I was having dinner with Hank this week, and he was acting like 2 year olds often act. I said to him, “Are you delirious?” He repeated in a complete sentence, “I am not delirious, I am Hank.” I have it on video for him to view when he is older. I was having this discussion with a few of our co-workers. A few weeks earlier, Hank dropped or threw his sippie cup in the car. Oh S**T was his response. I did not laugh even though it really was funny and my spouse said that “we” needed to stop saying that around him. Well, one of us says that periodically only it is not me. I heard some other great kid’s sayings that I cannot repeat, but a friend tells me that when her daughter’s behavior was called silly, she responded that she was not silly but rather a “piece of work.” Another reports that in a conversation with her niece on why it was obvious that was the smartest, she said, “because I have the biggest head.” I hope you have a few great examples of “kids say the darndest things” to share into the future. Share with me if you want me to pass them on in a future message.
Speaking of the importance of education, I am a firm believer that kid’s learning future is shaped in those formative years from birth to kindergarten. Hank knows his alphabet and can easily count to 11 – but not always in that order. Hank is exposed to many books, learning games, the aquarium and the zoo. Hank can clearly tell you about a rhinoceros, giraffe, red panda and ants. In a recent study of reading levels at the end of the third grade, in Idaho only 36% of our students read at or above grade level. It is statistically accurate to say that those children who cannot “read to learn” at the start of the fourth grade are likely not going to graduate from high school or go on to post secondary education. The earning future for children is greatly reduced and directly correlated to their education level. Those of you who are parents, grandparents, or just interested in the future of the economic viability of Idaho, keep reading to our kids and asking how we are doing educating the next generation.
“I went to see a mortgage advisor with my 7 year old son. As I sat at the desk, my son sat down and said to the man – Hello, I am not her husband.” – A mother’s funny story
“Step with care and great tact, and remember that life’s a great balancing act.” – Dr. Seuss