Senior Dad

During the 1980’s Todd Risley and Betty Hart conducted breakthrough research on how the number and type of words a child hears from birth to age three effects IQ and determines the child's vocabulary potential for life. I interviewed Todd in December 2006, he passed away in December 2008, and was impressed with the amount of time that was needed to tabulate the results. Now that we are in the computer age techniques are being developed to automate the process and use the results for autism detection as well as vocabulary development. The Lena Research Foundation has invested over $50 million dollars to date for this research. Last year I interviewed one of the team Steven Warren from the University of Kansas, who shared some of the implications of the research. Later in the year I spoke with Kim Ollier from the University of Memphis another key advisor to the Lena team about the results of this new research based the original Risley/Hart research. In this show we hear all three interviews that can form the basis of our understanding of the education gap and the language and IQ we carry through life.

[http://srdad.com/SrDad/open/Media/Mariel%20and%20Stan%20winter_12.jpg] [http://srdad.com/SrDad/open/srdad017.html]This week we hear a "First Person" account from Katie Russell, a mother of a first grader whose family life is at risk because of homework. Our Homework "Guru" Sara Bennett gives Katie some advice. Stan has a conversation with Amy Lanou the author of "Healthy Eating for Life, for Children". What should your child eat at lunch? Plus other reveling subjects. Look at our Lunch Box page for useful downloads. We have a candid conversation with Middle School expert Gayle Andrews about paying for our schools, also what works best when teaching and some new approaches to teaching. Stan tells us about a stomp rocket tale. Stan asks for the Hijacked Family Time to be freed.

[http://srdad.com/SrDad/open/Media/Mariel%20and%20Stan%20winter_11.jpg] [http://srdad.com/SrDad/open/srdad018.html]Dana Woldow a San Francisco volunteer is co-chair of SFUSD student nutrition and physical activity committee and feels that Catering trucks should be treated like Medical Marijuana Clubs, and kept 1000 feet from schools. Hear her in our nutrition segment. Sharp rise in girls pressured to have sex, Zephira Derblich-Milea tells us what's behind the numbers. Download the 2006 study from Liz Claiborne and listen along. Ellie Goldberg updates us on Asthma in the schools and we have 3 downloads about Asthma on our Healthy Schools page. Stan tells us about a power outage.

[http://srdad.com/SrDad/open/Media/Mariel%20and%20Stan%20winter_10.jpg] [http://srdad.com/SrDad/open/srdad019.html]" The quality of education a child with a disability receives is directly related to the advocacy skills of the parent". Say's Pat Howey a parent whose child's illness turned her into an advocate for children with extra needs. Pat tells us how. Mary McFarland, Oakland California Psychotherapist helps us to understand some of the mental stress facing young people today, from the young student to the teenager. Amy Lanou our Nutrition specialist shares what is best to feed a child for lunch. Stan tells us of boundaries assigned.

[http://srdad.com/SrDad/open/Media/Mariel%20and%20Stan%20winter_9.jpg] [http://srdad.com/SrDad/open/srdad020.html]Mary McFarland, Oakland California Psychotherapist discusses the need for 'Parent Brainstorming" sessions at public schools and how this will help develop "community linkage". She also talks about students and alcohol and drug abuse, eating disorders and diabetes. " The quality of education a child with a disability receives is directly related to the advocacy skills of the parent". Says Pat Howey a parent whose child's illness turned her into an advocate for children with extra needs. Pat tells us how to be an advocate in part 2 of 3. The San Francisco Unified School District is improving because of increased parent involvement. Dana Woldow (a 20-40 hour @ week volunteer) committee co-chair of the student nutrition and physical activity committee wanted to feed more disadvantaged kids breakfast. Hear how far they have gotten and the adjustments they made along the way. Stan tells us of friends lost.