I was recently part of a discussion of educators from all walks of life – new, novice, elementary, secondary, higher education – and the topic turned to nursery rhymes and someone mentioned that with today’s “results driven” requirements and assessment-based measurements, nursery rhymes were rarely, if ever, taught in schools anymore.

As a educator or administrator, do you ever ask yourself, “How can I take on one more task?  What additional responsibilities will fall on my shoulders?”  Chances are these thoughts do (or have) run through your head in a typical school year.  Rightfully so.  The ongoing issues with school districts slashing budgets, requiring accountability, and all the while expecting the same or additional work output, can leave one’s nerves frazzled and on edge.

When you were a kid and took a school field trip, do you remember the most exciting part of the day?

For some it was packing a lunch of items that your normal, daily brown bag wouldn’t include…Cheetos, a Hostess Apple Pie, a soda wrapped in aluminum foil (as if that ‘really’ kept it cold until lunchtime).