Honk (OK, write) If You Read This Column In Context

George S. Morrison

How many times have you driven by enthusiastic children and adults holding signs that exhort "If you ....... Honk!

The causes for honking are many-religious beliefs, support for righteous causes, and political positions.

While driving to Austin last weekend, one interstate highway bridge had demonstrators with banners proclaiming "Honk if you support Gay Marriages. "

About a quarter of a mile down the highway on another bridge, a group was waving signs, "Honk if you oppose Gay Marriages."

Over the last several months I have honked for many things-"Honk if you support your teachers," "Honk if you voted" and "Honk if you support our troops."

So, what does honking have anything to do with Montessori?

I can't picture too many teachers standing on the street corner waving a sign "Honk for Maria Montessori!" However, from time to time I ask Denny Schapiro, the editor of this newspaper if he gets any comments on my In Context column. His answer ranges from "some" to "none."

So, this got me to thinking, "Is anyone reading this column? If you are, honk!

Well, you can honk all you want and I won't hear you, so the best way to let me know if you are reading this column is to e-mail me at morri...@unt.edu.

What I really want to learn is what topics you want me to write about. I have a lot of ideas for columns, but they might not be ones that interest you. Some topics I have in mind are:

• Implications of the federal government's push for highly qualified teachers on Montessori teachers and teacher training
• The unionization of teacher aides and paraprofessionals
• The growing ground swell for universal preschool
• Full inclusion of all children in all programs
• Readiness of all children for school-what does it mean?
• The future of developmentally appropriate practice
• What makes programs "high quality"
• The use of technology in early childhood programs

My list could go on and on and...But, I want to know what you want on "the list!" So, give me a "honk!"

P.S. I want to thank Gregg W. Downey, Publisher of eSchool News for giving me the idea for writing this column after reading his column "Honk if you're reading this column" in the August 2005 issue.

George S. Morrison is the author of Early Childhood Education Today and is the Velma E. Schmidt Professor of Early Childhood Education at the University of North Texas.