Attitudes of Gratitude

Whew!  The presents are wrapped...some already opened!!  Wish lists that were worked on (probably for months) have been granted...or maybe not completely.  My thirteen year old will be getting most things on her list.  But not an IPOD.  She'll have to borrow mine...which I don't even know how to use...or what real purpose it serves.  I'm showing my age, I suppose.  I have a friend whose little girls are asking for a puppy.  That's not going to happen.  Oh well.  Santa tries hard...but knows best.  Surely Christmas Day will hold moments of exhilaration...and some moments of disappointment.

Whatever the case, we need to encourage thankful attitudes in our children.  When the gift is underwear (and they're thinking, "How embarrassing!") or socks or other basic necessities instead of the newfangled gadget of the year, basic politeness should still be expressed.  We need to teach them that manners matter.

Plan ahead...give a little coaching...and train them to look the giver in the eye, smile, give a hug, and say, "Thank you."  You might need to give gentle reminders at the time of the actual gift opening.  And set the example yourself as you open your gifts.

Then, as you write your thank you notes, allow them to do their own!  Treat it like fun!!!
Make it very simple, a picture and just a few words...in their handwriting or yours (if they can't write yet) to say thanks.  Let them put on the stamps...always a hit!  Enjoy a special trip to the post office (and then out for a treat...hot chocolate or ice cream...to celebrate) or just a little walk to the mailbox, letting them put the envelopes in and pull up the red flag.  Aaaaah, simple pleasures...and showing your thanks.  It will mean a lot to the giver of the gift...and will teach your child the attitude of gratitude.

Let the Games Begin!

Games aren't just for fun.

Yes, they are fun...and there's just nothing like a good old family game night...everyone gathered around the table for laughs, relaxation, togetherness, and a little healthy competition!  In our fast-paced society, time is a precious commodity...and there's no time better spent than with your family.

So let the games begin!

The selection is vast.  Head to your local Target or Walmart and just check out all that is available.  There are games for all ages...from toddlers to grownups...for all interests...pretty princesses to space invaders.  Whether it's board games or card games or games involving passing pigs, there's something out there for everyone!

Don't you love playing games that you played as a kid?  Well, they are still out there!  Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, Hi Ho Cherry O, Battleship, UNO, Monopoly, and so much more!  Dust off those stored in the attic or pick up a brand new one and have some fun!

Playing games not only provides precious memories of family togetherness, but develops all types of skills that promote success in school and in social situations.  Learning to take turns and be a good sport are of fundamental importance.  Children (and adults) need to know that they can't always win, but they can still have fun.  Healthy competition in a loving environment builds confidence and attitudes of graciousness.  From basic math concepts...like counting...to critical thinking and strategizing, the brain is being stimulated and making connections that promote growth and development.  The building blocks are set in place for reading skills to be fostered.  The benefits are endless!

So, come on Mom and Dad, call the family together!  Get out those games and let the fun...and learning...begin!

Parent/Teacher Conference Time!!!

Wow.  So here's the deal.  You have 15-20 minutes to speak about or hear everything you need to know about your little one.  Perhaps you'd like to ponder a few pointers to maximize the use of those precious moments!!! 

• Be prepared.  Think of questions or concerns that need to be shared with the teacher.  Jot them down ahead of time.
• Be alone...or with your spouse.  Arrange for childcare...or have a game-plan that allows for focused one-on-one time with the teacher.  The student really should not be present during this time...or siblings. 
• Be on time.
• Be ready to "get down to business."  The time will fly!
• Be a good listener.  Generally the teacher has a report card or some type of written evaluation to share with you.  Hear her observations and thoughts.  
• Be open-minded.  It's okay for your child to need to improve in some areas.  That's what school is all about...learning, growing, developing, getting better!
• Be sure that your teacher is well-informed (prior to conference time) of any special testing done or services given to meet any area of need for your child.
• Be open to suggestions the teacher might make for future testing, services or help needed.  She is concerned for your child's best interests. 
• Be aware that she probably has another conference right after yours.  If you feel that you need more time, just ask for the opportunity to meet again on another occasion.
• Be appreciative.  As unnerving as this might be for you, imagine being in the teacher's shoes.  She works hard to provide a fabulous learning experience for your child.  She cares for them deeply.

