Photo Opportunity

By Lupe Tucker

It has been said that “a picture is worth a thousand words.” In today’s digital age, an expressive picture can also communicate to thousands of minds in the blink of an eye, which makes photography exciting, fun, and a fantastic way to teach your child the art of visual communication. Going beyond the simple theme unit, photography is an extremely effective tool that not only will inspire creativity in your children but also can light the fire of discovery and exploration as they use photos to interact with the world around them. A camera allows children to interact with their surroundings in a way that no other electronic gadget can. Take advantage of the opportunity this affords, and take the leap into a new world of discovery with your child!

I remember when I was young and was given my first camera. I took photos of ants, people, landscapes—and through trial and error (and considerable expense) I learned how photography worked. Twenty-five years ago, I had to wait for days to get my photos back. I had to pay for film and processing. Not every shot was a keeper, so I became very cautious about taking photos, because I didn’t want to waste film, money, or time. Today we don’t have to worry about any of those things. Inexpensive and accessible, digital photography gives us the opportunity to use its power of communication to teach every academic subject—a perfect tool for learning.

The best part about photography is that by putting a camera into a child’s hand and letting him use it, ownership of the learning process is instantly established, and your child becomes an integral part of it, not just a passive recipient of information. Having the freedom to take photographs will give your child confidence and cause him to start looking at the world around him in a new way. Children as young as 5 years old can use a digital camera to explore the world around them, and through images share what is interesting to them. By giving children a voice through images, photography awakens the creative senses and helps develop communication skills that can later transfer to language arts proficiency.      (more…)

Don’t Turn Away: Trouble in the Homeschool Movement

Written by Heidi St. John

Posted on March 9, 2014

PPSA_adversity

Oops. It happened again.

Another “pillar” of the homeschool movement has resigned after allegations of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior.

“In allegations going back decades, Gothard, 79, and unmarried, is said to have specifically targeted young women and teen girls to perform administrative duties for him at IBLP’s headquarters, where he eventually would make unwanted and inappropriate physical contact while also manipulating them emotionally.” (Christian Post.com)

This comes just months after a scandal at Vision Forum forced the resignation of Doug Phillips. Of course, I’m troubled by this. But what’s more troubling to me is the lack of concern that the homeschool community seems to have for the victims of Gothard’s and Phillips teachings. There seems to be more concern for protecting these men and their “ministries” because it may have a negative impact on homeschooling than for the lives of the people who have been hurt and abused.

What in the world are we thinking?      (more…)

Nonviolence Youth Summit Part 10

Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission
Honorable Mike Beebe – Governor of Arkansas
DuShun Scarbrough – Executive Director/Agency Spokesperson
501 Woodlane Avenue, Ste 122 South, Little Rock, AR 72201-1023
Phone: 888-290-KING (5464) • Fax: (501) 683-1310
DuShun.Scarbrough@Arkansas.Gov

TO:                 Partners in Education  

FROM:          DuShun Scarbrough – Executive Director/Agency Spokesperson

RE:                 Change of Venue for 2014 “6th Annual Statewide Commemorative Vigil and March”

                        Invite to the “Nonviolence Youth Summit Part X-LIFE AFTER HATE SERIES”

 

For years, we have carried the tradition of hosting the Commemorative Vigil honoring the life and legacy Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the State Capitol.  We are pleased to announce that we are moving the location of this year’s Commemorative vigil from the State Capitol to Harrison City Hall, 116 South Spring Street, Harrison, Arkansas 72601.

 

On Tuesday, April 1, 2014, the first event to kick off this extraordinary celebration is the “Unity Arts Celebration.”  This historic event will take place at The Lyric Theater, 113 West Rush, Harrison, Arkansas 72601 at 6:00 PM. The theme for this event will commemorate The Beatles’ 50th Anniversary, their musical contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and their shared message of love and peace.  All of the performances that evening will reflect a song or album recorded by The Beatles.

 

Immediately following the “Unity Arts Celebration,” we once again commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  We will have a march starting at The Lyric Theater located at 113 West Rush Avenue, Harrison, Arkansas 72601 at 7:15 PM and ending at Harrison City Hall located at 116 South Spring Street, Harrison, Arkansas 72601. Immediately following the march, the “6th Annual Statewide Commemorative Vigil” will begin at Harrison City Hall. Thus, The Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission commemorates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and cordially invites you to be a part of this tradition.

On Wednesday, April 2, 2014, the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission with the assistance of the Arkansas Department of Human Services, will host the “Nonviolence Youth Summit Part X-LIFE AFTER HATE SERIES” at the North Arkansas College Durand Conference Center, 303 N Main, Harrison, AR 72601, from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM. This event is free and open the public, but prior confirmation of attendance is requested. Free lunch will be provided.

Our mission is to teach youth in all regions of the state. We have had great success in holding our past nine Nonviolence Youth Summits, which have each garnered the attendance of hundreds of youth. These summits have been held in West Memphis (January 2010), Pine Bluff (May 2010), Fayetteville (October 2010), Little Rock (May 2011), Hope (October 2011), Harrison (February 2012), Forrest City (October 2012), El Dorado (May 2013), and Helena-West Helena (September 2013). Please visit www.youtube.com/armlk, www.facebook.com/ARKingDream.org/photos_albums, and www.arkansas.gov/mlk for photos and videos of our past Nonviolence Youth Summits.

Therefore, the AMLKC cordially invites you to attend all events free of charge. SummitSummit

We ask that you please RSVP by email to emily.r.farris@arkansas.gov– Program Coordinator with a list of those attending and participating as well as a signed registration form (which is attached at the end of this document) by Friday, March 14, 2014, so that everyone who attends will be accommodated accordingly. We thank you once again for your anticipated participation in events that help the present and the next generation achieve Dr. King’s dreams of understanding and acceptance of nonviolence and human equality as a way of building unity among all Arkansans.  For more information, please contact the AMLKC office via phone at (501) 683-1300.or via fax to (501) 683-1310.  We look forward to seeing you there!