The School Improvement Network's featured Strategy of the Week last week was on maintaining discipline. The author stated, "There’s no magic wand for helping [children] maintain discipline...And if you think about it, such a magic wand would probably do more harm than good. Effective discipline is less about keeping [children] in line and more about helping [them] understand their behavior, their priorities, and the value of their relationship with you."

It has often been said that discipline is really more about self control and making wise choices. Our job as parents is to guide children in their journey to making wise choices - and to allow them to experience both the positive and negative consequences of the choices they make. "Rather than being methods of control or punishment, they should be seen as learning opportunities that help students understand the relationship of behavior and outcomes." (SRI)

 

Five Key Ideas About Consequences 

from School Reform Initiative

1. There are no punishments, just consequences
Punishments don’t teach the truly valuable lessons, especially when they demean, demoralize, or shame. On the other hand, if we keep in mind that we’re providing consequences, it’s easier to approach every step of discipline as a learning experience.
2. Consequences are used as a pause to get our [children's] attention
Sometimes a quiet conversation is all it takes to get a child’s attention. Other times, it takes a more severe consequence. Either way, a consequence should serve to give a child a pause to reflect on his/her choices.
3. Consequences should be organized in a tiered hierarchy
Use a hierarchy of consequences, starting with the mildest first. Then slowly and calmly increase the consequences as necessary, stopping with the first one that gives the child the pause you’re seeking.
4. We have no control over our [children]
It’s important to remember that, ultimately, we have no control over our children and following the rules is their decision to make. Yes, we have the power of suggestion. Yes, we can influence decisions with our voice, our tone, the redirection strategies we employ, and the consequences that follow. But, in the end, the decision is theirs. The deeper our respect for this, the easier it is for us to remain calm and supportive in moments when we might wish we had more control.
5. Consequences teach students that they have the power of choice
When your consequences provide children an opportunity to pause and reflect, it affirms to them that they have the power of choice. They become aware that how they choose to behave determines the consequences (good or bad) that follow. They have the choice to misbehave, accept consequences, and calm down. Or, they have the choice to abide by rules and experience the positive consequences.

How do you feel about these ideas? What might you add to or alter in this list?

It's #AmericanEducationWeek!

"American Education Week—November 17-21, presents a wonderful opportunity to celebrate public education and honor individuals who are making a difference in ensuring that every child receives a quality education." (NEA Today)

2014 marks 93 years of American Education Week, an annual observance that honors students, teachers, support professionals, parents, and community members who help students succeed.

"AEW was born out of national concern over illiteracy and was first celebrated in 1921 with NEA and the American Legion as cosponsors. Events take place the week before Thanksgiving and are designed to honor the hard work of students, recognize the professionalism and commitment of educators, and appreciate parents and community members who work toward quality public schools for every student." (National Education Association)

Read President Obama's Proclamation.

So what do we do about it? Here are 

Five Ways to Celebrate American Education Week:

1. Send a thank you note to a teacher or school staff member.
2. Talk about the importance of education with your children. Share your education experience and have them share their education hopes.
3. Learn something new about the schools in your zone. Talk with the school staff about what they do and how they're working to educate our children.
4. Volunteer your time. Share your expertise with students in the area!
5. Support educational activities and events in your area by attending and participating.

It's in our social media feeds...our friends are thankful and sharing their gratitude with the world. We may even be participating in this on-line demonstration of gratefulness ourselves. Are we sharing our gratitude with our kids? As our social communities focus on Days of Thanks, here are 

Five Ways to Help Our Kids Express Gratitude

1. Write a Thank You note to a neighbor. Talk about the neighbors who have demonstrated acts of kindness or friendliness to your child and help him/her write a thank you note - by hand. 
2. Perform a random act of kindness. After talking about the things that people have done for your child, encourage him/her to share kindness to someone who may not expect it.
3. Leave a treat for the mail carrier/newspaper delivery person. Encourage your child to leave a note or help make a treat to leave in the mail/paper box for the delivery person to thank him/her for being a constant servant to the public.
4. Share a hot beverage. There are many people who work outside this time of year to keep our electricity on, ensure the Red Kettle Campaign is running, etc. Join with your child in thanking them for braving the elements to make our world more comfortable by gifting them a hot chocolate or warm coffee.
5. Thank a Teacher. Our teachers sacrifice time with their own families and work tirelessly to ensure that every child receives the best quality education possible. Talk with your child about what you can do to honor his/her teacher (November 17-21 is Teacher Appreciation Week...here are some ideas on how to participate: http://www.nea.org/grants/teacherday.html).

