What we're reading 3, kind of...

Currently, I am not reading anything!  Except skimming through the occasional magazine.  Usually, its Real Simple.  During the day, I don't have time to read and in the evening, I don't feel like it.  I just want to veg out and watch a marathon of something good on TV.  Currently, we are watching The Wire.  Now that is some good TV!!!  I won't give any spoilers.  We are on the last season and I could watch all the episodes in one night, but I don't want it to end.  It's a show that follows a group of detectives and various "bad guys"-drug dealers, politicians, etc. in Baltimore. So, if you are having a break from reading and haven't already seen this show, check it out.

Onto the kids.  Currently, Mena is into Olivia and the Missing Toy and pretty much any book from the Olivia series.  The books are written by Ian Falconer .  The stories, which feature a pig named Olivia are funny and I really enjoy the minimalistic illustrations.

Idris is totally into zombie and comic books, as well as, graphic novels.  However, he has summer reading to complete, so we had to pick something off of the approved list.  He chose Hoot, by Carl Hiaasen.  It's about a boy who's new in town, who befriends some other kids and they try to prevent the destruction of an owl colony.  He's not that far into the book yet, but says "It's Cool," which translates to "I haven't made my mind up about this book yet."  Anyway, the book won a Newberry Award, so it must be pretty good.

What are you guys reading this summer?

It's (groan) Back to School time!

It's that time of year again and I have to say, I am not looking forward to it.  I can't stand coming up with cold lunch ideas daily, dealing with the hustle and bustle that goes along with getting children out the door by a certain time, the millions of papers that he brings home, fundraising (it's hard for me to sell things I'm not interested in), and homework.
I have the child that has said almost since day one, "I don't like school!"  Learning, Yes!  School, No! And, with the education system the way it is now, I can't say I can blame him.  School is not what it used to be.  Kids have to take a placement test for kindergarten, I mean, how ridiculous is that?!  He did fine on it, but nowadays if you haven't sent your child to preschool or homeschooled them, they may not be ready for kindergarten.
Children aren't given as much time for recess, gym, lunch or free time.  The curriculum just keeps being added to and I feel bad for the teachers because they aren't allowed to be as creative because their reviews as educators are contingent upon the scores students receive on standardized testing.  My son's first grade teacher once told me that she liked to take her students for a walk in the afternoon, especially during the fall and spring months, so the children could have a break and learn about nature, at the same time...she had to stop because social studies was added to the curriculum and she didn't have time for that anymore.
Anyway, my child is what one might call a kinesthetic learner.  He learns best through "doing."  So, for him having to sit in a chair for hours (literally, the children have multiple reading lessons for 2 1/2 hours) is torture.  Needless to say, the principal and I are on a first name basis.  Our current school system is a horrible fit for HIM.  I say that in caps because it is not a horrible system, there are some great teachers, he goes to gym 3 times a week and music twice a week (our budget has been cut, but not as much as in other systems.)  Private school is not an option at this time, nor is homeschool (been there, done that.)
So, today was the start of another year.  I will continue to be optimistic, like always, that this time will be better and we won't trudge through another year.  This year he's going into the 5th grade and its his last year of elementary school.  I was excited and sad.  The Boy is definitely growing up, as he should, but a part of me wishes I could keep that sweet little boy forever!

Do you look forward to back to school time?  How do you prepare for it?  How was the first day for your children?