Jennifer Wolfe
Jennifer is a middle school teacher and mom to two teens who loves blogging, books, politics, sports and travel.
When not teaching or mothering, Jennifer enjoys writing, blogging, volunteering, traveling, skiing and reading. A native Californian, she enjoys the beach as well as the mountains for relaxation.
Jennifer earned a degree in English Literature from the University of California, Berkeley, and a teaching credential from CSU Sacramento. She is currently working on a grant from the Department of Education studying global education and will be traveling to Indonesia in July 2012.
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When not teaching or mothering, Jennifer enjoys writing, blogging, volunteering, traveling, skiing and reading. A native Californian, she enjoys the beach as well as the mountains for relaxation.
Jennifer earned a degree in English Literature from the University of California, Berkeley, and a teaching credential from CSU Sacramento. She is currently working on a grant from the Department of Education studying global education and will be traveling to Indonesia in July 2012.
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- 1/12/2012
Education/Experience
Jennifer earned a degree in English Literature from the University of California, Berkeley, and a teaching credential from CSU Sacramento and is currently working on a grant from the Department of Ed.Interests
parenting, teaching, writing, blogging, traveling, volunteering, education, reading, cookingMotto
mom, teacher, and citizen of the world
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Displaying Results 1 - 92 (of 92) for Yahoo! Voices
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First Person: A Cautious California Parent Avoids Chemicals in Everyday Products for Her FamilyCalifornia's healthy lifestyle encourages careful eating habits. As a mom to two teens, I've always exerted caution and awareness over chemicals that are present in products we use and consume.
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Alpine Meadows is Lake Tahoe's Best Family Ski ResortNothing beats a family activity that involves the outdoors, exercise, and enough variety for all members of the group. Whether you have skiers or snowboarders, beginners or experts, Alpine Meadow has something for everyone. -
What I Want Obama to Say in His Inaugural Address-Work for Our ChildrenAs a mom and an educator, I spend my days working with children. In his inaugural address, I want President Obama to pledge to do the same: to work to create a better America for our children, full of opportunity, hope, and safety. -
One Teacher's Ideas for Education Reform in 2013President Obama has the opportunity to make real progress towards education reform in the next four years. Here are three teacher-generated ideas to get real reform started. -
Guns Absolutely Do Not Belong in SchoolsIn response to the Newtown, Connecticut shooting, America is in the midst of gun control debates. However, the NRA's quick solution of arming teachers and school officials is not the answer.
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Why Parents Need to Teach Kids About FailureToday's parents are experts at creating opportunities for children to experience success. Perhaps we need to focus on creating success out of failure in order to raise more empathetic, successful citizens.
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A Teacher's Reaction to the Connecticut School ShootingSadly, today's teachers understand the reality of classroom shootings all too well. Today's Newton, Connecticut school shooting reminded me of how important a teacher's job really is. -
Our 2013 Health Resolution: Medical Tests and Clinical TrialsMany people resolve to improve their health by losing weight or changing their diets -- all things in their direct control. In our family, health resolutions involve cooperation from doctors and insurance companies. -
Pregnancy Complications: Just Like Kate, Mine Didn't Go by the BookNausea, varicose veins and weird cravings weren't the worst pregnancy complications -- labor and delivery nearly did me in. -
Kids and SantaSome kids cry and scream at the sight of Santa. My two-year-old was much more serious as he tried to figure out who the big bearded guy was in his living room. -
Creating and Continuing Thanksgiving MemoriesFor my kids, Thanksgiving ranks as one of their favorite holidays, mainly because we follow four simple traditions. -
Are American Students Getting Through School Too Easily?A compelling NPR story on learning in Eastern and Western cultures provided a jumping off point for comparing American, Indonesian, and Japanese classrooms. -
Beware of RomneyLawn signs aren't prolific in non-swing states like California, but this one certainly caught my eye. -
New Teachers Benefit from MentorsA mentor teacher program provides valuable assistance for the beginning teacher, as well as allowing veteran teachers to contribute their expertise to the newer generation of educators. -
Obama Delivers a Knockout Punch in Presidential Debate #2Obama's final blows check Romney's inaccurate statements and prove to be the winning punch. -
Fall Color in Washington, DC and Davis, CAMy search for fall color took me across the United States, but I found it! -
Biden Beats Ryan in VP DebateBiden's emphasis on facts and 'leveling the playing field for the middle class' show that he comes out a clear winner. -
It's Time to Change the Way We Educate Our ChildrenToday's teachers need to prepare our students for a rapidly changing world, requiring us to rethink how and what we teach. -
It's All About the Man: James Bond Celebrates 50 Years of FilmThe real magic of James Bond are the actors who showcase the true gentleman he is.
