(Side note: After reading others' blogs and still finding myself with free time at work, I decided to succumb to the draws of the blogging world.)
So, really, whatever DID happen to "School House Rock?"
Just the other day, my boss and I were discussing television, children and cartoons. I mentioned that, to this day, I know how a bill becomes a law thanks to "School House Rock."
"Didn't they also teach about English?" she asked.
"Oh, yeah," I answered. "Conjunction-junction, what's your function..."
For those of you who are too old or too young to remember this lively bit of education between the classic "The Adventures Winnie the Pooh" and my all-time-favorite "The Bugs Bunny and Tweetie Show," the concept was simple but genius: combine grammar, government policy and even math skills with music so that kids will remember it easily. I mean, think of how many songs you know the lyrics to. Now tell me if you can recite even the Preamble without missing a beat (this does not go for people like Jacob Johnston who are able to recite random bits of information with ease).
So now, in a time when we are supposedly making every effort to leave no child behind, why is there no combination of music and knowledge between cartoons on Saturday morning? Why are there just princesses and fairies and anime characters invading the TV (I only know this because I have nieces and nephews)? Why are so many school systems considering cutting music from the curriculum (as well as recess, but that's another blog for another day)?
And finally, at the risk of being a 26-year-old who sounds like a 70-year-old with my "when I was a kid" story, whatever happened to "School House Rock?"
About Me
- Meaghan
- Rome, Georgia, United States
- Apparently, I'm mean at first! Keep reading and have your own impression.
11 comments:
Right on. The world could use a lot more education, and cartoons could be a good place for kids to start -- if the cartoons weren't all so mindless, like the rest of TV.
Welcome to the blogosphere. It's an interesting place. Just don't forgot to do your job once in a while.
Hi Blogger buddy! Thanks for the link.
Excellent first post. I'll keep checking back for more!
- K
Excellent first post! I think all lessons should be taught in song form. I still remember the quadratic formula because a high school math teacher made up a song for it. But the Preamble? Long gone.
So glad to see you have a blog!! I loved School House Rock! I never thought I would see the day where I might have to preface myself with, "I'm dating myself, but..." x
Hey sis,,,, great first blog!!! I totally agree with you , considering the fact that I do have children and a grandchild whom would benefit from this,,,, as I did. I still remember the constitution due to School House Rock, as well as others. This , I believe is a very very great combination for allowing children to learn as well as having fun!!!!! Did I mention GREAT BLOG!!!
I was wondering when you would join us. I'm a little pissed, though- your first entry is already approaching my personal record for comments. Thanks for the link. Maybe it'll help.
Agreed. The least they could do is show the reruns.
Also, I realize this is your first blog and all, but if you're accepting challenges... Create your own educational song. What will subject will we learn about?
You suck because you already have 8 comments. I've never had that many.
I rock because I'm the only person namedropped in your blog. Who cares if it were as much subtle slight as compliment.
My favorite was Interplanet Janet!
She's a galaxy girl!
Welcome to the blog world.
Funny that this is your first post. A few weeks ago I began downloading all of the School House Rock videos off of Youtube to show them to my class! We are studying Electricity right now, and what do you know? There is a School House Rock video that can explain it WAY better than I can!!!
But the funny thing is, now to show them in the classroom, they have to line up with the "standards" to be taught and you have to prove that learning did take place. Whereas you and I watched them and enjoyed them...I now have to give a worksheet on them to prove that the kids were "enjoying" them, which takes the enjoyment straight out of it!
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