Photo by dave_mcmt

I'm heading back to the classroom for the first time in over two years next week . . . but I won't be the one sitting in a desk. I'm dusting off my teaching certificate and heading out to teach in a one-room school in rural Alberta for a few days. I'm really excited about going back into the classroom as I've been away for a couple of years. It's always a little frightening to walk into a new group of students for the very first time, but I've been reassured by their teacher that the group of students I will be substitute teaching for are "really good kids." I sure hope so!

I love kids energy and exuberance when they are learning something that excites and interests them. So I'll do my best not to be boring! It's always challenging for me because I learned teaching methods that were subject specific (English) so as a sub, I never know what subject I will be dealing with. Everything will be okay unless I have to teach senior level math. Then everyone will be in serious trouble, especially me. I have a tramatic past in mathematics; my grade 11 math teacher once told be that I should be "whipped, shot and hung" because I had "cancel-it-is."

Luckily, my math skills got a lot better in college, and I lost some of my math paranoia. I hope that I'll never tell a student something like they should be whipped, shot and hung! What a way to make an already nervous student lose even more confidence.

I hope that your fall classes are going well, and most of all that you never require being whipped, shot or hung in your academic career.

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One of the biggest drawbacks to being an adult student is that it always seems that you're broke. Here are a few inexpensive activities you can do with your family without breaking the bank. At least until you have to buy that new biology textbook for the upcoming semester!

Check out second run theatres. These feature movies that may have recently come out on DVD, but at least you and your family will get the big screen experience on the cheap. Admission is typically less than half what you'd pay for a regular theatre, and even the concession stands are likely cheaper too. Another movie option is to attend a matinee screening, which will also save you money, albeit not to the extent that a second run theatre would. Many local parks and recreation departments offer free family movies in the summer, sometimes they even show movies at the local community pool. Great fun for the kids.

Another family fun night out is going to an arcade or pizza place with arcade games. Some pizza places specialize in arcade games and family fun combined such as the chain that features a very large rodent. If you don't mind a lot of noice and screaming kiddies, this is an option for you to feed the kids and entertain them at the same time.

How about taking the family to a local sports game? Minor league, college and even high school games are very exciting, and cost a fraction of what it would cost to take in a big-league game.  There's nothing like rooting for the home team, is there?

How about some bowling? Kids love to bowl, and local alleys have specials when they are less crowded. In most alleys you can get snacks such as pizza and hamburgers as well. At least you'll get a bit of exercise with your cheeseburger!

Let's not forget the arts. Many communities have free concerts in the park in the spring and summer months. Bring a  blanket and your goodies to snack on if you're allowed to at the location. Some places have well known name bands and singers appear at these events. Local art galleries are another great source of learning and entertainment and may even offer low-cost art classes for children. Check with your local newspaper and parks and recreation departments to see if they have any free concert  or gallery offerings.

Don't forget your local high school's drama department for some great low-cost entertainment. Kids love plays especially musicals. Why not treat the kids to some local entertainment as the admission costs are usually quite low and and you never know--you might see some talent that will one day take Hollywood or Broadway by storm.

So don't stay home yet another night. Give yourself and the kids a break and attend some of these inexpensive events. A change in scenery will refresh your mind make you a better back to school mom (or dad!)

11 year-old Moshe Kai Cavalin has become one of the youngest ever graduates of a two-year U.S. College. He graduated on June 5th from East Los Angeles Community College with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Moshe began his college career at age 8,  and even tutored 18- and 19 year-olds in math and science at that tender age.

 Moshe was homeschooled until college, as his mother realized that he learned much more quickly than his peers did, and often finished his work so fast that he sat for hours in class with nothing to do. By age 7, Moshe had already completed his high-school requirements, but he was deemed too young to begin college at that point.

Moshe already has plans to complete his Bachelor degree by age 14, a Masters degree by age 17 and a PhD by age 19 at either Stanford or California Institute of Technology. He has his own website, moshekai.com, and idolizes Albert Einstein. He wants to be a scientist that changes the world.

Somehow, I think this kid might just do just that. Humbling to say the least for this back-to-school mom.

Source: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/07/content_11500434.htm

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This might be a good opportunity to plan that camping trip with the kids. Fresh air+roasted marshmallows+campfires=great memories & happy families. A great little inexpensive mini-vacation for moms, dads and kids alike.

Here is a link to an L.A. Times article that outlines more details about the free weekends:

http://tiny.cc/m4qaS