Mean Girls...

Bullying... A topic we frequently talk about her at PTL.  Here is a great way to talk about this topic with your children.  Share this new song by Rachel Crow with your daughter this summer, and ask her about school and friendships.  As a parent, you could help not only in teaching your daughter about assertiveness and protecting herself, but it is very important to teach her about empathy.
Let us, one by one, teach our children to protect themselves and others, and not be bystanders allowing the bullies to continue tormenting others... Enjoy the song!

The 3 EXs... Express, Explain, Explore

This post is dedicated to teachers, and to mamas and papas who are teachers at home.  I had previously given this as part of a larger presentation in a special needs school in Kuwait.  The pointers are simple and straightforward. This was initially written for teaching kids with learning differences/difficulties, but it can be used with all students.  

I call this "The 3 EXs" presentation...

EXPRESS

•   Use a steady yet soft voice.  Children pay attention when the adult is firm, not agitated.
•  Take time to express what you want the child to do, then guide them in doing it. 
•   Express encouragement regularly.  Create a classroom rewards system.
•  Encourage children to express their feelings.
•   I encourage you to express your own feelings. 

EXPLAIN

•   Explain the lesson using as many senses as you can.
•  Explain classroom rules and expectations.  Repeat and keep visual reminders.
•  If and when the child misbehaves, explain what was done wrong and why it is wrong.
• This should always be followed by how the child can do the “appropriate” or target behavior correctly.

EXPLORE

•  Find ways to use different forms of teaching.  Your voice is not your only asset.
•  Use your own knowledge to find out what the child’s learning style may be.  This will be a great advantage for you.
• Help the child use multi-sensory ways to explore his/her surrounding.
• When a child is stuck, or refusing to participate, take time at the end of class to explore with the child what the problem is.  A child is more likely to tell you when he/she is alone.  

Back to school interview

I had an informative interview with Marina FM earlier today (in Arabic) regarding school readiness.  The interview focused on both the anxieties of parents and children.


Please follow the link for the full hour program. 

Back to school: jitters or butterflies?

Many of you will be starting the school year this week, and others in the next two weeks.  Take a deep breath...  You and your child(ren) will be fine.  It is going to be a fantastic year!

To help your younger child who is nervous, remind him of the things he likes the most about school: seeing friends, P.E. and recess.  Go through what the day would be like... Allowing your child to visualize the next day and have a sense of predictability will surely decrease his anxiety.

For your older children, there will be a mix of anxiety and excitement.  Older children are more self-conscious; they will be thinking about things such as how they may have changed physically, or if they will be able to keep up with their school work.  Building their self-esteem by reminding them of their strengths and talents can help.

Both older and younger children will benefit from being in contact with friends from school prior to the first day.  This again brings a sense of predictability and re-attachment to school. 

Lastly, try to get a good night's sleep and a proper breakfast...  Good luck!