Recently I was interviewed by Michael Shaughnessy for www.EducationNews.org around my latest children’s book: YNK – You Never Know and the topic of cellphones, manners, texting and bullying. I really enjoyed speaking with Michael and think we had some great dialogue. I’m going to share it over the next week. Do you have any thoughts you would like to add to the conversation? Please comment below!
MS: Jacquie I have to tell you, I am very tired of sitting in a restaurant, trying to enjoy a cup of coffee and these cell phone are going off all around me with all kinds of noises and tunes and buzzing and the William Tell Overture. What’s a sane adult to do.
JR: It is too bad that so many people have forgotten the common courtesy of respecting others’ space. I would frequent establishments that post a “no cell phones: quiet zone “ and know that I have to put up with celly chatter in places that don’t have a “no cell” policy.
MS: I recently saw good old Jerry Seinfeld on tv and even he comments on the fact that people answer their cell phones , ignoring the person they are talking to and then they text, continuing to ignore the person they are with and then they check their e-mail, continuing to ignore the person they are with—well, you get the idea. Have we become a nation of no courtesy? Or a very rude nation?
JR: Unfortunately, I think this is the crux of the problem we are facing with our advanced technology---we’ve forgotten some very basic manners, which are, after all, more common sense than rules. I want to feel like I am important to the person I am with at the moment; if he or she is texting, on a cell phone or laptop, I know that I am not the center of that person’s attention. I don’t care if everyone else does it, I am more important. If I have to call you on your cell phone to tell you that I am sitting beside you and want to converse, why would I bother to meet you in person?
MS: I go into the cleaners to drop off some khaki pants. The kid behind the counter starts to take care of my but then their phone rings and they stand there talking, yapping away for about 5 minutes. Where is the manager in this scene? What happened to “The Customer Comes First”
JR: I would have no problem with a hard stare, a loud sigh and pursed lips until the kid got off the phone; then I would ask in my most motherly voice, “You do know that talking while I am waiting to conduct business is rude and unprofessional, right?”
MS: Moving on to children and cell phones. I can understand parents wanting to be in touch with their kids- but at what age should one of these little tykes be given this wonderful instrument with which to burden their thumbs?
JR: A lot depends on the circumstances for parent and child. One thing I appreciate about cell phones is the gps locator in the phones ---it is an added false sense of security, if the phone is on and has a full battery, then it is possible to track the whereabouts of the person’s phone, not necessarily the person. I personally don’t think elementary school children should have cell phones, unless the child is walking a long distance home after school, or is a latch-key child.
MS: And what are the duties, obligations and responsibilities that parents have?
to be continued.......
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
My Visit to Gregory Heights Elementary School for Author’s Day
On a sunny day in Seattle, I was invited to Gregory Heights Elementary School for Author’s Day, hosted by the librarian, Mr. Michael Bento. I have taught workshop for adults, but nothing is as scary as living up to the expectations of sixth-graders.
I have to say I am impressed with the depth and thoughtfulness of their questions and responses. One student got to the bottom line and asked me if I made any money writing; I replied you should have another job with a steady income. Another student asked about the creative process, and how I go about the writing process; we had a discussion about the different types of writing and methods to best approach an essay, a book report, a journal or short story. They were quiet and attentive as I explained the process of birthing a book from manuscript to publication, and the business of marketing a book.
Those two thirty-minute sessions with the sixth-graders zipped by all too fast, and I as I gathered up my materials, I realized that I left with a lot more than I had brought with me: a heartfelt appreciation for the students at Gregory Heights Elementary School.
Thank you to all the students who asked so many great questions!
I would love to visit your school for your Author's Day. Please contact me directly if you'd like me to participate. I am always inspired by children when I visit schools. They help me keep my story ideas relevant and meaningful!
Contact me here: http://www.jacquieream.com/Contact.html
I have to say I am impressed with the depth and thoughtfulness of their questions and responses. One student got to the bottom line and asked me if I made any money writing; I replied you should have another job with a steady income. Another student asked about the creative process, and how I go about the writing process; we had a discussion about the different types of writing and methods to best approach an essay, a book report, a journal or short story. They were quiet and attentive as I explained the process of birthing a book from manuscript to publication, and the business of marketing a book.
Those two thirty-minute sessions with the sixth-graders zipped by all too fast, and I as I gathered up my materials, I realized that I left with a lot more than I had brought with me: a heartfelt appreciation for the students at Gregory Heights Elementary School.
Thank you to all the students who asked so many great questions!
I would love to visit your school for your Author's Day. Please contact me directly if you'd like me to participate. I am always inspired by children when I visit schools. They help me keep my story ideas relevant and meaningful!
Contact me here: http://www.jacquieream.com/Contact.html
Technology is a Privilege
I’ve had enough.
Between the proliferation of cyberbullying that has been dominating the headlines and the inappropriate communications that cell phones and computers enable teens to engage in, it’s time for us as parents to set new rules for how children use technology.
Lately, I’ve been on a rant, (really a radio anti-bullying tour) on this topic. And I’m using the books in my Bully Dog Series to help create dialogue about this topic between children, parents, and teachers alike. In my latest book “YNK-You Never Know,” and my school program to help children understand “How not to be a Bully Dog” Fran is back with a whole new set of challenges including engaging in cyberbullying.
Although YNK-You Never Know is a fictional book for middle school and early teen children who simply enjoy reading, and the return of the first book’s main characters, it is also is my way of bringing to the forefront the pitfalls of technology facing our children today. I’ve seen it myself, parents are currently experiencing the pressure of how new technology has become such an integral part of their children’s daily lives. And for many, they have no idea how to discuss this subject in a way that their children can understand that they have their concerns for how it is being abused. Think about it, only five years ago, most teens, never mind their younger siblings, didn’t own a cell phones. If they did it was carried for emergency purposes only. Today, not having a cell phone by the time you are a teen is a reason to get bullied enough.
