Headlines From The Nation's Press

Each week we open the show with some of the most glaring and reoccurring stories chronicling the ugliness surrounding youth sports organized by adults; issues pertaining to our children's health and education. These headlines clap like thunder across the country signaling a warning to parents, coaches, administrators, lawmakers, and community stakeholders that widespread change is imperative.

My good friend, and frequent guest on the show, Professor Doug Abrams of the College of Law at the University of Missouri, will add you to his daily mailing list of these stories. Simply email Doug and ask him to add your name to the list.

The Weekly High School Sports Report

Mike Hoffer, Sports Editor for the Forecaster, will report on high school sports, focusing on the "minor sports." We won't just be reporting scores and game results, but we'll focus on the kids who train hard and participate in those sports that receive less adult and media involvement. That said, Mike will keep us informed of all post season playoffs and tournament results, as well as behind-the-scenes and human interest happenings.

The Main(e) Event

How many people do you know who say, "I'm really not too good at Math," or "Math and me don't get along," or "I wasn't very good at Math in school?" Leslie Minton works with teachers around the state of Maine to help them understand mathematics better in order to increase student learning! She'll be my guest in the second hour. Don't let the title scare you or turn you off!

I am one of those people who had problems wiith Arithmetic, and later Math. It caused me to do poorly in Science as well. To this day, I have a mental barrier when it comes to doing much more than simple Arithmetic! Leslie insists that it still isn't too late.....even for me!

I spent two fascinating hours listening to Leslie talk about why so many kids have problems with math. Hmmmmm....its all about the "system," and "the way" it is taught. It is also because of the built in excuses our kids hear about our own difficulty with the subject.

Her ideas on learning, pedagogy, and the way we rank and assess kids are stimulating. Leslie has just completed a book currently in production entitled, "What if Your ABC's Were Your 123's?" This will be another stimulating interview on one of the most important life skills needed in the world we live in.

In the first hour, my guest will be Bruce Crowder, assistant coach of the Portland Pirates Hockey Team. Bruce played at the University of Maine Orono, and then in the NHL before beginning his coaching career. He is husband and father, and has a Masters Degree, something not very many professional athletes achieve.

We'll be discussing the "Headlines," and Bruce's views on parenting children in youth sports, education, and raising his own kids from the unique position of a professional athlete and coach.

The Coaches Corner

Remember: 1) These are just kids. 2) Make no mistake! It's about them having fun. It's not your game, so be sure you don't take it away from them. 3) First and foremost, you are a teacher and a role model. The most important lessons you teach will NOT be about learning a game.

Regis' Rant

Kudos to Massabesic High School for suspending 13 athletes who violated the school's substance abuse policy. Seven football players, five field hockey players, and one female soccer player were suspended for four games. In addition to the suspensions, each student athlete must receive counseling, write papers explaining how they would avoid a similar situation in the future, and perform ten hours of community service.

Most schools have athlete contracts signed by the athletes and their parents, but without enforcement, such policies are often ignored when parents, coaches, and administrators turn their heads, especially when the incidents involve key players.

My hat goes off to the administrators and coaches at Massabesic for making this a learning experience for their community and other schools and communities around the state.

The Parent Trap

Next week's blog on http://www.mainetoday.com/kidsfamily/ will be my thoughts about the Parent Trap. I hope you will visit and add your comments.

We invite our listeners to call in and share their views.

Listeners can take part in the show by calling:

207-775-2217 or 1-866-811-9505.

or email me during the show at:

Regis@thecenterforkidsfirst.org