Creating a Good Sense of Character

One way to teach your child how to demonstrate good character is by allowing them the opportunity to do things for others or for their community.  This provides them with a sense of pride, responsibility and respect for themselves, as well as others.  Each month I will post a few ways that you and your child(ren) can have some fun and at the same develop those important skills.
SEPTEMBER SERVICE IDEAS:
If you love surprises, plant fall bulbs now. When spring comes, you will be treated to beautiful blooms. How about planting a few for a friend or neighbor?

Clean out your book shelves. Find old—but still good—books that you don’t need or want anymore. Give them to your school (for the aftercare library) or donate them a local library or church.
I hope you have lots of fun doing these together!

R*E*S*P*E*C*t

You should be hearing a lot more “Yes, ma’am” and “No, sir” around your house this month as we introduce our very first value of the year. With activities, discussions, songs, and games we will be reminding your child why it is so important to show others Respect—showing others they are important by what you say and do.

Welcome Back!

Welcome Back!  It was so nice to see smiling faces walking in this morning!  I have missed all the boys and girls this summer.  Looking forward to an exciting year and getting to work with everyone!

Careers! Careers! 4th and 5th

We have been busy learning about careers and how what we are learning at school is connected to what we will do when we grow up. Each student is busy completing a webquest and researching information about a career that has matched their interests. Below you can see the site that your child used to determine the career that they chose and if they want to work on research at home you can allow them to click on the sites listed. It has been really exciting to see how the students have enjoyed learning that their likes and dislikes will help them to choose a career that will interest them.

http://www.maricopa.edu/work/quiz/

http://www.career-lifeskills.com/pdf/jst-576530-occupations.pdf

CareerZone

http://www.bls.gov/k12/

http://www.bls.gov/search/ooh.asp?ct=OOH

Career Project 2/3rd grade: Jobs in Pawland

We have been busy learning about careers and how what we are learning at school is connected to what we will do when we grow up. Each student is busy completing a webquest and researching information about a career that has matched their interests. Below you can see the site that your child used to determine the career that they chose and if they want to work on research at home you can allow them to click on the sites listed. It has been really exciting to see how the students have enjoyed learning that their likes and dislikes will help them to choose a career that will interest them.
http://paws.bridges.com/cfnc1.htm
http://www.bls.gov/k12/
http://www.bls.gov/k12/azlist.htm
http://www.nycareerzone.org/cz/search.jsp?query=

Back at School

I can't believe that we have been back at school for three weeks, August is over, September has already begun! Time really flies run you are having fun. I have been in all the classrooms and we have been working very hard at learning how to be respectful. We have also discussed things that are not respectful, such as bullying. The students have done a remarkable job at demonstrating what we have learned and because of that we had our first Town Celebration today! Students were recognized for demonstrating respectfulness, we introduced our new character trait, knowledge and had some fun! I am really looking forward to more exciting events and teaching your children. If you need anything, please stop by or call. I know this year is going to be great! More to come soon!

Helpful tips for communicating with your child

Helpful Hints
 Let the child know that you are interested and involved and that you will help when needed.
 Listen carefully and politely. Don’t interrupt the child when he is trying to tell his story. Be as courteous to your child as you would be to your best friend.
 If you are very angry about a behavior or an incident, don’t attempt communications until you regain your cool, because you cannot be objective until then. It is better to stop, settle down, and talk to your child later.
 If you are very tired, you will have to make an extra effort to be an active listener. Genuine active listening is hard work and is very difficult when your mind and body are already tired.
 Don’t use put-down words or statements: dumb, stupid, lazy: "Stupid, that makes no sense at all" or "What do you know, you’re just a child."
 Embarrassing the child or putting him on the spot in front of others will lead only to resentment and hostility, not good communication.
 Assist the child in planning some specific steps to the solution.
 Show that you accept the child himself, regardless of what he has or has not done.
 Reinforce the child for keeping communication open. Do this by accepting him and praising his efforts to communicate.
Please visit Search Institute online at www.search-institute.org to explore the assets on your own