Can you believe we are in the last nine weeks of the 2011-2012 school year? Where did the year go?! I guess time flies when you're having fun!

And....fun is what we have been having in large group guidance!  From Random Acts of Kindness Week activities to listening games galore, students are learning that kindness and hard work reaps eternal rewards. We are focusing on behavior and its impact on others as we finish up guidance lessons for the school year. Several fun activities will engage your children and inspire them to be examples in both their behavior and attitudes.

Pre-Kindergartners through second graders are learning the importance of good manners. Pre-Kindergarten and kindergartners are practicing manners and learning to recognize the difference between good manners and bad manners, while first and second graders are delving a little deeper as they learn about using specific manners. From table manners to writing thank you notes, we are focusing on proper etiquette in a variety of situations. Students are even learning about manners by  studying others who do not use their nicest behavior. Funny stories such as Perfect Pigs, An Introduction to Manners, by Marc Brown and Tacky the Penguin, by Helen Lester help students do just that!! There are some great interactive websites and iPod Apps will entertain students as we study manners. One site, http://www.fekids.com/img/kln/flash/DontGrossOutTheWorld.swf, even teaches children more about table manners around the world! For fun, have your children check out http://disney.go.com/disneyjunior/can-you-teach-my-alligator-manners on the web for more activities regarding manners.

Third through fifth graders are focusing on responsible behavior. From looking at our school responsibilities to the personal responsibility we have for how we treat one another - responsibility is all about choices! Third and fourth graders are learning about sportsmanship - using kind words and thoughtful attitudes on and off the field. We are focusing on being positive examples for others. For more information on teaching your child sportsmanship, check out http://life.familyeducation.com/sports/parenting/36484.html. Fifth graders are learning to make responsible choices by considering the consequences. A responsible person tries to consider what might happen before making a choice. Students are learning the importance of thinking before acting - at school and with friends. For a fun way to learn more about this concept, have your child check out http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/games/index.html. It's a PBS site for adolescents with interactive games that teach the concept of considering choices and thinking before acting. Check out Rumor Patrol and You're In Charge - students LOVE these!

Random Acts of Kindness

Did you know that it's Random Acts of Kindness Week? Random Acts of Kindness Week is celebrated during the second full week in February each year. Its purpose is to raise awareness about kindness and to invite people to give and receive kindness daily.  
We have been talking a lot about kindness in the lower school - ways to show kindness, to speak kindness, and ideas of how to spread kindness. Students have been an active part of celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Week so read below to find out more about what we've done! 
Pre K and first grade students shared encouraging statements about their peers. With an activity using a ball of yarn, students were able to see how one act of kindness can spark another act of kindness, which can eventually grow into several acts to make the world a kinder place. Kindergarten students created a surprise video message for their fifth grade buddies who are involved in off-campus learning at Space Camp. To view the video (and bring an instant smile to your face), click on the following link: http://www.schooltube.com/video/c3d389acf009462b9e6e/Kindergarten%20Buddies%20Send%20Message%20to%205th%20Grade.    
Second and third grade students created drawings and made cards for patients at the Montgomery Cancer Center and the elderly at John Knox Manor. The cards contained Bible Verses, prayers, and a chocolate Hershey's "Hugs" or "Kiss" so patients know that Trinity students are sending a little something "sweet" their way. Below is a picture of a few third graders with their cards:

Fourth grade students wrote letters to fifth grade Space Campers with messages of encouragement for a safe and fun-filled trip. The fifth graders have been busy reminding elementary students about Random Acts of Kindness week through the daily Morning Message. To view the message, click on the following link: http://www.schooltube.com/channel/kasiparsons/. 
Hope this has brightened your day and sparked your creativity of how you and your children can show kindness to others. If you need a little inspiration, click on the following link from the Random Acts of Kindness website to browse ideas for showing kindness to others: http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/Kindness-Ideas/Browse/. Happy Random Acts of Kindness Week! 
    

Can you believe it's 2012?! We started off the New Year with excitement as we took a virtual "trip" to Spain last Friday, January 6. The culture study will provide students a unique opportunity to learn more about Spanish culture and the people of Spain.  However (as I reminded the students); even  boys and girls in Spain need to listen and study if they want to learn.  Sooooo...in large group guidance, that is just what we are doing.

