October 2018

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I S S U E 3 4 | O C TO B ER 2 018

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THE POWER OF WRITING

Preserve Ideas and Knowledge

Influence

Heal

Connect Human Beings

Motivate. Activate. Celebrate.

F E AT U R E

The Power Of Writing

Index: Feature..................................................2 Editorial Calendar...............................3 Reflections............................................4 Book Reviews......................................9 Perspectives........................................11 Poetry..................................................12 Puzzles ...............................................15 Educators............................................16 Educators............................................22 Parent’s Corner..................................23

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Dear Writers and Readers,

I

n the age of unparalleled technological discoveries and overwhelming computerization, what power can writing really have? Is the thought that the written word is the most influential tool that humanity has ever created now nothing more than an outdated sentiment?

Let’s think about this together.

Without writing, ideas cannot be captured, reused, or widely spread.

For centuries, humankind passed down its knowledge through oral stories and songs. Yet, as ideas and understandings are constantly evolving, people tell these stories slightly differently. Putting concepts in the written word gives them permanence and scientific significance. Writing also makes it possible for people to communicate complex ideas and concepts, which is vitally necessary for the development of advanced sciences and technologies.

I would argue, however, that what makes writing truly powerful is its personal aspect. The written word connects people to each other in such unique ways that could never be duplicated or replaced. Writing creates

Arina Bokas

Kids’ Standard Editor & Author of Building Powerful Learning Environments: From Schools to Communities

an intimate bond between the writer and the reader regardless of who they are or where and when they lived. By recording our thoughts, stories, and memories, we have the power to inspire, influence, and affect the lives of others. Writing is truly timeless.

Kids’ Standard October issue The Power of Writing is a written record of its own. In it, our young writers offer their perceptions of the written word and discuss the complex ideas about the world about them.

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E DFIETAT O RUI R AE L CALENDAR

Motivate. Activate. Celebrate November 2018

Math and Modern Technology Science grew out of Mathematics.

Mathematics is the oldest subject or practice in the history of mankind.

Today mathematics finds a wide application, far beyond being a subject at school. Mathematics helps in progression of technological innovation in day-to-day life. How does math help evolution of science and technology in automobiles, medicals, computer and database management, surgery, or agriculture?

December 2018

We Can Change The World By making a choice to face injustice, to be helpful and kind, to speak up, To educate yourself as well as others or to just smile to someone who is upset, you can start a motion of positive energy and actions that can bring about change. What does it mean to you “to change the world?” Share their stories.

January 2019

My Friends and I Our friends are important to us. Tell us about your relationships with your friends, important connections between you, and meaningful experiences that you have had together. What lessons have your friendships taught you?

What is the difference between real friends and fake friends? What makes someone a good friend? Why do people need friends? How does our choice of friends shape our character?

Share your experiences and ideas about anything related to friends, peer pressure, and developing friendships.

OCTOBER 2018

February 2019

Embracing Wellness The term “wellness” is very popular nowadays. However, it has become so broad that it often lacks meaning.

Well-being often starts with being physically well, but it doesn’t end there.

What does it actually mean to be well?

What are the factors that determine our well-being? Can a person with a chronic illness or a disability be well? Share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences.

Research social, emotional, cultural, and even financial aspects of wellness. Offer ways to improve wellness.

March 2019

Just Keep Moving American Heart Association recommends that, for health purposes, people accumulate 10,000 steps or more a day (about five miles of walking.) Few people do, however. Any regular physical activity can relieve stress, anxiety, depression, and anger. What are other benefits of being active? What gets you up and moving? Write about your favorite physical activity, sport, dance, or fitness routine. Why is it important to you? How does it make you feel? Share stories of athletes, dancers, and other people whose lives revolve around moving.

April 2019

2018-2019 Editorial Calendar speak up. Why is it important to take a stand on issues? Is there something that brings up strong feelings in you? Write about something that you either support or oppose. Research historical figures who took a stand on an important issue and made a difference for others.

May 2019

Humanitarian Community Projects Humanitarianism is a belief that each human life has value; therefore, humans provide assistance to other humans in order to better humanity in general. We all have a humanitarian side whether it is writing a check to our favorite charity or volunteering our time to worthy causes. What is the cause you feel passionate about? Write about your experiences collecting money or supplies, volunteering your time, or doing something to help others in need.

June 2019

How Kids’ Standard Helped Me Grow Video Contest Each Kids’ Standard club is invited to work as a team to create a video of team members’ experiences with Kids’ Standard. Students will write a script, assume various roles in video preparation, and put together a short 4-5 minute video. Creators of the best-voted video will receive cash prizes.

Taking A Stand One of the common definitions of taking a stand is to publicly assert one's support of, defense of, or opposition to something. Nearly every day, we are faced with something that brings out intense feelings – something that we feel strongly about. Whether it is a political, social, or personal choice, we feel compelled to 3

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REFLECTIONS

The Pen is Mightier than the Sword

By: Anish Jain, 7th grade, Avondale Middle School, Avondale

*Summer Contest Winner*

I

f one thought about how humankind has changed the world, the possibilities would we endless! From making advanced vaccines to accommodating people’s interests and relaxation, there are many ways in which we have changed our world. But how do we, humans, bring about new changes? At first, technology may come to mind. Yet, many changes don’t rely on technology.

If one thought deeper, knowledge may flounder into mind. Still, as important as knowledge is, there is a bigger force behind knowledge - writing. Writing is what changes our world every day. It contributes to the present day and the distant future. Writing changes our lives in many ways.