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Presidential Debate Showcases Obama's Education PlanWhen Obama and Romney debate domestic issues, Obama's education plan rings true.
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Teachers Are Not the VillainsThe upcoming movie, "Won't Back Down", starring Maggie Gyllenhaal and Viola Davis, is a veiled portrayal of California's parent trigger laws, designed to empower parents to improve schools by removing staff and revising curriculum.
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Who is the Best Candidate to Get My Kids Through College in Four Years?As a mom to two teens, I'm interested in the best candidate on education issues - will Obama or Romney offer the best hope for an expedient college education with good job prospects upon graduation?
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Teaching Teens About PoliticsRight now is a perfect time to teach your teen how to become involved in politics. Following these four simple steps will help develop your teen into a educated voter.
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Consumer Confidence is on the Rise, Nationally and in My FamilyA survey shows that Americans are feeling more confident about the economy - despite lackluster hiring and retail sales.
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Obama vs. Romney on '60 Minutes'President Obama and Mitt Romney's appearance on '60 Minutes' allowed each man to share their vision of leadership and their big message for America. For me, a California teacher and mom, it comes down to healthcare.
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Are You Ready for the IPhone 5? I Am!As a dedicated iPhone user, the unveiling of the new iPhone 5 brings great joy to my house. Not only will I get the latest technology, but my teen will benefit from my iPhone hand-me-down!
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A Teacher/Mom Reacts to Barack Obama's DNC Acceptance SpeechAs Barack Obama accepts the nomination for re-election to the President of the United States, teachers and parents have a lot to listen for. His speech delivered everything I was hoping to hear and more.
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Looking for a Smooth Start Back to School?As parents and kids celebrate the end of summer, it is time to start thinking about how to start the year off right.
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We're All in This Together: Bill Clinton Addresses the DNCPresident Bill Clinton masterfully weaves policy with straight talk as he presents Barack Obama for nomination for President of the United States.
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Signed, Sealed, and Delivered: Michelle Obama is OursMichelle Obama lights up the crowd with her speech at the Democratic National Convention's opening night.
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Mitt Romney Accepts GOP Nomination for PresidentMitt Romney's acceptance speech energized the crowd and showed a bit of his human side, and only a bit of his plans for America.
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Paul Ryan Didn't ImpressPaul Ryan's GOP Convention speech drew great rounds of cheers and smiles, but left me drawing a blank.
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Chris Christie Could Have Done BetterChris Christie's self-advocating speech didn't do himself, or Mitt Romney, any favors.
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GOP Should Tell Me About Women's RightsThis Davis, CA woman wants the GOP to explain their position on women's rights.Also published on:
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Photographs for President ObamaVoters in liberal Davis, CA support peace, President Obama and preserving our environment as seen on this Prius bumper sticker.
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Organization Helps Manage School and Activity SchedulesIf your kids are driving you crazy with school and activities, a few simple tips may make the difference between surviving or thriving during the next school year.
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Favorite Image of the 2012 Olympic Games: Chen GuanmingIt's not an athlete who sticks with me as my favorite Olympian. Instead, I admire a 57-year-old Chinese man who is a gold medalist in my eyes.
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School District Budget Cuts Mean Teachers Do Less with MoreTeachers around the country are faced with shrinking school district budgets due to cuts in educational funding. In California, even veteran teachers are effected by budget cuts.
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Limited Screen Time Equals Healthy Minds and Bodies for My TeensLimiting screen time for young children develops good habits as well as helps kids stay physically fit and active.
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Preparing for Middle School: Back to School BasicsTurn the first week of middle school from scary to super by preparing ahead of time! Get ready for back to school by following a few simple tips this summer.
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Is Facebook a Part of Puberty?For many teens, Facebook is a rite of passage. For many parents, it is a terrifying jump into adulthood - but does it really need to be that way?
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Come On, Texas - Don't Be Afraid to Teach Your Kids to ThinkToday's American students must be prepared to compete in the 21st century marketplace. Critical thinking is a crucial skill - and Texas' Republicans are saying otherwise.