Pre K through 5th graders are working hard to utilize various study skills in order to become better students. Students in Pre K, kindergarten, and first grade are using their eyes, ears, and brains to become better listeners and they're doing this in a variety of ways.  Using listening apps on the iPad, Pre K students and kindergartners are engaging in hands on learning activities to practice listening, thinking, and following directions.  

In first and second grade, students are learning to follow oral instructions.  With fun books such as The Worst Day of My Life Ever: My story about listening and following instructions (...or not!), by Julia Cook, and engaging activities and games like "Mrs. Satcher Says" students are improving their listening habits. 

In third and fourth grade students are working on their responsibilities as students to listen carefully, keep up with their work (without a parent reminder), organize their materials, and use their time wisely. Students have had fun working in groups comparing and contrasting their responsibilities, but they have also enjoyed using the smartboard to reinforce what we have discussed in class.  This third grader is using the smartboard to analyze information:

Fifth graders are continuing their study of learning styles and how it affects them as learners in and out of the classroom. The New Year is a good time for students to evaluate their current study habits and make positive changes to their routine.  They are in the process of doing that now as they take a close look at their homework environment and create "Homework Portraits". Hopefully, parents will see  positive (and proacive) changes in their children's study habits and routine!!

Classroom Guidance Lessons

We have been having lots of fun during large group guidance lessons (and don't want to keep it all to ourselves!) so I thought I would share what's been going on during my time with your children.  It's been a fast a furious fall and students in all grades (4K - 5) have taken more time to learn about their classmates and themselves.  Since school started, we have been focusing on friendships - how we treat one another, what God's word says about getting along, and setting an example with our behavior and words.  Students in all elementary grades had the opportunity to share special gifts and talents with their classmates through activities designed to promote self-respect.  Four year olds and kindergartners shared through song, first-graders and second-graders shared through writing activities, and third graders through fifth graders were partnered with another classmate to interview him/her and learn what makes him/her unique.  Games, such as "People Bingo", and books, such as Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes, provided fun and interesting ways for students to learn more about their classmates and themselves.

As we make our way through the second nine weeks, we are shifting focus a bit.  In most classrooms we are wrapping up the topic of friendship and beginning to focus on study skills.  Four year olds and kindergartners are working hard on becoming better listeners.  Books, such as Henry B. Wigglebottom Learns to Listen by Howard Binkow, and puppets help teach young ones to become better listeners.  In the next few weeks, first and second graders will begin working on listening and listening for directions (that are only given once!).  Third graders will soon begin to work on listening as well and they will have the opportunity to rate themselves as listeners and establish personal listening goals.  Fourth graders will be focusing on responsibility - using their time wisely and learning how to study.  Fifth graders are learning more about their personal learning style - what it means, why it is important, and how to study according to your learning style.  I hope the skills we are covering during large group class sessions will translate to success in the classroom - both academically and socially!

The Family is Critical for a Successful School Year

Things are buzzing at Trinity School as the new school is about to begin! I am so excited about seeing old faces, new faces, and young faces - students are what make my job fun! 


Before the year begins, I would like to share an excerpt from an article I was recently reading. The article is entitled "A New Generation of Evidence: The Family is Critical in Student Achievement" by Anne T. Henderson and Nancy Berla. In the article, the authors listed seven characteristics of families whose children find success in school. The characteristics are:

1. Establish a daily family routine: Provide time and a quiet place to study. Try to eat dinner together as a family. Embrace family traditions.
2. Monitor extracurricular activities: Set limits on your child's TV time, Internet use, etc... 
3. Model the value of learning: Communicate to your child through questioning and conversation.  Demonstrate that a sense of productivity and achievement comes through hard work. And... read...read...read!
4. Express high (and realistic) expectations for achievement: Set goals that are appropriate for your child's age and maturity. Recognize your child's God given gifts and talents.
5. Encourage your child's progress in school:  Encourage your child's effort, patience in solving problems, and question your child about his or her favorite part of the school day. 
6. Encourage reading, writing, and communication among family members: Read and listen to your child read. Talk about what he or she is reading in school. Discuss the day or tell stories over dinner.  Make the most of the time in the car (especially the carpool line!).
7. Use community resources: Enroll children in sports programs or lessons. Take your child to community landmarks. Go sightseeing in your community.

As parents, we know the importance of the role we play in our child's education. But it's also nice to know there is evidence supporting that belief. Thank you for partnering with us as we begin another year at Trinity.  I pray you and your child will have successful school year!