One way writing contributes to changes in the world is by promoting widespread peace. With all of the hatred that has plagued the world, writing helps us fight back. Many people write about how peace helps connect us together and stop violence and terror among mankind. Writing helps promote peace by spreading a word about people who make a difference in our world. It helps capture historic characters that have shown people a different way of living in peace, most notably Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King. Writing promotes peace by educating people about the benefits of love and togetherness.

Another way writing is changing our world is by helping combat psychological 4

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pain that is currently occurring in many humans. This pain is commonly known as stress. Because of hard work and everyday pressures, many people feel so stressed out that they have trouble with daily chores. Writing can be extremely helpful when dealing with various stress. “According to the University of Sussex studies, reading for just six minutes has been shown to reduce stress by 68 percent“ (“Reading Reduces Stress”). Writing is just as therapeutic.

Pulling out of anxiety and depression isn’t an easy task, and writing down our feelings and thoughts is a very personal way to help overcome our past and sort things out.

Finally, writing helps our future generations change the world. As mankind, we can record down mistakes that we have made, which will allow the future generations not to repeat them. This can only be accomplished through writing. Our children and grandchildren can learn from our mistakes and move forward with new understandings.

What’s more, we all can use writing to make a positive difference in our world, no matter how big or small. There are many beneficial changes that we can

bring about in our communities and lives. Every piece of writing counts. For example, someone like me, a young person, may think that only best writers affect change, but I can make a difference, too! My writing can bring happiness to another person. This might not seem like a global change, but every one of these little instances ultimately adds up to make a bigger change. As I mentioned before, writing helps promote peace. This is a big change that writing is reinforcing. All the small changes that we make through writing like mine can consolidate to lead humans to peaceful living. My writing can create a beneficial change in our world.

Writing is a powerful tool that has a great potential for creating a bigger and better change in our world. Writing connects generations, nations, and cultures; it will never be outdated, because as long as there is life, there will always be someone writing to make a change. As Edward Bulwer-Lytton once said, “The pen is mightier than the sword”.

Works Cited “Reading Reduces Stress.” Sound Mind and Body. Web. August 2018

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R EFFELAT E CUTRI OE N S

A Powerful Tool

By: Gabe Shaw, 5th grade, Woodland Elementary, Troy

Y

technology. Writing is needed to develop programs and codes. Machines, like autonomous cars and all of the robots used today, need to be programed and coded so that they can move and do the jobs, for which they were created. To do this, people first need to learn how to write and type on a computer.

Second, writing is needed for doing classwork and homework at school. If you can’t write, then you can’t take notes or answer test questions. You cannot really perform well in any subject. If you can’t write neatly (which is a very important part of writing) and instead, your writing is sloppy and messy, then your teacher, your peers, and even you

yourself won’t understand your ideas and what you wrote.

Finally, writing is vital for any job you will have in the future. In other words, it’s involved in every job. Even those jobs that don’t seem to require a lot of writing, like building a house, for example, still rely on writing. The builder has to draw and label a model or a blueprint of the house. If he is sick, he will have to write a letter to his coworkers saying that he can’t come to work or communicate what to do in his absence.

In conclusion, I believe that writing is important because it is needed to create programs and codes, it is needed to do classwork and schoolwork, and above all, because it is needed in every job.

ou might think, “I love writing!” You like fiction, nonfiction, books, essays, and poems. You like the sound of the keys going clickclack, click-clack as you type on a computer or the feeling of the pen in your hand as you carefully shape each letter to form words. You love the calm of scratching against the paper. But why is writing important in the first place? Among many reasons, the three that stand out to me are that writing is a powerful tool, which is needed to create programs and codes, do classwork at school, and above all, succeed at any job when you grow up.

The first reason why writing is important is that it advances computer

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REFLECTIONS

Writing to Succeed

By: Lucienne Lemieux, 8th Grade, Clarkston Junior High School, Clarkston

W

riting is an essential key to development in our modern world. It is a link between success and failure, progress and regression. People who succeed in life know this.

Bill Gates, one of the richest men in the world, once said, “Reading fuels a sense of curiosity about the world, which I think helped drive me forward in my career.” Of course, reading is connected to writing as a reader is connected to a writer. Without authors writing their books, perhaps Gates would not have been so successful in creating his company, Microsoft. Another billionaire and the richest man in the world, Jeff Bezos (the founder of Amazon) knows well how much writing is important to success. He says that for every meeting, he has his executives write memos instead of creating slide presentations because it can deliver more information and lead to a deeper discussion afterwards. Mark Zuckerberg (the founder of Facebook) also realizes the importance of writing.

He encourages people to read and has even made a list of books that everyone

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should read.

Even more so, the power of writing is widely recognized and employed by many successful authors. JK Rowling, the famous author of the Harry Potter series and a billionaire because of it, was rejected by several publishers, but never gave up on her ideas. The series has shown to make readers more tolerant to those who are different from them, like immigrants, refugees, or gay people.

Another author, Rick Riordan, knows just how important writing is to our society. He knows that good books get made into movies, and movies are a big deal in our world. So when Rick Riordan’s book series Percy Jackson and The Olympians hit the bookstores, sales exploded. Today Rick Riordan has sold over 20 million copies of Percy Jackson - a big hit for younger generations. Riordan’s ideas also took root. Camps, featuring such activities as sword fighting and capture the flag (and more of Percy Jackson’s favorites) started to show up all around the US. Percy Jackson has helped kids become more interested in reading and even writing.

