Today I Declare War on Apathy

Apathy: 

1. Lack of feeling or emotion

2. Lack of interest or concern

(merriam-webster.com)

It's midterms week at the Kerr house and what are we dealing with? Apathy. Such a horrible opponent! There is nothing worse than an apathetic student when you are trying to teach, tutor, or simply paying for a college degree.
Recently I have been following a series of Facebook posts by a dear friend on this subject. She is a Middle School history teacher in our area who is struggling with apathy in her classroom. Here's what she had to say:

Jan 9 - 
Today I declare war on apathy. I am tired of being around youth who just don't care. I'm not sure what to load into my arsenal as I head into this war, I might even pull out the angry voice.

I'm locking and loading now: Arsenal list: Anger, compassion, Constant follow-up, Rewards, Punishments, Demands, Leniency, Vision!!!! Lots of opposites, but all may be necessary.

Jan 10 -

Day 2 of war on apathy: Weapon: one on one attention
Success rate: 7/9 success in task completion, but unclear if the kids actually care.
Remaining student's behavior- generally good, until the end of the day. Then general behavior pretty much flew out the window.

Jan 11 - 
Day 3: angry voice... Whole 6th hour class immediately on task... Me hating it :( .

Jan 20 - 
War on apathy... I actually filled in zeroes for all the missing work. I'm hoping they all panic and get in gear.

Jan 26 - 

Good news: my war on apathy has encouraged at least 10 students to raise their grade out of the D/F range. It doesn't seem like much, but it's a beginning. I have at least 5 more that I think are working on a recovery plan.

Feb 7 - 
War on Apathy part 43: EVEN MORE creativity in the classroom. If you would like to join me in my war, you can help by donating to my art supply in the classroom by going to: http://www.dickblick.com/ara/lists/2930/home

LETS HELP FIGHT APATHY!

Art in the classroom is a great way to help fight apathy! We all know that kids are way more involved, and learn a lot more, when there are projects involved. This great teacher wants to help her kids bring history to life by creating their own life sized museum. I know the kids are going to love it!

To help fund the project our wonderful teacher has set up an account through Art Room Aid. This is a great place for teachers of any age or subject. People can then donate by either adding to a gift card amount or buying specific things on their wish list to help them keep art in the classroom.

Today, help me help this history teacher! Simply visit her wish list and donate to the cause (every dollar makes a difference). Her wish list includes things like scissors, markers, paint and clay that students can use for this project and may others. The children will thank you!

Mailing a Hug

I found this adorable project at Roots & Wings. This would make a great Valentines gift for the loved one in your child's life. Even if you don't have someone far away I bet you could get it to Dad or Mom at work and make their day. Please let us know how your hugs turn out!

Project: Toy Room

Over the recent break one of our projects was organizing the toy room in our new house. It is finally free of everything but toys and most of the toys are somewhat under control. When I saw this I knew we needed to have two, one for balls and one for stuffed animals. I hope E has time to do some building soon because these will be a wonderful addition to our play room and make clean up so much easier for the boys!

Source: Uploaded by user via Kelby on Pinterest

Toddler Time: Bubble Painting

My boys love bubbles and probably always will. This is a project I can't wait to try on our next rainy day. I can just see the mess but the looks on their faces will be totally worth it! Have you ever tried this with your kids? I'm wondering about using more than one color at once. Would it work? Let me know what you think!

Source: familyfun.go.com via Kerrific on Pinterest

Project: Painting

Part of the reason I have been gone the last two weeks (besides the holidays) was that we were trying to finish house repairs that were required on our home loan. One of these projects was to paint the garage, yes, we were required to paint the garage. But whatever, it's done now. What I wish I would have had before we stared was this great idea. You can bet my next painting job is going to be a lot cleaner.

What a great use for a rubber band.

Source: marthastewart.com via Barbara on Pinterest

Project: Play Silks

C is super sensory seeking right now and is driving me crazy! I have been looking for simple projects I can do to help him have toys to feel his sensory needs rather than filling them by doing things like biting and licking walls.

I found these play-silks over at The Evolving Homemaker and think this will be our project of the week. Rather then spending the time to order scarves as she did however I think I'm going to use some of my old slips. If I cut them up and finish the edges my kids will never know the difference.

Please let me know if you have a favorite sensory toy that is easy to make. We'd love to try it out!

Toddler Tuesday: Shaker Bottles

I have decided that since this blog is about our life with our kids that one day a week should be dedicated to toddlers. I will try to post a mix of projects, crafts, tips, games, and reviews that you can use with your toddler or infant. Please let me know if you have any suggestions or would like to contribute!

This week the boys and I are going to try this awesome project from Quirky Momma.

I love the bright colors and awesome bottles she found for these Shaker Bottles. I know that B will love finding the objects we put in them and that C will love the bright colors. 

If you're looking for a great but easy project to try with your child this week head over to Quirky Momma and check these out HERE.