4 Strategies That Teach Motivation

Motivation is not only important for adults, but also for children. What your children learn now will impact them for the rest of their lives. Teaching children motivation; though, is a difficult concept. How do we, as parents, teach our children to be internally motivated?


All children have a different internal motivation level and all kids cannot be motivated in the same manner. There is no way for me to know what motivates the behavior of each and every child, but there are four basic strategies that can help parents teach the idea of motivation to all children:

1. Talk with them. Notice I did not say "talk TO them". When dealing with this subject, let your child do some of the talking. He/She may surprise you with what concepts or ideas he/she can come up with on his/her own. Many children do not understand the importance of goal setting and having a positive attitude. Help your child understand that choices have consequences (ask your child can come up with examples in his/her life) and that setting a goal and reaching it builds confidence and self-assurance.
2. Make it a game. The great thing about goals is that they can become game. Children love games and when you find out what motivates your child, turn goal-setting into a game. For example, if the goal is to excel in school set up a goal chart on the fridge. Make the goals attainable (don't reach for the impossible) and help your child make a chart for the next report card. When Monday folders come home, chart your child's progress on the fridge. Since grade goals are on the chart, your child child can see how he/she is doing compared to the stated goals. If your child is doing better than the stated goal, give sincere encouragement (keep reading!). If your child is performing below the stated goals, teach him/her about having a positive attitude and staying motivated.
3. Lead by example. Your child learns the most from you! If you would like for your child to be motivated about things, do the same. If you would like for your child to use goals, then use goals in your daily life. When children see you doing what you are teaching, the lessons will sink in. 
4. Give them feedback (BE AN ENCOURAGER). Children seek approval - especially from their parents. When your child does a good job or completes a task, make sure you tell him/her you noticed and are proud of the accomplishment.  Encouragement is very different than praise.  Praise goes to the "actor" while encouragement goes to the "act". For example, if your child makes a 95 on a test, you praise by him/her by saying something like "Oh, you are so smart - I'll bet you made the best grade in the class." Encouragement might sound a little more like "You must be so proud, you're extra studying paid off" or "I'll bet your teacher is proud of your hard work." Notice that praise is focused on the child "you're so smart", while encouragement is focused on the act "extra studying" and "hard work". The difference is subtle, but it's there. Communicate approval of your child's effort and attitude. Point out good choices your child makes, the thoughtfulness behind kind behavior, the patience used to put up with a meddlesome sibling - encourage the behavior (the act, not the actor).  

Online Resource for Parents

I recently stumbled upon a great parenting resource the other day while I was rereading Dr. Kevin Leman's book  Have a New Kid by Friday. (Don't tell the students, but I often have to read books two or three times to process and comprehend all of their information!). If you are not familiar with Dr. Leman, he is a well-known psychologist, award-winning author, radio and television personality, and speaker. He is a Christian who is raising five children with his wife of over 30 years and understands issues facing parents today. His books focus on improving family relationships - husband and wife, parents and children, blended families, siblings, etc... He combines practical wisdom with humor and is one of my favorite parenting experts.  


In his book Have a New Kid by Friday, Dr. Leman focuses on children's attitudes and their reasoning behind behavior. But...it's the index that is my favorite part of the book! In the index, Dr. Leman addresses parenting questions that he is asked most often. He provides helpful answers to issues such as allowance, curfews, discipline, picky-eating, sulking, and more. The index is organized by topic and is a treasure trove of parenting information. In it, he references a website www.iquestions.com - a website dedicated to providing answers to questions and values-based advice from experts in their respective fields. 


After browsing the site, I am now sending every parent I know to it! Click on the link and check it out. I particularly recommend the parenting link at the top of the page. It is full of real parenting questions and video answers from parenting experts like Dr. Kevin Leman, Dennis Rainey (the founder of FamilyLife ministries), Bob Lepine (the co-host of the radio broadcast FamilyLife Today), and Elisa Morgan (the CEO of MOPS - Mom's of Preschoolers - International). And...the best news is that you can ask your own parenting question to one of these experts and get their professional opinion for FREE! Next time you need some encouragement or parenting help, take a look at this great resource www.iquestions.com.  It is quick, easy, and full of information (and if you have a little extra time, read Dr. Kevin Leman's book Have a New Kid by Friday or you can just borrow my copy!).