Books and stories, to which people can relate, are proven to engage the readers and create an interest in books.

This improves the likelihood that they

will continue reading and start writing.

That’s why magazines like Kids Standard are so great. They encourage each child to be the next big writer and to write about what he or she wants to share, instead of what kids being forced to write about at school. Kids Standard helps kids bring out their creativity and learn how to write with their own voice.

Another great example of powerful writing is the Bible. The Bible is part of the Christianity, which is the most popular religion in the world, with over 2.1 billion followers. This would have never happened without the Bible. The Bible is writing that essentially changed the world. It would have been harder for Christian followers to spread the religion by using their own words, instead of quoting from the Bible and showing people actual text that they could learn from and follow.

Needless to say, there are many people in this world who succeed because of writing. So the next time you hear someone say, “writing isn’t important” or “I don’t need writing to be a professional athlete,” let him or her know that the most successful people in the world use writing to get to the top. Maybe you will be next to change the world through the power of writing!

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R EFFELAT E CUTRI OE N S

Writing Can Change The World By: Annie Lemieux, 8th grade, Clarkston Junior High School, Clarkston

M

any middle school students complain about language arts.

“It’s so boring”, “It’s useless”, and “I don’t need to know this” are common refrains that you’ll frequently hear throughout the school year. These students have various levels of success in language arts, as well. Not all of the complainers get C’s. Some get A’s. Yes, it is entirely possible to succeed at something, yet loathe it. Students may understand the curriculum, but not the value of language arts. Language arts doesn’t have to be boring, it is always useful, and everyone unquestionably needs to know how to read fluently and write eloquently. If you can do this, you have an almost endless supply of possibilities at your fingertips. You can read a good book and write an even better one. You can communicate without embarrassing yourself. You can have your ideal career.

But even more importantly, if you can write, you can change the world and the people in it.

Written words weren't always around.

People passed on knowledge by speaking and singing songs. That worked until there was just too much knowledge to remember. Our ancestors needed a better way to keep track of how to plow a field, who paid their taxes, and who owned what property. As a result of this great need, little by little, writing was born. And it changed the world.

Governments became more accountable, economies became more efficient, and we can now better understand how our ancestors lived.

Writing is a vital part of our lives.

We can use it to do many things that memory alone cannot support. Writing can inform readers of important issues or news. Writing can take readers on imaginary adventures without leaving their homes. Writing can give people ideas to solve problems and help others.

OCTOBER 2018

Writing can change someone’s point of view. A simple advertisement can provoke action. Written words can fill up holes of silence with something eternally more beautiful. A call for action.

Some people think that writing isn’t important anymore. It certainly can seem tedious when one is just not interested in the topic. Luckily, this means that all you have to do to become interested is to find a topic that you care about. Your words don’t have to influence millions at once.

Writing isn’t about changing the world through massive social, economic, and political shifts. Writing can change the world through educating and inspiring people to continue the flow and pick up a pencil. Reading and writing can lead to real education, a way out of poverty, and free thinking.

Imagine a world in which everyone could read and write, either for pleasure or to inform! Imagine all of the progress and success. Did you know that 86.2% of the world over age fifteen cannot read or write? Imagine all of the things that they will never know and all of the things that the rest of the world will never know because knowledge cannot be written down or exchanged through writing.

Writing is a treasure trove of knowledge that can be passed down from one generation to the next and so on. Writing can survive for thousands of years to impact diverse peoples of different eras and backgrounds.

Ideas can be best spread through writing. Written words can’t be altered and misused as those that travel from mouth to ear. Something as simple as a newspaper can be the birthplace of revolutionary ideas. Why? Because words are powerful. Words can make someone weep. Words can make someone smile.

Words can make someone frown. Words can inspire. It is the author's decision how to impact our world.

Empty pages make deserts of silence.

Words can make streams of thought.

Sentences can make rivers of rumination.

Paragraphs can make lakes of propagation. Writing can make oceans of difference. Laugh or weep, writing is one of mankind’s most compelling tools. It’s all up to you. It’s all up to what you can and want to write. Anyone who can write can choose to change the world in any way they want. Their only limit is their passion and how far they are willing to go.

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KRI EDFSL ECCOTRIN O ENRS

Writing in Everyday Life By: Sarah Lavallee, 4th grade, Woodland Elementary, Troy

W

riting... This is too complex of a subject to cover all of the reasons why it is so important in life.

From getting a job, to creating warning signs, instructions, or movie scripts, to communicating and sharing information, writing is a necessary part of our everyday being. And some people just write for the pleasure of writing.

You might ask, why is writing

important for a good job? First, even to get a job, you have to write a resume. Then, you have to write in almost every job you have.

For example, if you are an accountant, you need to write down numbers. If you are a store owner, then you have to write down how much everybody gets paid, what to buy, and what to sell.

Writing is also very important for our safety. Without warning signs, we could walk into poisoned waters, step on sharp rocks, and get ourselves into very dangerous things.

Do you have a favorite book? An author wrote it because of his or her pleasure of writing. Then, an editor had to write down comments and ideas for improvement. They had to write down instructions for an illustrator and a publisher. Without instructions, no one would know what to draw or how many copies to print.. Similarly, without instructions, we wouldn't know how to put things together that come in a box, how to play a video game, or how to set up our phones and iPads.

