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Building Connection and Responsibility
There is now clear evidence that children learn better when they sense that they are part of a learning community that is safe and respectful. Learning how to participate and contribute to the classroom community is a big part of what builds their skills to be resourceful, respectful and responsible citizens of the larger world […]
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Mistakes Can Be Opportunities
No one likes to make mistakes. Making mistakes can invite uncomfortable feelings of guilt and shame. Those feelings result in students (and most of us) thinking about mistakes in ways that aren’t helpful. Students may think that mistakes are “bad” or that others will laugh at them if they do something wrong. They may work […]
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TURNING BLUNDERS INTO WONDERS
Traditional discipline often focuses on what not to do – often blaming, shaming or humiliating children when they make a mistake, in an attempt to “teach” them to behave. Isn’t it interesting that we think we have to make children feel worse before they can do better? Positive Discipline focuses instead on teaching children what […]
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Self-Care for Educators
It’s important for teachers to remember that taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury; it’s a conscious, mindful strategy that results in being more energetic and present. This makes teaching more enjoyable and frankly, more survivable. Summer is a great time to reflect on the ways to take care of yourself and begin self-care routines […]
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Parents and Self-Care
Parents spend a lot of time and energy helping their children learn and grow. By the end of the day of meeting the needs of others (children, partner, colleagues, neighbors) you may not have much energy left for yourself. Taking care of yourself is not a luxury. It is a necessary, conscious, mindful strategy. In […]
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Moving Into A Strong Finish
As the end of the school year approaches, students of all ages become more anxious and excited. It is a big transition as the rhythm of the school routine will not be there. They will not be with all of their friends and a teacher they care about. Many students also face uncertainty with their […]
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Here Comes Summer!
Summer is almost upon us. Parents and children look forward to summer and it also creates some stress and anxiety with the shift from the rhythm and routines of the school year. Doing some preparation for this unique part of the year can increase everyone’s fun and decrease stress. It is important for children to […]
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Building “Empathy Muscles” with your Child
Empathy is a skill and an awareness that we can build – in ourselves and our children. Empathy is the ability to step into someone else’s shoes and connect to their feelings or to take their perspective. It is also the ability to regulate our own emotions and be able to separate our own feelings […]
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Planting Seeds for Responsibility in the Classroom
School can and should play an important role in helping children develop responsibility. The culture of the school is a vehicle for teaching young people how to behave, and it is done in the process of building relationships and learning. Responsibility involves developing self-reliance as well as a sense of contribution (significance) to others and […]
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Growing Responsibility
In today’s society children often have fewer opportunities to develop responsibility. We no longer need them to be important contributors to the family’s economic survival as we once did. Parents often do too much in the name of love, not wanting their children to experience sadness or disappointment. Teaching children responsibility for tasks, belongings, as well […]