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It's Time Kids Learn a Lesson from the School Bus Monitor Bullying VideoTeens today are looking for role models everywhere. Are we teaching them basic skills of humanity, or are we showing them the worst kinds of behavior imaginable?
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How a July 4th Fire Exploded with KindnessMany 4th of July memories involve fireworks, but for me, fireworks are not so happy. The lesson I learned from 4th of July made a much stronger impact than anything ever had before.
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Sixteen Years of Parenting: Still Trying to Pass the TestParenting a sixteen-year-old is a humbling experience, causing a reliance on all the stories we heard from our own parents and grandparents. Just as we pass one milestone, another is ready to present itself.
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Teenage Texting: Parents Need to Learn to CommunicateFor parents, finding a way to clearly communicate with their teens is like winning the lottery. But is texting really the best route to clear communication?
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Teaching Perseverance to Our ChildrenDuring times of stress, parents need to have a game plan. Teaching kids how to persevere is a life lesson well worth learning.
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Defining a Teacher of the YearAs the school year ends, many teachers are working hard to squeeze in the last bit of knowledge the can. What makes a stand-out teacher? Sometimes it's the ones that go unnoticed that deserve the award.
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Working My Fitness Routine into My Everyday LifeSome people follow their fitness routines like a religion. I, on the other hand, prefer to mix it up and find activities that fit into my everyday routines.
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My Family Budget: It May Not Be like the OthersSome families live day-to-day on a budget that involves record keeping, calculations and caution. My family lives on a different kind of budget, but we save money just the same.
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Weeding: Clearning Away All Kinds of Unwanted ThingsDo you ever feel like you need to get life under control? How do you find order in a crazy world?
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My Thing: The Best Vehicle I Ever OwnedFor some people, the best vehicle they ever owned may have been shiny and sleek, or one that had awesome gas mileage or the one they had worked hard to purchase. My best vehicle was a little different.
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Bullies: Is Your Kid One?Today's parents know that bullies exist-they've been a part of our culture for decades. But do parents know if their child is a bully or a victim?
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Technolgy and Parenting: Growing TogetherTechnology offers a myriad of uses to parents of toddlers, tweens and teens. From cell phones, smart phones and blogs, technology offers an opportunity for families to learn and grow together.
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If Romney is Elected President, My Kids May Not Go to CollegeWith the upcoming presidential election, education issues are sure to be a hot topic. What will happen to our education system if Mitt Romney is elected?
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Is Junior Seau’s Suicide Another Example of the Dangers of Football?Another death of a former NFL player heightens the attention to brain trauma in youth and professional sports. Does this make you less inclined to have your child play youth football?
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Fast Food: A Quick Trip to Bad Eating Habits for KidsMany parents have fed their children at a fast-food restaurant. But before stopping at your next drive-thru, consider why this may not be the best idea.
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Should Schools Allow Advertising as a Revenue Source?School districts desperate for funding are turning to advertising to fill in the gaps, leaving parents with a difficult choice: expose their children to ads, or eliminate educational programs.
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Teaching Without Teachers: Are Computerized Classrooms the New Instructional Model?A new education model is gaining popularity in the US, replacing human teachers with computers. This raises some questions about success, quality, and the future for teachers.
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Does Completing an Assignment Earn Students an "A"?How do students perceive teacher's grading of them and their work? Does today's youth feel entitled to earn an A grade? Where does hard work fit in?
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Do Teacher Pink Slips Pose a New Opportunity?Public school employees are facing a hard spring in California. Will pink slips and bump notices provide an opportunity for change?
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Parents as Storytellers: How to Give Kids Your Full AttentionStories provide a comforting companionship for parents and children, and provide kids with the undivided attention they crave.
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California Teacher Layoff System Needs to ChangeThe state controlled California teacher layoff system needs to be revamped to allow teachers and students to end the school year without worrying about the future of their jobs and schools.
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California Youth Baseball Leagues in Davis, Dixon, and WoodlandLooking for a baseball league for your child? if you live in northern California, there are many to choose from!
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Working to Save My Husband's LifeThe Affordable Care Act is the right step towards providing more equitable health care access for Americans. For my family, it could save a life.Also published on:
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Interdisciplinary Teaching: Why And How to Do ItThere are many exciting new teaching methods designed to engage 21st century students. Interdisciplinary, or cross-content teaching, allows teachers to collaborate and plan lessons that combine content from different areas.