I think writing is very important.

We need it on a job, for writing books, creating warning signs and instructions, making movie scripts, communicating, and for the fun of it!

Fall Fun at Red Oaks County Park Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018

Noon-3:30 p.m.

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Red Oaks Nature Center 30300 Hales St Madison Heights, MI 48071

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Red Oaks Golf Course 29600 John R Rd Madison Heights, MI 48071

Tric k or Trees Oct. 27, 2018 5-7:30 p.m.

Trick-or-treat trail, costumed characters, face painting, Nocturnal Nature Adventure, cider and donuts Sponsored by: $5 per child by Oct. 24 at 5 p.m. ; $7 after. $1 for adults Pre-register 248-858-0916

Questions: MarcaccioK@oakgov.com 248-858-0916 www.KidsStandard.org

BOOK REVIEWS

Writing Memories: The Forgetting By: Roman Felice, 7th grade, Sashabaw Middle School, Clarkston

T

he Forgetting by Sharon Cameron is a book that could be considered a true testimony to the power that writing holds in our human society. The main character, Nadia, lives in the city of Canaan, where her life is safe and structured behind its white stone walls.

There is also no memory of what has come before.

Every twelve years, the city falls into the bloody chaos of the Forgetting - a day when each person’s family, friends, objects, and lives disappear into non existence. There is only one exception to forgetting: to stay alive, memories

have to be written down. Thus, each person’s book becomes his or her identity. In Canaan, Nadia is the only person that knows who hasn’t written their stories - the truth - and what people did in the past. But when Nadia wants to use her memories to solve the mysteries of her city, she also learns some important truths about herself and Gray, the glassblower. Together, they have to save their city as the chaos of the Forgetting approaches. Cameron helps readers understand the importance of writing for helping mankind preserve its history and the importance to never give up no matter what happens. This book appeals to readers who are ready for adventure and trust.

The Power of The Giver By: Ava Lipke, 7th grade, Sashabaw Middle School, Clarkston

L

ois Lowry’s powerful writing makes a drastic impact on the reader in The Giver. Lowry brought this story to life in 1993, and it has continued to move and enchant readers ever since. The story, the 1994 Newbery Medal winner, follows 12-year-old Jonas as he takes his place in his community.

Jonas lives in a seemingly ideal society that values monotony and uniformity, and everyone is expected to abide by the rules established by the people in power. Jonas lives quite normally with his assigned family, and soon, with a young toddler named Gabriel. However, things start taking a different turn for Jonas once he is selected to become the new Receiver of knowledge and meets the old, mysterious Giver.

The Giver, an important but unknown

figure, advises the community and helps create rules. There have been countless Givers before him and more before them. Jonas becomes part of this cycle.

Instead of taking his place among the rest of community, he is sent away and placed with the Giver. Jonas feels excluded and separated, but he is also given the gift of memory, which makes him question the rules and practices of his community. Jonas, for the first time in his life, can see beyond what everyone around him considers normal. His realization separates and distances him from his community ever further. Jonas struggles with this habitual thinking for much of the story, but eventually, he takes action and changes things, for better or worse.

The Giver is a book everyone can enjoy. With lifelike characters and a dilemma that readers find relevant, Lowry makes his readers rethink rules that

seem impossible to change, often because they’ve existed for so long that they became habitual. Lowry crafted The Giver wonderfully so the book makes you discover the horrifying reality of conformity and understand the power of memories that are passed along through writing.

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P EF R S PUE R C ET I V E S E AT

Perspectives

Woodland Elementary Students, Troy Michael Jang, 3rd grade

There are so many reasons why writing is important. For example, when you are playing, then you are able to communicate with each other, and it helps you read harder books. You could type on the computer and use a phone to send messages to your friends or family members.

Writing helps you write math equations.

It helps your mind get smarter!

Sihyeon Jun, 3rd grade

Herrington Elementary, Pontiac 5th Grade Students Ry-Quon Martin

Writing is a gift from God. I think some people don’t like to write, but it can help if you practice often. Writing allows me to express my feelings.

Writing takes me to many places.

I feel that writing is something all kids should do. You can’t live in this world and not be able to communicate your thoughts and feelings. Writing is powerful.

Destiny Netter

My opinion about the power of writing is when you write, you learn from your mistakes.Writing is what we all need to make it in this world. You should always double check your writing because there is power in what you write. Also, it helps to make you a better writer.

Without writing, there would be no books and we all need and should be able to read and write. Writing is also OCTOBER 2018

awesome and fun and a great way to relax.

Rashard Villalta

Writing is important because if you want a job, you have to fill out an application and explain why you are good for the job. I like to write because my teacher taught me how to do paragraphs and other things that make my writing clear. Writing is a skill that I have, and I think that everyone should have this skill as it is powerful.

Maliyah Lee

I love writing because it can make me a better writer and reader. Without writing there will be no books to read.

If there are no books, then we will not be able to learn all that we need.

Writing is so important! I love writing because it is entertaining and keeps me focused on school and what matters the most.

I think writing is awesome and important because we get to learn more and make our future better. If you love writing, you can write stories and edit your stories. When you grow up, sometimes you have to write fast because it might be an emergency. It also helps you search stuff online and other websites.

Adyoth Sural, 2nd grade

Writing is important because it helps with planning things. For instance, you need writing to design buildings. It also informs you about events.. Writing has been used for important documents like the Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence and more. It also helps us educate our future generations.

