Academy of Fine Arts OK: dance classes in Enid and Woodward

Friday, October 10, 2014

So When Is Big Not Better?

We sometimes have a problem in the states. It is the "Big Is Better" Syndrome. We choose to shop in large malls that provide a majority of Big Retail stores. We buy memberships to large shopping clubs to receive Big Discounts. We drive Big SUVs and have a Big Gas bill and insurance bill so that we have comfort and are considered well to do. We overlook the small fitness gyms in favor of the Big Ones, because that is where everyone goes.

We also look at Big Universities for our children, in hopes that it will bring about Big Accomplishments. We select Big Team Sports over individual ones, so that our child can sit the bench with the other 12 in case they do not get to play. We hold their birthday parties at the locations with the Biggest Party Room, just in case all 22 children invited might show up.

So when is BIG not really better?

We complain about our children's classrooms being over filled and the teacher has no time for each individual child. We complain about our daycare systems and how they do not hire enough top quality people to care for all the children on site.

We complain when the drive through at the local fast food place to get a meal for our children that is guaranteed to make them happy, is too long of a wait. And we complain that the drive is too far to the Bigger and Better school across town because we like their playground better.

We complain that our child does not get enough attention in a dance class because there are three lines, and ours is always on the back row. We complain that our child tool three years of gymnastics and cannot do a technically correct cartwheel yet. We complain that the band director at the public school has no time to work with our child and how unfair that is.

So when is Big Not Better?

We complain that our two hour trip to a movie theater to see a movie on a Bigger Screen with Bigger Sound was a bust because we did not like the movie. We complain that when we went to the Big Town for our anniversary, we had to wait for over an hour to be seated to eat.

So when is Big Not Better?

We complain that the special group we hold membership in, is no longer working for us and search out another Big Group or one that everyone wants to be a member of. We complain that life is not fair and we want someone else life, happiness, family, friends, business, church, etc., etc.

So when is Big Not Better?

Well, I believe that Big is Not Better when the situation makes you unhappy and you can only see and hear the complaints. Nothing about staying in those situations, or seeking out other similar groups, places, sports, activities and friends, will make a Big Difference.

I can say that I do believe that smaller, more intimate, supporting, loving, positive and uplifting choices can make a Big Difference in your life and of those you love.

So when is Big Not Better in a fine arts school, gym or sport?

*When your child takes more than two years of classes and has not developed a vocabulary for the movements, steps, and technique.
*When your child cannot tell you what they worked on in class or training that day.
*When your child has not been helped to explore the history and passion of and for what they participate in.
*When your child is afraid to miss a practice or class because they had been "throwing up" the night before.
*When your child wants to sit the bench with 12 others so they "can belong" and not be noticed for their efforts or do so to please a friend or parent.
*When your child is so overlooked by the teacher or coach because they (the coach/teacher) do not see the value of having to help your child to become better. It is not their job.
*When you, as their parent, have tears in your eyes and hold disappointment in your heart because your child is not being fully valued.
*When your tears and disappointment have turned to anger and rage at the teacher or coach's insensitivity to those that are not included fully in some way.
*When your budget and time will not allow you to get private coaching and lessons so you can then put them back into the Big Events at a better or higher participating level.
*When you just want to yank them from the program and teach your child to quit.

When Small May Be Better........

Our daughters took part in group school sports as well as non-school groups and individual situations. They did not attend the largest dance conventions, sports camps or played on the most dominant summer sports leagues. All three attended small private universities. They competed in small group and solo dance competitions. All three were involved in university level sports. They are all doing very well in life and are now raising their own families. One is a mental health expert, another a Chiropractor and the other a multi business manager.

When together and reminiscing about their time together, they talk only a tiny bit of time about their school sports and large group activities. Mostly they talk and laugh about the good times and friends at our school, dance conventions, dance recitals, solos dances that went well and some that did not. I love taking a back seat and watching all of this instead of joining in and trying to lead the conversation. They watch old dance recital videos. They ask if I know what ever happened to former friends and classmates.

I get teary eyed at times at watching this amazing thing that happens. I see how strong they are. How well rounded they are in life, without being too well rounded that they are a square peg that does not fit. I am happy that I said "no" a few times to groups they wanted to be a part of for all the wrong reasons. And I know that Big is Not Better because it never gives you the time and the space to find your real self and your own passions.

Saturday, February 15, 2014

You Are Invited To Learn More!

You are invited to an informational meeting!
No obligation, just attend to learn more!

FEBRUARY 25^th

Time 6:30 pm

Location Hampton Inn Woodward OK

OKLAHOMA CONNECTIONS ACADEMY

A VIRTUAL OKLAHOMA PUBLIC SCHOOL

and

ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS

How the two can blend to create a great educational opportunity for your child's success!

Listen, ask questions and find out about a different learning environment for your child. It is still public school but in a private setting!

Registration for Fall 2014 Starts Soon
so now is the time to learn more about this cutting edge method of school that can allow more family time or more time for your child to spend on their passions!

Although this is a meeting we have set up for our families at
Academy of Fine Arts, we encourage the public to attend as well.
Bring a friend or family member that has an interest!

What is Oklahoma Connections Academy?

Oklahoma Connections Academy is a public virtual school available to all Oklahoma students K-12.

It is a public school that can be done at home or on the go. All that is needed most of the time is a laptop, internet connection and the books they send to you to work from.

Is it home school?
Well it can be, but we think a bit better because the curriculum is set and you are guided by state certified teachers that are assigned to your child. A parent or grandparent takes online training to assist the child in their daily studies.

But don't dismiss it because you don't or can't be a stay at home parent to home school. Because we have a solution to that! You can outsource the Learning Coach position to us!

We encourage you to go to the website for Oklahoma Connections Academy and learn more! Then come to the meeting to ask the hard questions! And keep asking questions until you get the answers that you need to make a decision about the future of your childs education.

If virtual public school does not work for you, you can always go back to a brick and mortar public school!

www.connectionsacademy.com/OKCA

Why Do We Like Oklahoma Connections Academy?

First of all, children in the arts and athletics have been educated for generations through similar methods....then, it was called a tutor. Gymnastic gyms, dance schools, Broadway, Hollywood, and others have educated children while they worked on their passions. This is really nothing new.What is new is the delivery system! The internet and a laptop.

We feel that this is a cutting edge situation and will eventually be the future of how all children will or could be educated. Those starting now, are getting a head start. Technology has changed everything in the world. Adults have been taking online courses for years now to start or complete a degree. It may all seem new, but the technology has been there for years.

When looking over their courses and classes for different grades, we were amazed. There is so much more than what a brick and mortar public school can offer! Students and families will be able to tailor their child's education towards what the child enjoys and loves.

We like the fact that OKCE is progressive and encourages children to aspire to higher levels. Connections Academy also has a partnership with Julliard in the e-music program! How many schools offer that?

Children in virtual school will be tomorrows computer experts. Since it is the method of conducting and recording their progress, they have an opportunity to progress fast than those that get on a computer only a couple times a week at school or to play games on the weekends at home.

We also like that they have cubs and parent events to connect families in Oklahoma that are also in OKCA. This means that they also believe that a complete education is also about being with like minded people.

We think that any child that registers with OKCA will be challenged. This is not a sit back and let the computer do the work situation. We believe that sudents in a virtual school such as OKCA will be trained early to be a forward thinking adult.

This is just a few reasons why we like OKCA and why we have put together this meeting for you to learn more. Invite a friend to come with you. Bring a list of questions! We want you to come and then let us know if you see the future like we do.

See you at the meeting!