Category Archives: Social life

David Foster Wallace Classic Commencement Address

David Foster Wallace Commencement Speech

In 2005, writer David Foster Wallace stood before the graduates of Kenyon College and delivered a memorable and impactful commencement address.

The speech, later turned into a book titled This Is Water, has become a classic to many, up there with Steve Jobs’ 2005 Stanford address. Videogram company The Glossary has revived Wallace’s words with a video visualizing the concepts described by the writer, who died in 2008.

The Glossary describes the speech as “the most simple and elegant explanation of the real value of education.”

What do I need to know about middle-school

From a Google search: What do I need to know about middle school

These kind of stood out on the first page … and … there were 528,000,000 results!

http://www.education.com/grade/middle-school/

Seems to be a right comprehensive site covering:

  • Adolescent brain development
  • How to talk to
  • What to expect for writing and math
  • Social life
  • Gender differences
  • Supplies list
  • Activities and worksheets

 http://fvms.peachschools.org/content/what-parents-need-know-about-middle-school-kids

Nice summary for parents discussing:

  • They crave structure, but push against it.
  • They need to feel a sense of independence and safety at the same time.
  • They don’t think before they act.
  • Parental discipline
    • Be consistent with what you say and do.
    • You are not their friend and they don’t need you to be their friend.
    • They can rationalize things, but they are not necessarily rational.
    • Always get to know your kids friends.
  • Be in touch with your child’s teachers throughout the school year
  • Make your child bring their work home for you to see it every night.
  • Check the school website to know what’s going on.

(This website is worth a visit just to see how nicely set up and informative one can be.)

http://www.wikihow.com/Know-What-to-Expect-in-Middle-School

Written by middle-schoolers for middle-schoolers – a bunch of observations and tips. Could be supportive reading for your middle-schooler,

http://www.ask.com/answers/12429171/what-are-the-top-5-things-you-need-to-know-about-middle-school

A bunch of comment posted by middle-schoolers. The variety of viewpoints is interesting and insightful.