Anna Grazhdani, 4th grade

If we didn’t have writing, we wouldn’t have had jobs, because every job requires writing. If we didn’t have writing, we wouldn’t have had warning signs that direct us where to go in case of a lockdown, fire, or a tornado. If we didn’t have writing, we wouldn’t have been able to communicate with people who are not next to us. If we didn’t have writing, there wouldn’t have been any reading! There wouldn’t have been any books!

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POETRY

Brutal Disregard By: Kate Schleusener, 12th grade, Clarkston High School

A problem that stems from brutal disregard, turned out of control by our inherent thirst for wealth, and kept alive by the greediness of humans.

They are gone.

Vanished, cut down, continually depleting We are cutting down our lifeline: the forests.

The once green beauty of the spanning forests Is turning black from the smoke of the lifeless machines that cut down the trees with disregard These thousand year old symbols of life are depleting As we turn nature into wealth The vast green expanses filled with life will soon be gone with only one place to put the blame: humans.

forests?

The source of all this destruction can only be humans

Might we care to show them something other than disregard?

For no one else would commit this monstrosity on our forests

We will have to, or before we know it they will be gone.

Before we know it, they will all be gone All because we showed them nothing but disregard We thought about them only as a source of wealth.

Why? Why is it that no one cares the forests are depleting?

Is it too much to ask when our trees are depleting that we might, as humans, put aside our natural greed for wealth and pay attention to the state of our

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Would we notice if all the trees just suddenly vanished, and were gone?

We as a society have been excited at the thought of profit, and not cared they were depleting, For why would we, lovers of profit, treat them any way other than with disregard?

So would we show compassion to something that isn’t directly hurting us as humans?

Our everlasting consumption has led to the decay of the forests

All in pursuit of the same thing: wealth If we have done all this just for wealth, then who is to say we will care when they are gone?

We will just find something to replace the forests, Another source of money that will eventually start depleting What is next in the destructive path of humans?

What else will we brutally disregard?

Stop this unjust sense of disregard.

Stop the destruction caused by humans.

Stop our forests from depleting.

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POETRY

Fossil Fuels By: Jeremy Cavallo, 12th grade, Clarkston High School

Our current source of energy Is, in no way, renewable We rely on fossil fuels To support humanity, Raising global temperatures

from fossil fuels

temperatures

Even though getting rid of them could save our future environment

Caused by our source of energy

And bring prosperity to humanity.

Every small step towards eliminating fossil fuels

The cost of these alternative forms of energy,

Is a small step towards saving the environment

Even if they are infinitely renewable,

And a small step towards using energy that is more renewable.

Seems to outweigh the threat of excessive global temperatures.

And destroying the environment.

For example, the sun’s great temperatures

Luckily, our environment

Could replace our demand for fossil fuels

Provides us with other forms of energy That won’t raise global temperatures, That are much more renewable, That could bring growth to humanity Without the use of these evil fossil fuels.

With something entirely renewable That has no negative effect on the environment But the cost of the panels that absorb this energy Is too much for most of humanity It's up to us to change how humanity

However, we are hesitant to shy away

OCTOBER 2018

Talks about and acts on the rising

We need to switch to an energy source that is renewable.

For the sake of humanity For the sake of the environment For the sake of global temperatures Our use of fossil fuels Is a dirty way to produce energy We need to listen to the voice of the global temperatures It is telling us to cleanse ourselves of these dirty fossil fuels And convert to a cleaner form of energy.

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POETRY

Kneeling During the National Anthem By: Devon Banks, 12th grade, Clarkston High School

Some people believe the answer is to kneel To speak silently and argue against their lack of respect They say it is a peaceful protest As they mock others sacrifice That they are fighting a “ racist ” America When they are really disrespecting our soldiers The problem in this country is not our soldiers And the answer is not to kneel People have given their lives for America They all deserve our respect

Instead we spit in their face for their sacrifice

The ones who kneel don’t know sacrifice

This is not a protest

There is nothing peaceful about the kneel

They don’t realize who built America

Seek the real problem for your protest

It’s a symbol of hatred, not a protest

Don’t attack our soldiers

How can they openly turn away from soldiers

Who have given everything in sacrifice Who wouldn’t, against all odds, in the face of our enemies, kneel

All they ask it to receive their respect

The only thing they should get is respect

It costs nothing to give respect

They are America

Swallow your “ pride “ and honor their sacrifice They chose to be soldiers

Yet they argue that the problem is America

Knowing they very well may die for America

That they stand against the flag in protest

Is that courage repaid with a protest?

And that they mean no lack of respect That it’s not about the soldiers They believe it is okay to kneel When asked to rise and honor their sacrifice

The answer is not to kneel There is a problem in America Yes, we all should protest But it should make change, at the root of the problem, instead, they kneel.

WRITING IS IMPORTANT By: Kate Smith, 4th grade, Woodland Elementary, Troy

W R I 14

hy is writing important?

eading kind of goes with writing and that’s important.

think writing is important because of all the jobs it could get you into.

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T I G

ime flies when you write so it is also FUN!

magination also is really important and you use imagination when you write. Not to mention, writing can get you so much money just by publishing 1 book.

reat is totally how I would describe writing.

www.KidsStandard.org

PUZZLES

Money Terms Crossword

1.

2.

3.

5.