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Baseball and Softball Batting Cages in Northern CaliforniaLooking for gear up for a winning baseball season? Davis, Woodland and Sacramento, California are full of indoor and outdoor batting cages just waiting for your player!
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Best Local Breweries in Northern CaliforniaNorthern California is home to some great microbreweries. Check them out for a tasty pint and great food to go with it!
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Barefoot in NicaraguaWhen children from two cultures meet, magic can happen. Despite glaring differences in lifestyle, the bond of childhood bridges all.
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Teachers Can't Get SickAs a teacher, taking a sick day is often more work than it's worth. Sometimes, however, we just have to give in.
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Irish Poet Eavan Boland May Be Just What Women Are Looking ForIf you've ever felt confused and bewildered by poetry, reading Irish poet Eavan Boland's poems will capture your heart and connect you with universal themes.
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Grandma's Simple Easter Breakfast RecipesSometimes simple food is the best. Check out these fast, easy and healthy breakfast treats sure to please your teen, tween and everyone else on Easter morning.
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Global Education: It’s Necessary for America's StudentsToday's educators are learning and sharing the importance of preparing our students to be global citizens. Teachers for Global Classrooms enables American teachers to study global education in the U.S. and abroad.
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Prom Night at Our HouseProm night is a highlight for many teens, and a milestone for many parents. If you get lucky, you can be a part of your child's special night without having to dance in a gymnasium!
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Love Your Children Every DayThe death of a child is unthinkable to parents. The agony and sadness of a mother's grief teaches others to cherish each moment we have with our children.
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My Car is My Quiet PlaceSometimes moms just need a quiet place to gather themselves together. For me, those moments of tranquility most often are found in my car!
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Community Service in the Classroom: Start with CharityTeenagers can be amazing contributors to our communities; all it takes is some great planning and well chosen opportunities, and they can learn the value of service.
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Watch Your Language: The Power of WordsTexting, email, and social media have all changed the way many people use language. Careless word choices may really hurt you!
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Saint Patrick's Day in Northern California: Celebrate Irish Pub Style!Looking for an authentic Irish pub to throw back a pint of Guinness and nosh on some bar food? Northern California has several spots that won't disappoint!
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The Universe is Taking Care of MeTrying to control our lives is tempting, but problematic. Trying to trust that things happen for a reason sometimes is the best strategy.
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Parenting Battles: Where's That Handbook When You Need It?No one said parenting was going to be easy...and dealing with disappointment and defeat in sports can challenge parents to do the right thing.
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Balancing Act: Between Childhood and His FutureEvery parent mourns the loss of innocence as their child balances between childhood and adulthood. Keeping one foot grounded in the past eases the jump towards the future.
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She was a Good Thing: My Love Affair with a V.WSometimes it's hard to get over your first car....especially when it was some-Thing.
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Valentine’s Day – Not like All the OthersValentine's Day has been full of memories - some funny, some tender, some unremarkable. One about a Victorian apartment, a Berkeley flower stand, and a boyfriend trying to do the right thing reminds me that it sometimes really is the thought that counts.
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Comparing College Costs: U.C. Berkeley, Stanford, and American River CollegeIn today's economic times, college costs are on the minds of many parents and students. The difference between costs for tuition and housing at state, private and community colleges can be significant.
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Teenage Driving Lesson: The Early YearsParenting milestones aren't over after the first tooth, first steps, and first day of school. Teenage driving lessons take parenting to a new dimension.
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Quality Vs. Quantity: It’s Not Just About the Minutes for Chicago Public SchoolsIt's a hot issue in the windy city - how to improve test scores. A proposal taking shape for next year to extend the school day is creating a storm of questions from students, parents and educators.
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Valentine's Day Bed and Breakfasts in Northern CaliforniaLooking for a romantic bed and breakfast to spend time with your Valentine? These three locations are sure to make your dreams come true.
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Middle School Madness: How Parents Can HelpAre you suffering through middle school along with your child? These eight tips can help make middle or high school a much more pleasant and productive experience.
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Banning Barbie: A Look at Iran’s Attack on the American BeautyLike her or not, Barbie is a part of American culture. But in Iran, Barbie is banned. Why is this beauty being busted?Also published on:
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Under Where? Slovenian Skier Heats Up ControversyLong underwear has never been this hot! Skier Tina Maze finds out that what you wear 'under there' makes a huge impact.
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Gay History Enters California ClassroomsCalifornia passed a new law this month to include the teaching of gay history in public schools. What will this mean for our curriculum?