Whew!  When it's over...breathe.  Relax.  Then begin thinking about how you will share the information with your child.  Be positive in your presentation.  Encourage your child to strive for his/her best in behavior, academics, and to enjoy the time with the teachers and peers!

And by the way, should your teacher mention the possibility of retention for your child, receive that information calmly, explore the possibilities, and please visit my blog for further thoughts on that subject.

Parent Night Pointers!

It's here...Back to School time...the season of Open Houses...Meet the Teacher events...and Parent Night!  What exciting...occasionally unnerving...sessions of information overload for both parents and teachers!!



Hence the offering of a few points to ponder as you meet those who will be partnering with you over the next year of your precious one's life....

• Be prompt for Parent Information events.  Usually the teacher has a planned agenda...lots of helpful info!
• After the meeting, read the information.  Return forms expeditiously. 
• Keep in mind that these meetings are typically meant for parents...and can stretch the limits of the behavior of little ones...which can distract you...and those around you.
• "Divide and conquer" if you have more than one child attending the school.  Be considerate of others if you must slip in and out of classrooms.
• Be appreciative, attentive...and patient.  The teacher has worked hard to prepare the classroom and orientation packet for you.
• Be prepared to write down notable information regarding your child.  It is great to speak face to face, but very helpful if you document the information for her to refer to later...as she gets to know your child.
• Be upfront and honest about any prior testing, therapies, and special needs of your child.  This information is very helpful to the teacher.  Again, please note in writing.
• Present, in writing...and verbally, all vital allergy information.
• Bring in a photograph of your whole family, inscribed with the names of parents and children.  This will help the teacher to associate parents with students, as well as to recognize siblings.  Again, be patient.  You have one or two teachers to get to know.  She has multiple students and families.
• Keep in mind that you may set a conference time for a later date to focus on your child...after the pace has slowed...and she can remember which child is yours.  :)
• Be positive...encouraging...and patient.
• Be excited!!  It's going to be a great year!!!  

  

School Supply Shopping...Sales vs. Skimping

It's that time! School is about to begin! No doubt, many of you like to beat the crowds and get school supply shopping marked off your "to do" list! Good for you!

From the heart of a teacher, here are a few pointers!

• Follow the Supply List. Teachers spend a good bit of time thinking through and specifying items needed in order to make it easier for you...and your child...and to be consistent with all of the students. Take the list with you when you shop...and pay close attention to it. Note sizes and types of items...not just to what looks fun or cool or "what's even better" than what's on the list.
• Stick with the Name Brands. We all love bargains, but often the cheaper item is not the best deal in the long run. For crayons, markers, watercolors, colored pencils and such, Crayola is tried and true. (And unless otherwise specified, stick with the basic colors. Again, note the sizes and types...of crayons (fat or regular), of markers (blunt or fine tip). When it comes to glue, Elmer's basic white school glue and gluesticks can be trusted to do their job well. In the scissor category, Fiskars are the best! Choose tips according to your child's age. Blunt tips are great for kindergarteners. With pencils it gets a little tricky. Go with a quality number 2 brand. The less expensive kind tend to have lead that breaks easily, poor quality wood, and erasers that don't work as well. Decorative pencils are cute, but often fall into the "not so great" category.
• Note teacher's instructions for labeling items. Check with your child's teacher on this one. Some items go into containers for whole classroom use. Others remain in the care of individual students. It helps to have this taken care of before you bring them in to the classroom.
• Follow school guidelines for bookbag purchases. Many schools specify whether bookbags on wheels are allowed.
• Miscellaneous class supplies are important. When buying Kleenex for the class, again, go with the name brand ones. Runny little noses need something soft for wiping them. With Wipes, note whether they are to be used for cleaning desks...or little hands...and buy accordingly.
• Class wish lists offer an occasion for visiting the Dollar Store and buying less expensive items. Here's your chance for creativity! Students love little trinkets from the "treasure chest"! Small plastic animals...frogs, lizards, snakes...come in fun packages and are a hit with the boys (and lots of girls)! Tiny stuffed animals, jewelry, hairclips, and figurines are sure to tickle the little girl's fancy.
• Watch store circulars for sales on the items on your list!! Often you can get the name brands even cheaper than the off brands during back to school sales.
• Try to avoid peak shopping hours.
• Go shopping when your child is well rested and well fed...to avoid the grumpies.

Well, happy shopping!!! Get ready for a great year of adventures in learning and fun!