Down:

1. Something you desire 3. An unexpected urgent event 5. A not-for profit financial cooperative where you can keep your money 6. Money you receive for performing work 7. A vehicle you might buy 9. A “spending� account with a debit card 10. A legal note stating you agree to pay a specific amount to a person or company 14. An account to store your money that you do not want to spend right away 15. Your individual record at a credit union where you deposit or withdraw money from 16. Money in the form of bills and coins

4.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

16.

15.

17.

Across:

2. Something you must have in order to live 4. Another word for making money by working 8. A machine where you deposit or withdraw money when the credit union is closed 11. Money that you must repay 12. A person at the credit union who accepts deposits or gives money from an account 13. Something that costs you money 17. Something you buy to protect yourself from loss (you might buy this for a car or a home) 18. When you use your money to buy things

18.

DID YOU KNOW? All Youth Account members will receive one coin for every $10 deposited into their accounts. Use these coins to purchase fun items in our online youth store.

AGES: 11-13

AGES: 14-17

Answer Key

msufcu.org

AGES: 7-10

10. Check 11. Loan 12. Teller 13. Expense 14. Savings 15. Account 16. Cash 17. Insurance 18. Spend

Federally insured

by NCUA OCTOBER 2018

AGES: 3-6

1. Want 2. Need 3. Emergency 4. Earn 5. Credit Union 6. Income 7. Car 8. ATM 9. Checking

AGES: 0-2

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E D U C AT O R S

How Teachers Can Empower Students Through Writing

By: Jennifer Bahorski, Language Arts Teacher, Avondale Middle School, Avondale

I

recently reached out to my friends and co-workers and asked how writing has affected their lives. I meant all kinds of writing, too, and not just to fulfill an academic requirement. If you think about it, writing in a journal, in a blog, on Facebook to share opinions or even letters and notes are ALL writing.

Somewhere, most of us have done writing outside of classroom, and when the best words, the right time, and the

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Without further ado, I’ve accumulated the following: 1. Cards that I wrote 30 years ago, as well as ones I’ve received.

2. Letters that I both wrote and received when I was in college (pre- email ages!).

3. The journal I kept in high school (note: edited to show high school positive highlights and good decision making).

4. A personal narrative about the day I was performing something in front of an audience.

5. A screen shot of Facebook posts, where I had meaningful exchanges (keep these positive, neutral, but also substantial).

6. Small notes that were passed on to friends ( yes, even sticky notes).

7. Song lyrics and poems. perfect delivery come together in a trifecta of written expressions, it can move one to love, forgive, think, feel validated, or the exact opposite. We do know, after all, when we see those words that we dreaded so concretely; written down, they just feel so real.

The question for teachers though is how can we harness and capture the power of writing? Can something that is “schoolwork” become therapeutic? Can homework provide something besides practicing a skill? Is there a power to writing that kids could see if they believed it was not just done to satisfy a grade or for a test?

So, from the query of my co-workers to my very own story, I have come to realize that kids need models. We do know about “mentor texts,” but I don’t mean contrived models. Before we find academic writing that checks all of the rubric boxes, I know that kids want to see who we are as writers. Where have we actually enjoyed writing? How did we do this? Where has it been powerful in our lives?

If you’re mortified at sharing personal writings, it’s not hard to pair this list down to one or two ideas. But when I show the kids these samples, I am going to tell them a story about how writing has been so important to me throughout my life. They will understand that the meaning of words, shared in all forms, can create, and when we can create, we can change something for ourselves and others. We have power when we can affect change!

One of the poems, which allow me to show my students that writing can be therapeutic and that I turn to writing when I need to sort things out, is “Nike was Right.” It’s a personal narrative about the one year anniversary of finding out that my counseling office job was terminated and I was moved to another position involuntarily.

Nike was Right I’ve never been able to trust my instincts.

They betray me time and time again. www.KidsStandard.org

E D U C AT O R S They are that piece of unsavory advice bubbling up from my inner trash-magazine columnist. They are a fickle teenaged girl in a vicious gossip triangle… or maybe just a new hat….. Always seeming like a good idea at the time but aren’t always politically, emotionally or fashionably reliable.

I try to balance my linear mind with raw intuition but always end up questioning myself.

Is this it?

This is really it. Or, maybe it looks like it.

Maybe it isn’t what I really need.

Too dangerous…..too risky….but ,.well, just maybe if I…………. I mean, other people just do it.

Maybe the Nike ads are right.

Nike sucks.

Nike rules.

Nike sucks.

Nike rules.

I spin myself around in the convoluted, indecisive bliss that ignorance provides……wondering if I can do whatever “it” is.

And while spinning in this conundrum, I found myself with a new job this year. That bomb was dropped approximately one year ago . One year ago this May. One year ago almost to the day.

I have always thought that ANYTHING you can pinpoint to exactly one year ago is worthy of your reflection. I’m a big fan of simple anniversaries as they force me to return in time to a place I have been and think about where I am now. Where I want to be tomorrow.

“Pick up and move out, Bahorski.

Here’s another job… figure it out.”

It was like being in the army and I was just deployed.

I remained almost breathless with anxiety about it throughout the entire summer. Questioning my abilities, my work ethic, my desire to pursue this new challenge…

Hoping….that my immunity to change would subside .

Questioning…..

Doubting…….

Asking, no begging…. my instincts for answers .

