Thanksgiving Helpers

I have had so many students tell me how they are helping with dinner preparation this Thanksgiving. When they tell me their faces are beaming. They feel so proud to contribute to the family. Productivity builds self esteem. When children help with this or other chores to help the family they learn they are capable people.

Trick or Treat

Halloween is a good opportunity for some peer bonding. Inviting another student to go with your family will help make a connection for a school friend. As well as friends being a developmental need, they are one of the best guarantees of functioning smoothly at school.

Democracy in Action

Every morning here we say the Pledge of Allegiance. This weekend I get to do something else. I get to attend the Illinois Governor's debate this Sunday at Elmhurst College. The teachers union had an extra ticket for our area. I am excited. There are few things more interesting than Illinois politics!

Sleep

Tired kids have a harder time learning. As busy as we all are these days bedtime can creep later without our realizing the change. Kids may also get that last burst of energy when they should be winding down. A bedtime routine can help a lot. Doing the same thing at the same time every evening will make bedtime more predictable and pleasant.

Paws

The students love the "paws" we give out for good behavior. Research has shown that most interactions between adults and children are neutral. That is why when we have a need to correct behavior it really stands out. Pointing out good behavior is not just about making a child feel good. In fact being positive is not always synonymous with being nice. It actually teaches students what is expected of them.

Friendship

As well as academic acheivement the developmental task for the ages of children we have at Prairieview is social development. Kids don't need casts of thousands but it is really a good thing to have at least one friend at school. Most parents understand this and regard it as common sense. If your child mentions not having someone to sit with at lunch or play with at recess you could help. Inviting a child for a play date can really make a big difference.

Anxiety

The most common mental health issue for children today is anxiety. Some concern is certainly normal. It can save us from mistakes, and help keep us safe. Of course we want children to know the safety rules appropriate for different environments. However, sometimes with the best of intentions we may give the impression we expect bad things to happen. This can happen with bullying. Sometimes children can get nervous about it and miss opportunities to make friends. Occasionally, kids are creating conflicts thinking they are defending themselves. One good way to handle this if we are worried is to ask open ended questions. “What did you do at recess?” or “Tell me about class today.” are good examples. If you would like to discuss this more give me a call at 630-783-5158.

Behavior Errors

When children don't follow rules sometime adults take it personally. People feel disrespected. Most often it has nothing more to do with disrespect than misspelling a word does.
Children have a natural predisposition to do what is right, that is what pleases the adults in their lives. The most productive response to a behavior error is to approach it at the same emotional level as a misspelled word. We point out the correct behavior and move on.
When there is reoccurring misbehavior the unwanted behaviors are somehow being reinforced.

Temple Grandin

Temple Grandin is an HBO special that won 5 Emmys last week. It is about the great success of an individual with severe autism. I can speak to its accuracy since I, and some teachers, as well as parents from the district took the opportunity to see Ms. Grandin in person this summer. She said it was a very accurate portrayal.
There are many different types of autism. Because of Ms. Grandin's difference in the way she sees things she was able to revolutionize our treatment of cattle.
Many people on the autism spectrum have an understanding of animals the rest of us can't comprehend. Other preferred interests, or gifted areas could be computers, science, math, history, or music. The outcome of this story supports the practice of inclusion and development of those who are different.

Homework

If a child is going to have problems with work completion it is often in the area of homework. There are things that make a successful outcome easier. As much as possible be in a routine. A habit of doing it at the same time every day is helpful. A quiet and well lit spot makes the effort calmer. Be available. That does not mean completing the work for the student. If issues are showing up with the homework completion here at school the teacher will let you know. If you are having issues at home the teacher is a wonderful resource for helpful tips. I am always happy to help too. My direct line is 630-783-5158.

Cabin Fever

This is not an easy time of the school year. There are no more distractions. The excitement of the beginning of the year is long past. There are no Halloween costumes or turkey dinners to talk about. Santa has come and gone. Groundhog day does not take much planning. Here we are. This is the time of year when we notice the flaws. Others flaws are so much easier to see. It is this time of year that teaches tolerance. Exercise, relaxation techniques, or if possible time outside can help. If it doesn't just remember, 25 days to Spring Break!