish, my daughter tormented by a situation that requires her constant patience and understanding at the mere age of 4! I have come to terms with having a special needs child...with his constant need for medications, natural healing, physical and occupational therapy...I have come to accept him for all he is, and I have hope in his possibilities...yet these episodes sink me every time....I try to fight it...I try to be strong...but I need to release my emotion!
Thank God for this blog! Right now, it is my very best outlet...a place where I can emote without affecting others instantly! I feel at times like I'm drowning...I so wanted to leave the hospital and come home, but now that I'm here, I just want to run away! I can't come home and download or even stop functioning for a day or two....I need and want to be here for my daughter...my husband...my son...but especially for myself...yet all that seems overwhelming when I am so emotionally, physically and psychologically exhausted!
When I use only my mind to analyze this situation I know that all I need is some rest and that tomorrow will be a better day, but right now, it's not my mind that is driving me! My heart aches....I know my son is ok and will be fine....I know that he has a bright future ahead of him...but the day-to-day right now is all a bit much! What I would give to wake up tomorrow with both of my children RUNNING around the house...SINGING together or even just engaged in a cute conversation....all far off dreams, that I know will come true, but right now I don't feel like waiting! I want the miracle NOW!
Alright...I needed that....I needed to say it, get it out of my system, so that I can refocus my energy to positive feelings and thoughts...hopefully that will come tomorrow after some much needed rest! Amazing that for two days the entire world stopped for me...no election euphoria...no economic crisis...no work or personal drama...just my son...demonstrating to me his strength and unwavering spirit...his ability to overcome all the obstacles that are in his path...! They say that children often speak the truth...well my son tells me with his eyes, his crooked smile and his laughter (that I can hear as I write this)....all will be OK! Tomorrow is a new day...

Yes, we can...

It's not that he's black....it's not that he embodies all I believe in...it's that his election by such a large majority...by such overwhelming diversity...white, black, Latino, young, old, gay, straight...gives me hope that this country is finally turning a corner! It's not going to change over night...it's not going to all of a sudden create a harmonious dwelling, but in some way, (even if all of this reflects a plan designed by an elite group to use his figure as a means to control the masses), people now have taken their political voice seriously! I saw children at the polls...my 4 year old voted in school....there were lines that wrapped around buildings....I HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE!

People have been engaged in political discourse....in some degree the American consciousness has been awakened...no longer are people feeling comfortable with being complacent...and that, if nothing else, gives me HOPE! No matter who had been victorious, we witnessed this population speaking with its vote....that is why I believe WE CAN....

Obama mobilized YOUNG people and engaged them in a way that has created a new movement in America....sometimes it's unsettling...a bit cult like...but that blind devotion to a cause that supports diversity and social consciousness is not all bad! Let's put out in the universe the greatness that can come from these results...let's leave behind our cynicism and feelings of despair...let's try and generate feelings of hope and renewed spirit! I always tell people that we get what we put out there....no more apparent than last night! This country, especially the YOUTH, put out feelings of hope, change and optimism...let's give that a chance! Let's not be the voice of negativity...the ones that only anticipate strife and social unrest due to these election results!
I admit...I am usually a conspiracy theorist...one that never takes things for face value...but how much of what happens is a direct result of the negative thoughts generated by people like me? I am going to purposefully try to believe in the positives that this change will bring...for our country...for future generations...for our reputation on the world scene.....
Do you realize the message sent last night? America from many perspectives outside of this country has been viewed for over 30 years as a place full of complacent citizens that take no interest in politics...even Clinton did not win with sweeping majorities.....As a country we spoke very clearly last night to the world audience...we DO care...we DO participate...we DO have intelligent citizens in this country....we CAN become real stakeholders in the realities of this WORLD...we have regained dignity and respect in the eyes of many, and that is undeniably POSITIVE!
OK, Obama...let's get to work!

No Antibiotics for ME!

Well, as most anyone who has talked to me in the last couple of weeks knows, my family has been somewhat under the weather. The four of us have a game of bronchial ping-pong going on and right now the ball is on my side! I spent the weekend battling a slight fever and had a hard time breathing, but with some much needed rest and reduced levels of stress, I seem to be ready to hit the ball off the table for good! I feel better and more renewed, strong from the inside, and not just temporarily fooled into thinking I'm better due to the masking that medicine so often provides! NO ANTIBIOTICS for me! Those of you who like or want to take them...more power to you! But when you know, and truly believe, that your body is equipped to fight off disease and infection with rest and relaxation, assisted by natural healing like chiropractic adjustments, CS massages and some essential oils, then you realize that the antibiotic roller coaster is not worth getting on for any amount of time! Not to say that medicine does not have its place, but what's wrong with trying a natural approach first? You cannot believe the strange looks and often times outlandish comments I receive when I tell people that I do not take medicine as a first course of action....bad enough I'm a strong, independent, Arab woman, let alone someone who does not vaccinate her children or take antibiotics! I mean...can you imagine the threat?! It makes me laugh...so I laugh vigorously so that I don't scream or get upset! These people sometimes says things like, "well, you're going to get the rest of us sick!" or "I don't think you have the right to complain about your headache if you're not taking medicine...!" I don't pretend to tell them how to heal or how to address their needs...why are those of us who choose more natural approaches deemed to be strange, or shall I say, dangerous?! The idea is ridiculous...and I'm not even an expert as to the benefits of natural healing, but REALLY! Just from the libertarian approach of life...who is supposed to tell me how to take care of my body? I think the answer is JUST ME! Ok....let me get off this tangent before this entire entry because a ranting episode!
On a brighter note, we had a good Halloween. Both of my kids were adorable, my son as a ninja and my daughter as a medieval princess....too cute! Lots of good times with the family on Sunday and a possible business offer that could change the direction of my life yet again....a possible investor for a Spanish restaurant has come forward....now we just have to get down to business! Spent some of my evening yesterday researching business plans, etc. This is the universe opening up an opportunity for us, now we just have to pursue it!
Looking forward to a great day tomorrow! Today I saw a line 1 mile long outside of the Detroit City Clerk's office for people needing to cast their absentee ballot! Amazing...if nothing else I'm seeing that this election has reached many people otherwise disconnected from the political scene in this country...even if it is solely on the superficial level...it has to start somewhere! For years I worked and coordinated a civic literacy project helping to empower the voice of our youth...my mentor on this project worked many years to see a moment like I saw today outside of the clerk's office....all of this made me reflect on the state of our world...I can only hope that others do the same, especially when casting their ballots tomorrow! Hoping for the best possible results, for my family, for my friends, and for this world! Happy voting!