But rational thought really only serves OCTOBER 2018

district’s budget, people will be moved beginners. The novice golfer, ( “hips around, class sizes will increase and I’ll square, shoulder back, …what other be happy to just have a job when it’s steps are there? Is it thumbs interlockall said and done except that next year, ing, or not?) …. the athlete that needs to the change will cast a brighter outlook practice complicated moves, the musi, not a daunting shadow of fear and cian that needs to visually imagine his uncertainty. next lyric, the next chord, the next stroke I hope I’ve done something worthy on the keyboard. with these kids this year. I hope my efSome things really just come easier forts have produced something good, when you stop thinking about them somewhere. Maybe I WAS stripped from and let it flow . Yes, you need to make the job I thought I SHOULD be doing, the requisite mistakes while learning only to be dropped into another one... something, but after a while, your brain maybe a better one? kicks into another mode. I don’t know I used to tell people I work in a school what it’s called…but it’s when some. Now, I say “ I’m a teacher”. I like how thing just comes from the heart and it sounds. your instincts thin slice every part of the I would rather have done my best this process and provide a deeper picture year, even if I have failed than to have of what needs to happen…and only given up...despite the fact I really felt bethen can you draw from your emoing shoved out of the counseling office tions . It’s actually this exact phenomwas crap. Just plain CRAP. enon that makes a performer so dyBut in the words of Samuel Johnson, namic. Thinking about the right body “ It is better to suffer wrong than to do language or worrying if she’ll forget the it, and happier to be sometimes cheated next verse will inhibit her soul from bethan not to trust. “ ing exposed.

I think this is what I had to do.

Stop thinking about it and just do it.

Nike was right.

So now, as I sit in Starbucks posting my 4th quarter progress reports I am thinking about Dr. Shony Reuven treating the year coming to a patient an end. For better or for worse, I did it.

Thinking about when I started, what I’ve done, what I will do next year.

But, ( or mayIt’s the best feeling when your body is injury-free n We provide holistic physical therapy and balanced, so you can perform at 100%. When services that look at the person as be I should sayyou have a nagging injury or pain, performance one entire structure and identify the Ironically, ) as this suffers and your events just aren’t as fun. We’re physical and mental patterns that focused on helping you bring your healthiest, most year has progressed, are stopping them from being their balanced self to all of your activities. best self. my instincts have Core Physical Therapy provides comprehensive n Your treatment plan may consist been less of my enphysical therapy with specialties in the treatment of hands on manual therapy, Dry emy than I had origand rehabilitation of the spine, shoulder, knee, foot Needling, Gua Sha instrument and ankle. inally thought. I am release, and therapeutic exercise.

Physical Therapy for Optimum Performance. most likely going to have to pack up and 5896 Dixie Hwy move along once Clarkston, Michigan 48346 (248) 461-6674 again. With our www.clarkstoncorept.com

Get ahead of the pack with an injury-free body.

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S P O N S O R S H I P O P P O RT U N I T Y

Motivate. Activate. Celebrate

November 29th Presentation on History of Pontiac at 5pm at The Crofoot

Pontiac Youth's Project PAST

PRESENT

FUTURE

Kids Standard is excited to partner with Pontiac’s Public Schools, civil society and businesses in Pontiac to celebrate the city’s 200th Anniversary with the 1st annual Project for Youth: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE. Through the 2018-19 academic year students from Pontiac public schools will be mentored by information specialists, historians, designers, engineers, teachers, and Oakland University students to understand the city’s rich history, complex contemporary climate, and envision futures for their city’s success. Participating students will first learn how to research historical information and summarize their findings.

Benefit:

Timeline: 25 OCT

Project for Youth launch and information session (we need people from the library, historic society, teachers, City government and community)

Nov

Historical research workshop (Every team brings their work and we can share where they are standing)

19 NOV

Submit research summary about Pontiac’s history for print in Kids Standard November issue (we’ll publish the best one)

29 NOV 29 NOV 20 DEC DEC & JAN

17 JAN 31 JAN

Presentations of historical research / In local location community is invited Information session on the present/ Holiday community celebration/ students, mentors, teachers and parents Team Workshop Submission on the present due for print

By the end of the Project for Youth, students will not only know their city better, but be invested in its future and have met mentors to grow relationships for time to come. Students will benefit from structured support to gain skills for research, discussion, and ideation. Community members involved in mentorship will be able to meet and build relationships with others active in the community, and gain the satisfaction of making a positive change for community students.

Success: This is going to Directly impact the students who are involved so they can galvanize other students to impact their community.

By the end of the program, we want to receive feedback from student participants that they encountered and overcame challenges, learned to work through processes of problem-solving, and grew individually and collectively. Additionally, students should leave the program communicating a commitment to community develop of Pontiac.

Presentations on the present/ local location community

All projects will be displayed at Crofoot in downtown Pontiac.

Each group will receive prizes accordingly!

FEB-MARCH

30 MARCH

Each group having their own meeting to Design, fundraise and presentation on a weekly work shop/ Mentor meeting with student teams Final presentations of student

This year, Project for Youth serves as a pilot for similar annual programs that engage many tiers of community population to understand their city’s past, present, and future. Support for this project will allow Kids’ Standard to test ideas for community engagement and development and provide invaluable help for continuing this initiative in the future.

KIDS STANDARD PUBLICATION INC

Contact: 248-410-3976 | Email: maggie@kidsstandard.org website: www.kidsstandard.org This is an intellectual property of Kids Standard Publication Inc, Michigan. Al rights are reserved.

