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

Michael 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

I have argued for many years that computer video games teach kids skills that schools only wish they could teach. Recent studies are beginning to back up this claim. Put aside that most of these games are violent and many have sexual overtones, they do require incredible hand-eye coordination; lightning fast reflexes; lightning fast decision-making; strategic thinking; a certain fearlessness in taking risks; and....believe it or not, research skills. Yes, in order to figure out solutions to most of these games, kids have to find the "codes" that provide answers on how to beat the games. They find these on the web, get them from magazines, or from their friends.

My point has always been, and this is what the researchers are now saying, if only educators could find a way to use gaming and technology that is fun, challenging, and exciting, less the violence and sex, kids could learn these important "life skills" as part of their "education."

It has always bothered me that calculators were not allowed in the classrooms, and for test-taking, for many years. The argument went, "students need to know the basic math and formulas." Well, maybe for .05% of those kids who became scientists or engineers, but not for me, my kids, and the millions of other kids who could perhaps have excelled in Math and Science with the help of calculators. The fact of the matter is, in the "real world" where most of us live and work, we couldn't survive without calculators. In case you haven't checked, not only does your computer have a calculator, but so does your phone, PDA, your deluxe leather yellow pad folder, and your Daytimer! You can be sure your kids know they're there!

In this week's show, The Professors, Mark Kostin and David Ruff, are back with what some schools are doing to use technology to help students learn. I want to know if a free computer for every child is a good thing, or if it is just a name branding gimmick by Apple and Microsoft to hook kids on their brand at an early age. Is it just a way to create a need that in a couple of years schools will have to buy replacements with their own money. Will that money be there?

We're also going to learn how computers are being used in the classroom, and we'll hear from both teachers and students on what they think. Ted Hall, Principal of Yarmouth High, Alice Burr, technology integration teacher at Yarmouth High, Catie Woote, 9th grade Science teacher, and two students: Harry Pascarella, and Margaret Harrison will join me and the Professors in studio.

I'm also wondering if distance learning - using computers at home and the Internet - is so effective and "profitable" for the giant innovator of distance learning, The University of Phoenix - a FOR PROFIT University - why not just do away with schools altogether and let kids learn at home at their own pace?

There are several high schools around the country that have already begun using distance learning for some classes. It solves problems of over-crowding, a lack of textbooks for students, class size, teacher shortages, and more.

This is sure to be a stimulating and perhaps controversial discussion on the future of education. Will technology be the answer to student achievement and success?

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

Parents, Beware! Your schools may be cutting back on recess and free play in order to increase more "seat time," and to avoid possible litigation. The problem with much of what is happening in our schools is that the majority of parents are "sleeping at the wheel," and not aware of what is going on.

It makes no sense whatsoever to eliminate or reduce the amount of daily physical activity our children receive in light of the incidence of childhood obesity, and it makes no sense in terms of how children learn. Years of research and "common sense" support the need for children and young adults to move about frequently and vigorously throughout the day in order to burn off calories and energy, stay alert, and renew the brain's source of oxygen.

Schools are now using the "liability" issue to reduce or eliminate recess and free-play. They say they can't control bullying and rough play that can lead to injury. Poppycock! Insanity! Well-supervised activity periods on safe playgrounds protect the kids and the school. Injuries happen to kids. My son broke his collar bone this week playing in an after-school, school-sanctioned 5 on 5 flag football game. I'm not going to sue anybody, and neither are 99% of us parents who want our kids to have a "normal" childhood filled with healthy activity and fun, free from out-of-control parents and over-the-top coaches! Its worth the occasional broken bone or bloody nose.

Parents! Don't let the so-called "experts" trump your common sense and the basic needs your kids have for daily, strenuous, physical activity that keeps them healthy and enhances learning! Speak up and tell 'em you aren't going to take it anymore!

The Parent Trap

Check out my blog on Mainetoday.com for some interesting articles, and comments from readers.

 http://www.mainetoday.com/kidsfamily/blogs/kidsfirst/008162.html Your comments are appreciated and wanted.

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