An Unlikely Pair

Buzz Aldrin was on Fox and Friends this morning to promote the release
of his new autobiography Magnificent Desolation. However, the
real story is that he has teamed up with Snoop Dog, Quincy Jones, and
Soulja Boy to record a hip-hop song called “Rocket Experience” about
his trip to the moon.

It looks like the science community is beginning to see the value of
art and music in inspiring interest in their passion. I’m not sure
whose idea this was, but it is obviously getting a lot of publicity
for Mr. Aldrin’s new book and no doubt will have teenagers wondering what
interest Snoop has in rocket science.

Is edutainment going mainstream? Check out the video at
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/0be5c681fc/buzz-aldrin-s-rocket-expe….

Today, I decided to start a new Google group dedicated to edutainment. I invited a lot of teachers, parents, and musicians so that I could get some thoughts about how to best use entertainment as a tool for teaching.

I posted this discussion starter a few moments ago under the subject: “What is your favorite childhood memory of edutainment?”

Personally, I remember the television shows that used art, music, and
movement to teach me the basics. Some of the most memorable are:
Sesame Street, The Electric Company, and Reading Rainbow. By the way,
check out this version of the Reading Rainbow theme:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApLTDoJea2Q.

Does anyone remember The Gigglesnort Hotel? That was one of my
favorites, because you got to watch the host draw pictures. There was
also a show where an artist drew pictures while telling stories. I
can’t remember much about it, but I know I enjoyed it.

If you would like to join the group, search in Google groups for “Edutainment,” or simply go directly to this link: http://groups.google.com/group/thebonuspointband

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this subject.

To quote the ever-effusive Sam Cooke, “…a change is gonna come.” Emotions ran high as I turned out the lights on the classroom where I had worked for the past eight years. As I have said to parents, teachers, and administrators at Highlands School time and time again, “I wish I could stay.”

As to the reason(s) why I chose to leave, I may leave those to the prognosticators. Suffice it to say that my situation has changed. I’m ready to work closer to home, to do my part as a “breadwinner,” and in short, to begin again.

One of the things I love most about teaching is the continual renewal; the start and end of every year. It is so satisfying to be able look at each year as its own separate package under life’s Christmas tree. The constant, ticking time clock of the school year makes that easily possible. So, I am anticipating another beautiful summer, but most of all another exciting fall. Who knows where I will be?

If you’re interested in keeping up with The Bonus Point Band or the life and times of Ash Kizer, keep checking The Bonus Point Blog for updates. Subscribe if you feel so moved. I’ll be posting new songs and videos, as well as other teaching tools in which you may be interested.