Chrystelle

Keep us posted!
vivian

A very important point Erin. I think your comment speaks to the notion of what is bought and sold through commercial advertising and so forth. Specifically that when we purchase something we are purchasing something more than the object itself. What we are consuming are particular lifestyles.

I look forward to hearing more from you.
vivian

Thanks for the suggestion Charles. I will definitely work on such an episode

vivian

I am very excited about the podcast’s recognition and then to hear your book has received more recognition. Not surprised about either!!

I also have to say I am really enjoying “getting to know” the people who follow your podcast and hearing/ reading their comments about the topics that come up. I take away ideas to try with my class and also view points that I need to think more deeply about.

Thanks for bringing us all together!!

Carol

I enjoyed this podcast. It raises interesting questions: why are dinky plastic toys/collectibles so irrestible for kids (and I would argue for adults too, just with different collectibles) ? I remember begging my mom for the most trendy toy, be it a cabbage patch doll or my little pony, and showing it off to others was of the utmost importance. I think its more than clever marketing on the part of individual companies. It’s the underlying value system that we have to examine. How do we judge “success” , “hapiness” or “self-image”? A lot of the time, we gauge these things by what we own, what we wear, etc. I remember what an Australian friend said once, he had already spent several years in the US and he said,” here I feel like a consumer, not a citizen.” Now I’ve never been to Australia so i don’t know what it’s like or how it compares on the level of consumerism. But I definately understood what he meant. Every second of the day, I feel like I’m being told to buy something. I’m told I’m crazy if I don’t buy this or that, or that I wont be “cool” or fashionable. So, it’s no wonder children model those patterns, as they are also being advertised to, and judged by their peers. Parents and teachers have an uphill battle competing with the surrounding environment, that’s why bringing these value topics out in the open for exploration and discussion is essential. Children have to be literate in regards to consumerism and advertising.

Erin

Nice follow up show. I thought it wrapped up that idea nicely, though after reading these comments it sounds like you could do another show on Mikey D’s.

Andrea, when I ask my kids what they want to eat their responses are McDonald’s, or Subway, and all I wanted to know was whether or not they wanted peas or potatoes. Diane or I cook most evenings so I’m not sure why the kids always respond with a fast-food joint when asked that question. I guess it’s pop culture conditioning.

Vivian, could you mention simple ways parents could encourage literature, especially a love for books, and pre-reading techniques on a future show? Diane has her own ideas but it would be interesting it hear suggestions from teachers and parents in other geographically locations. The parents of her students ask her for suggestions all the time.

-Charles

vivian

Thank you so much for taking the time to create the transcript!!!

Much appreciated as usual.

vivian

vivian

That’s three weeks in a row CLIP has made me feel virtuous that our girls only whine “Can we go to the pub???”. Seriously.

Thanks!
Andrea

I enjoyed this podcast. It raises interesting questions: why are dinky plastic toys/collectibles so irrestible for kids (and I would argue for adults too, just with different collectibles) ? I remember begging my mom for the most trendy toy, be it a cabbage patch doll or my little pony, and showing it off to others was of the utmost importance. I think its more than clever marketing on the part of individual companies. It’s the underlying value system that we have to examine. How do we judge “success” , “hapiness” or “self-image”? A lot of the time, we gauge these things by what we own, what we wear, etc. I remember what an Australian friend said once, he had already spent several years in the US and he said,” here I feel like a consumer, not a citizen.” Now I’ve never been to Australia so i don’t know what it’s like or how it compares on the level of consumerism. But I definately understood what he meant. Every second of the day, I feel like I’m being told to buy something. I’m told I’m crazy if I don’t buy this or that, or that I wont be “cool” or fashionable. So, it’s no wonder children model those patterns, as they are also being advertised to, and judged by their peers. Parents and teachers have an uphill battle competing with the surrounding environment, that’s why bringing these value topics out in the open for exploration and discussion is essential. Children have to be literate in regards to consumerism and advertising.

Erin