The supplies kids really need for school
Summer’s over and school’s here. Here’s a smart piece about the things that kids really need to be successful at school. It was written by best-selling author Madeline Levine, whose newest book is “Teach Your Children Well: Parenting for Authentic Success,” and Vicki Abeles, director of the education documentary “Race to Nowhere,” which looks at the pressurized environment in many schools and the consequences when students are over-scheduled and over-tested.
By Madeline Levine and Vicki Ab eles
It’s that time of year once more, when purveyors of school supplies begin their campaign to entice school-age children— or more precisely, their parents — to stock up on all manner of academic paraphernalia. Three popular 30-second spots from mega-retailer Target recently began filling the airwaves, harbingers of the back-to-school buying frenzy.
“Hey Parents!” the teacher in each spot calls out. “…Here’s what 
(istock)they’ll need!” The scenes burst into a tableau of fluorescent-clad kids banging on instruments and
(istock)they’ll need!” The scenes burst into a tableau of fluorescent-clad kids banging on instruments and