GenParenting

Parenting resources for all who love and care for children

Education and COVID-19: Pressing the “Pause Button”

Education and COVID-19: Pressing the “Pause Button” 

As I write this blog entry, we are about a couple months into shelter in place due to the pandemic caused by COVID-19. Even as we are ending the school year and planning what our family’s summer will look like, there are still many uncertainties and undecided factors surrounding what the re-opening of schools will look like in the fall. I wish there could be a “pause button” so we could evaluate some of the issues and consider the best way to move forward. On top of the obvious health risks with opening up schools and increasing exposure, here are some of the issues that I have been thinking about, and maybe you have, too. [Read more…]

An Educator’s Reflection on George Floyd’s Tragic Death

An Educator’s Reflection on George Floyd’s Tragic Death

I am the Executive Director of Youth Policy Institute Charter Schools in the Los Angeles area. Last week, I sent the following message about George Floyd’s tragic death to my schools’ staff members.

As the mother of a 21-year-old son, I am stunned, angered, and not surprised, once again by the inhumane treatment of African-Americans. The images of today’s events, along with memories of stories repeated and passed down from one generation to another in my family are so clearly seared in my mind. The events leading up to George Floyd’s death and after have been extremely challenging for me to process as an adult. I am certain that it has been the same for many of our staff and children who have been living through the violence. [Read more…]

Celebrating Summer with Dad from Afar

Celebrating Summer with Dad from Afar

Summer play and camps are being cancelled. My grandson, Kenji, does not know when he will be able to see his father again because he works and lives in Thailand. This country has struggled with similar challenges in managing the coronavirus like the United States. Parents have been working from home since April. Many of the businesses have been closed and community members must wear face masks when they go out in public. Travel to the United States and abroad is radically restricted. [Read more…]

Learn About Marine Biology and Science Through Zonk Picture Books

Learn About Marine Biology and Science Through Zonk Picture Books

David Hoobler is an artist and author of three Zonk picture books that highlight Zonk, the tortoise, and his many adventures in the ocean when encountering various sea creatures and eco systems. David has used his personal marine biology research and experiences when observing the Sonoran Desert, Baja, and the gulf of California. David also links these books into educational marine biology and science presentations at school and in the community. [Read more…]

Writing in Community

Writing in Community

Social distancing does not mean being stuck at home in isolation! In fact, we have plenty of ways to reach out and connect with others. Some have used this time to contact family and friends through video calls. Some may have even taken a walk through their neighborhood for some fresh air, chatting with neighbors safely at a distance from the sidewalk! Even though we enjoy the immediacy of connecting with those with whom we are familiar, let’s do some good, old fashioned writing activities and connect with members of the community with whom we might not have considered. [Read more…]