Articles written by Jessi Michaels

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About me - Jessi Michaels

I have two main vocations in life, writing and education. This combination works well together and has created opportunitiesi to incorporate my writing into the field of education. I have developed and written curriculum, reflecting the updated standards,

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Relationships & Family > Crisis Support (Other) Where can you turn when life turns upside down: 3 of 54
Where can you turn when life turns on you? Four years ago, I found myself struggling with this very question. The importance of a support network can not be stressed enough. Growing up in a close knit family, I had assumed that they would be my strongest supports. The problem was that at the heart of my issues were events and... More..
Food & Drink > Candy & Desserts Which is better, plain M&Ms or peanut?: 3 of 44
Let's set the record straight right from the beginning. If you are over the age of birthday parties that are adorned with pointy hats held on with elastic bands, cartoon balloons and pin the tail on the donkey, then the time has come to remove the plain M&Ms from the top of the "Which is the best M&M list?" The only o... More..
Education > Early Childhood Ed How to help preschoolers develop social skills: 2 of 25
One of the best ways to build social skills in your pre-schooler is to provide access to real-life, age-appropriate environments. A good preschool itself should create opportunities for the young child to experience many of these situations. Anyone who has ever observed a preschool classroom notices immediately that most chil... More..
Education > Reading & Writing Skills Which is a better way to teach children to read: Whole language or phonics?: 2 of 24
I chose to write for whole language as a wonderful way to teach reading. I have to say from the start that this debate, which has been going on for quite some time now, really is unnecessary. Whole language is a philosophy about approaching and reinforcing literacy. It is wonderful because it involves the use of high-interest... More..
Education > Educational Philosophy Is engaging parents in their children's education a major factor in turning around low-performing schools?: 2 of 23
It is a sad commentary that this debate needs to be a debate at all. One would hope that parents would have an active interest in their children's education without having to be nudged. The ugly truth however, is that we do have to have this debate because there are too many children who are without support in their education... More..
Pets & Animals > Animal Rights & Issues Pets are not disposable: 2 of 23
Suzy was a sweet and loving basset hound. When my cousins would come by to visit, Suzy came too. Her long saggy eyes and her "be careful not to trip on them" ears, just added to her charm. One day my Mom told me that Suzy wasn't going to come to the house anymore. I felt a chill run through my body as I asked her "why?" The a... More..
Health & Fitness > Contraception A guide to birth control options: 1 of 9
Having a child is an incredible responsibility. When to have a child, can be controlled. This is the purpose of birth control. On a very basic level, birth control can best be defined as a method to prevent a woman or girl from conceiving a child. There are many options available when choosing a birth control method and it is... More..
Creative Writing > Essays Essays: Childhood memories: 11 of 80
So many times in our adult lives, we question why things happen or why they do not. If you are a philosopher the question can be answered based on determinism or another philosophical branch.If you are an atheist, you can find reason in the non-existence of a superior entity or as an agnostic a sense of inability to prove th... More..
Celebrations & Holidays > Birthdays How to honor but not indulge your child on his/her birthday: 5 of 34
When I look back on all of my birthdays now past, I have so many wonderful memories. Amongst those memories are certain material gifts, but if you were to ask me to name them, I think I could come up with about 7, and I am now 50 years old. What I remember most, was how special I felt when my Mom, each and every year, would t... More..
Education > Reading & Writing Skills Creating opportunities for children to explore creative writing: 2 of 13
One of the best ways to provide opportunities for children to explore creative writing is to first make sure they are exposed to great books. Listening to and reading wonderful literature ignites imagination in children. Once that imagination gets going, you have set the foundation for great writing. Children should be read t... More..