OCTOBER 2018

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E D U C AT O R S

Writing and the Brain: Neuroscience Shows the Pathways to Learning Judy Willis brings a rare combination of expertise to the classroom: she’s not only a teacher but also a neurologist. With a medical background in using such diagnostic tools as positron emission tomography (PET) scans, neuroimaging, and brain mapping, she empirically understands how the brain is wired to learn.

By: Judy Willis, Board-Certified Neurologist and Educator

W

riting is, by nature, an opportunity for creativity and personal expression. When writing is incorporated in learning and assessment, there is increased opportunity to produce the ideal situation for active, attentive learning because students value creative problem solving or creative production.

They’re more likely to apply the effort, collaborate successfully, ask questions, revise work, and review foundational knowledge because they want to know what you have to teach.

When students know information will be used to create solutions to problems that interest them or to create products they want to create, that is when the brain predicts pleasure and applies efforts to achieve the desirable goal.

The brain evolved to better protect the well-being of its owner and species.

One way that this is important for the classroom is that effort and attention are limited commodities the brain parses out to the actions it predicts will be successful in protection or pleasure.

So, for example, when students participate in engaging learning activities 22

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in well-designed, supportive, cooperative groups, there is a positive emotional response in the brain. The pleasure of learning with one’s peers increases the brain’s release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that increases pleasure, motivation, perseverance through challenges, and resilience to setbacks.

In addition, there is a beneficial response in the amygdala. The amygdala is a switching station (there’s one on each

When writing is incorporated in learning and assessment, there is increased opportunity to produce the ideal situation for active, attentive learning.

side of the brain) in the brain’s emotionalmonitoring limbic system that determines if input will go to the reflective, higher cognitive brain (the prefrontal cortex) or down to the reactive, involuntary brain.

The brain scans of subjects learning in supportive and emotionally pleasurable situations show facilitated passage of information through the amygdala up to the higher cognitive brain, so learning associated with positive emotion is retained longer. Stress, however, determines if the intake is sent to that lower reactive brain.

As science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects get more emphasis, it seems as if writing and the arts have become secondary. It’s interesting because the increasing buzz about an innovation crisis in the STEM subjects comes at a time when neuroscience and cognitive science research are increasingly providing information that correlates creativity with intelligence; academic, social, and emotional success; and the development of skill sets and higher-process thinking that will become increasingly valuable for students of the 21st century.

Consider all of the important ways that writing supports the development of higher-process thinking: conceptual thinking; transfer of knowledge; judgment; critical analysis; induction; deduction; prior-knowledge evaluation (not just activation) for prediction; delay of immediate gratification for long-term goals; recognition of relationships for symbolic conceptualization; evaluation of emotions, including recognizing and analyzing response choices; and the ability to recognize and activate information stored in memory circuits throughout the brain’s cerebral cortex that are relevant to evaluating and responding to new information or for producing new creative insights— whether academic, artistic, physical, emotional and social.

Teaching of writing is important for learning based on neuroimaging and brain mapping. www.KidsStandard.org

PA R E N T ’ S C O R N E R

Learning, Development & Writing

W

Maggie Razdar Publisher/Founder

riting is an essential skill that can benefit students for the rest of their lives.

Introducing and practicing writing with engaging activities in elementary school can foster confidence and lifelong love for writing. Immediately, writing skills are important for elementary students’ learning in all academic areas, communication, and self-expression, according to the Institute of Education Sciences.

Academic Development In addition to improving penmanship, writing exercises in elementary school support development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Students also learn the writing process, from outline to finished product, which translates into other aspects of life and learning. For example, students can use planning and organizing, research and peer review to learn topics in mathematics and science, make dinner, or build a doghouse. Writing about the world is also important for vocabulary and reading development.

Emotional Development According to The College Board, creative and reflective writing exercises build confidence and appreciation for writing.

Through journals and personal story writing, children can discover their identities and work through real-life problems. A report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services points out that when parents separate or children must deal with bullies, loss of a pet, or other types of stress, writing can provide a therapeutic outlet to help them cope.

Social Development Through our after-school program, writing helps children connect to the world around them, both on and off the page. Since writing requires the student OCTOBER 2018

to consider audience and purpose, for example, practice can help the student apply the same considerations to verbal communication. The writing process, complete with peer review and feedback, teaches students to both accept and deliver constructive criticism. Furthermore, collaborative writing projects enable students to achieve writing goals together.

Author, educator and literacy expert, Pam Allyn, agrees that kids need to start writing early because writing helps to cultivate emotional growth, develop critical thinking and collaboration. “Being able to express yourself is a “skill and gift. By cultivating this capability in your child, you are giving him the price- less power to share his thoughts and ideas with the world in a meaningful way.”

Many of us, however, have negative associations with writing. We associate it with painstaking research papers, anxietyproducing exams, and a whole lot of hard, gut-wrenching work. Likewise, many children have come to equate writing with this hard, laborious work. Yet, “the pleasure and excitement of writing something that matters to you personally is uplifting and often really energizing.”

When kids have the purpose of writing something that is going to be published in the magazine and shared with thousands of people, they feel energized to work hard on their writing. No doubt, writing can be hard and emotionally exhausting, but it’s also a lot of fun. We have a group of trained high school students who work with elementary students on their writing research and critical thinking.

Writing is a magical medium. It’s a vehicle for communication, connection, and creativity. It’s an opportunity to learn and grow, have fun, and sharpen your senses.

I am honored that Kids Standard gives children a platform to showcase their writing.

Happy Writing!

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