Friday Musings - August 30, 2013 - Laundry

Back to School and Laundry

It is back to school time for many of us. Whether we work on a campus, teach, or "re-start" our programming year with the school calendar - September to May has significance for many of us.  Many families have communication tools to plan and debrief events happening during the school year, like family calendars, family dinner discussions, but I add to this list - family laundry. Perhaps I am part anthropologist  - but I learn ALOT about family/school activities through this task. Just the wrappers, rocks, receipts, earrings, etc found in pockets alone fills a jar by our washer. For example, one day a few years ago I noticed my son's white t-shirt shirt was significantly shorter than the previous week. He didn't seem to be the type of wear a "cropped" shirt, so I was curious. Later, I asked him why he now decided to wear his shirt shorter in length and his explanation surprised me. "Well mom, I was in shop class and we would receive extra points if we remembered to bring in a white rag for staining our wood tables. I had forgotten a rag, but I really wanted the extra points... so I quick ripped off the bottom of my t-shirt." Not expecting that answer! He should have gotten points for creativity, too! Back to school- back to laundry as communication tool... ahh, the memories.

What can you share that others would be fascinated to know? Due September 6!!!

An informal evening event with rapid-fire presentations from colleagues, the Lightning Talks are back by popular demand on Tuesday, October 8, 5-7 p.m. We are looking for presenters to give Lightning Talks.  Please sign up online to present a talk by Friday, September 6. 

For signup, we simply need your title and a brief description. Slides will be due on September 20. The only requirement is to choose something that interests you, and may interest others! Topics related to your program area, professional interests, or avocations are encouraged. More information is available on the program conference website. Thanks!. Thanks! Ying 

(this is one of my favorite parts of program conference - please consider a submission!!! trips?, special skills?, interesting family history?) 

NEAFCS-MN Professional Development Day- Exploring Community and Family Systems: A Framework for Action, September 10 - St. Joseph

Presentations and tours include:
* Understanding the Systems Framework: An Overview
* Collegeville Artisan Bakery - tour
* NEAFCS-MN Update and Awards
* Local Foods System - St. Joseph in Action
* Exploring Indigenous Food Systems in Minnesota
* Understanding the Systems Framework: Tying it all Together

http://bit.ly/17vB9Vf to register. Call Becky, Silvia, or Brianna for more information 

What keeps me up at night? Curriculum writing and updating

We will be discussing this more - especially at program conference - curriculum development to meet program objectives. We are in the process of writing or updating four curricula and my thoughts revolve around thoughtfully using our wealth of resources and knowledge around: 

• Program Planning to reach Program Goals & Objectives
• Theory of Learning - which one(s) to embrace and utilize?
• Bloom's Taxonomy 
• Content needed to meet objectives- and not more or less - and then setting the stage to apply content to behavior change
• Are powerpoints necessary? When is a blank piece of paper, application learning activities, or flip charts a more effective tool?  
• Creating curriculum easy to follow, dynamic, uses the most recent knowledge of adult education and content, considers the ecosystem families live in, etc
• Evaluation to measure education based on those items mentioned above.......
  

   

  Congratulations on a JOE article to Becky and team

  

  Reichenback, M., Hagen, B, & Sagor, E. (2013) Family Communication and Multigenerational Learning in an Intergenerational Land Transfer Class, Journal of Extension. 51, Retrieved from http://www.joe.org/joe/2013august/a9.php
  

   

  Oh... Deer

  I was in Moorhead this week and while in Moorhead a deer jumped "into" Ellie's church. Quite the excitement for those there -    see the television story. 
  
  
  
  
  Hope you have a nice long weekend and are ready for the school year when you arrive back next Tuesday.
  Trish