Sadly, children today are holstering cellphones, and accessing the internet in ways that are as dangerous as a gun and we’ve all seen the news of bullied youngsters who have taken their own life. This has to stop, and as adults it is our job to do everything we can to see that it does.
I believe that the best way to prevent cyberbullying is for parents and educators to teach children about the “rules” of engaging in technology, and the ramification of their behaviors should they not follow them. Afterall, we can still take away that cell phone or move the computer out of their room, or even our house.
In my next post I will be talking about a few things that parents should think about when it comes to children and technology. I'd love to hear your comments too!
Between the proliferation of cyberbullying that has been dominating the headlines and the inappropriate communications that cell phones and computers enable teens to engage in, it’s time for us as parents to set new rules for how children use technology.
Lately, I’ve been on a rant, (really a radio anti-bullying tour) on this topic. And I’m using the books in my Bully Dog Series to help create dialogue about this topic between children, parents, and teachers alike. In my latest book “YNK-You Never Know,” and my school program to help children understand “How not to be a Bully Dog” Fran is back with a whole new set of challenges including engaging in cyberbullying.
Although YNK-You Never Know is a fictional book for middle school and early teen children who simply enjoy reading, and the return of the first book’s main characters, it is also is my way of bringing to the forefront the pitfalls of technology facing our children today. I’ve seen it myself, parents are currently experiencing the pressure of how new technology has become such an integral part of their children’s daily lives. And for many, they have no idea how to discuss this subject in a way that their children can understand that they have their concerns for how it is being abused. Think about it, only five years ago, most teens, never mind their younger siblings, didn’t own a cell phones. If they did it was carried for emergency purposes only. Today, not having a cell phone by the time you are a teen is a reason to get bullied enough.
Sadly, children today are holstering cellphones, and accessing the internet in ways that are as dangerous as a gun and we’ve all seen the news of bullied youngsters who have taken their own life. This has to stop, and as adults it is our job to do everything we can to see that it does.
I believe that the best way to prevent cyberbullying is for parents and educators to teach children about the “rules” of engaging in technology, and the ramification of their behaviors should they not follow them. Afterall, we can still take away that cell phone or move the computer out of their room, or even our house.
In my next post I will be talking about a few things that parents should think about when it comes to children and technology. I'd love to hear your comments too!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Live Event at Redmond!
Dear Friends, If you are out and about, drop by and see me!
Phil Taylor, Webmaster for Storytellers Campfire and substitute Co-Host for Poetry Wheel, is assisting the Program
Director, Lady Selah Sujuris in preparations for the Live event scheduled for Saturday, July 24, 2010.
Storytellers Campfire staff will Host their next event at Friendly Village, a retirement community in Redmond,
Washington, in the Club House.
The theme is Literacy in the Lives of Seniors. There will be two shows, the first will be from 1:30pm to 3:00pm
and the second show will be from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. There will be an intermission between the shows and attendees
will have the opportunity to meet the presenters and have their books signed or purchase books and CDs from the guest on the show.
Presenting on Author’s Voice:
Jacquie Ream, Author of .Forcing the Hand of God. A Vivid picture of life during wartime (1943) both on the
front lines and at home.
Paul Hansen, Author of .Turnaround Summer. The Story of How Real Men Launched a Lost Boy Into Manhood
Marcia Shaver, Author of .The Artist Journey. The Story of the 1,299,851 steps across Spain and her rediscovery.
Presenting on Writer’s Circle:
George Snyder of Snyder Online, .Family Genealogy, How and Why, and Tips to Begin.
Jacquie Ream, Author of KISS; Keep it Short and Simple / Easy Steps for Better Writing
Campfire Musician’s Performers:
Connor Worley Irish / Folk Music
Clint McCune
Phil Taylor, Webmaster for Storytellers Campfire and substitute Co-Host for Poetry Wheel, is assisting the Program
Director, Lady Selah Sujuris in preparations for the Live event scheduled for Saturday, July 24, 2010.
Storytellers Campfire staff will Host their next event at Friendly Village, a retirement community in Redmond,
Washington, in the Club House.
The theme is Literacy in the Lives of Seniors. There will be two shows, the first will be from 1:30pm to 3:00pm
and the second show will be from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. There will be an intermission between the shows and attendees
will have the opportunity to meet the presenters and have their books signed or purchase books and CDs from the guest on the show.
Presenting on Author’s Voice:
Jacquie Ream, Author of .Forcing the Hand of God. A Vivid picture of life during wartime (1943) both on the
front lines and at home.
Paul Hansen, Author of .Turnaround Summer. The Story of How Real Men Launched a Lost Boy Into Manhood
Marcia Shaver, Author of .The Artist Journey. The Story of the 1,299,851 steps across Spain and her rediscovery.
Presenting on Writer’s Circle:
George Snyder of Snyder Online, .Family Genealogy, How and Why, and Tips to Begin.
Jacquie Ream, Author of KISS; Keep it Short and Simple / Easy Steps for Better Writing
Campfire Musician’s Performers:
Connor Worley Irish / Folk Music
Clint McCune
Monday, March 8, 2010
Book Signing at 3rd Place Books, Lake Forest Park
Out on a Saturday night and looking for a good book? Come see me at 3rd Place Books, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park (98155) on March 13th at 6:30pm. I would love to meet with readers and personalize FORCING the HAND of GOD, KISS, and/or BULLY DOGS.
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