Tomorrow is Election Day, which means many things for parents. Will we vote? Will we take our kids with us when we vote? How do we explain the election process we use here in the USA? Education World suggests these 

Five Books to help Share the Meaning of Participatory Government 

with our kids:

See How They Run, by Susan E. Goodman
Ages 9-12
This book takes election facts covering topics such as the electoral college, political parties and campaigning and presents them in an easy-to-understand, lighter format for kids without diluting the information.

Presidential Elections: And Other Cool Facts, by Sylvan A. Sobel, illustrated by Jill Wood
Ages 7-12
This brand-new book is informative and fun to read. Fascinating facts abound; the book, includes the birthplaces of all the presidents, the story of the presidential election that a major newspaper got wrong, and lots more.

The Ballot Box Battle, by Emily Arnold McCully
Ages 5-8
From Caldecott medalist Emily Arnold McCully comes the inspiring story of Cordelia, a young girl whose relationship with her neighbor, the great suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton, inspires her to a remarkable act of courage.

Robin Hill School: Election Day, by Margaret McNamera
Ages 4-8
It’s Election Day in Mrs. Connor’s class for a new class president. All of the candidates make big promises (gum ball machines, longer school vacations and more). Then, Mrs. Connor asks if anyone else would like to say something, looking right at new student Becky. Becky speaks, saying that she can’t guarantee any of the big promises of her competitors, but she will do her best. It’s a good early reader for talking about election promises.

Duck for President, by Doreen Cronin
Ages 4-8
This award-winning follow up to Click, Clack, Moo follows Duck from pond to farmer to governor to presidency. It’s great for early readers since it introduces elections in a very basic and fun way. 

Many of our children are also out of school on Election Day. Need ideas for activities? Try one of these 

Five Ways to Spend Election Day:

1. Volunteer. There are several organizations in our area that could use your help! 

2. The downtown library on Jefferson Street in Roanoke is hosting two performances of "The Pirate of Bully Bay" at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday. http://www.roanoke.com/life/columns_and_blogs/blogs/shoptimist/arrrrgggh-kids-out-on-election-day-pirate-of-bully-bay/article_fe6dc1be-6081-11e4-b928-001a4bcf6878.html

3. PBS Parents offers some fun ways to learn more about elections and the voting process. Spend some time exploring together: http://www.pbs.org/parents/special/election/

4. Visit Virginia Museum of Natural History. Rotating exhibits and activities mean that each visit is new and exciting. The museum is open from 9-5.

5. Relax together. Sometimes the best time spent together is unscripted. Enjoy a day together without rushing.

This week is Read Aloud to a Child Week in Virginia. Depending on the age of your child, this takes different forms in your house. The folks who run readtothem.org say "There is a large body of research that documents and explains the benefits of reading aloud to children. It may in fact be the most important activity that parents can share with children to help them become strong readers. Reading aloud builds a strong parent-child bond that can last a lifetime!"

This year's theme is perseverance - what a great talking point for us and our children!  “Steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success,” or perseverance, is something we can all share examples of from our lives. Think about books, articles, blogs, or posts that you can share with your child this week to emphasize the notion that

Continuous effort – not strength or intelligence – is the key to unlocking our potential.

Five books to consider sharing with your child this week to emphasize perseverance:

   

Parent - Teacher Conference Day is fast approaching. While the conference meeting is intended as an opportunity to discuss student growth and plan for teamed home-school support as the year progresses, many families experience mixed emotions regarding this event.   

Five Important Things 

to remember about how to make the conference appointment valuable for all involved:

1. Make a list. Have you had a question about something but not asked yet? Are there things you want to be sure the teacher knows? Making a list prior to the meeting will ensure that all important topics are covered and everyone feels that his/her voice was heard in the meeting.
2. Bring the student. Who better to comment on the needs and abilities of the student than the student? Having the student present also allows the parent(s) and teacher to emphasize the teamed support adults need to demonstrate for the student's success.
3. Listen...really listen. Since you have a list of the items you want to be sure to cover, really focus on what the teacher has to say about your student's progress so that you can work together to best support your child's success in the classroom. Taking the time to really hear what the teacher has to say will afford you the opportunity to work together effectively for the good of your student.
4. Take notes. Because a lot will be shared in a short amount of time, it's a good idea to take notes. The teacher or student may share information that needs additional thought or follow-up action. Be sure to jot down all you need to know so that you can effectively support your student after the conference meeting.
5. Debrief. Talk with your student about the meeting. Share what made you proud, any concerns you have, and how you plan to work with the teacher to support him/her as the school year progresses. Discuss how he/she felt during the meeting and how he/she plans to proceed in the class.

Peter and Paul Reynolds, twin brothers who run FableVision, operate with the focus of "dedicat[ion] to helping all learners discover their true potential." The brothers created a video, "Above and Beyond" and a corresponding book, "Going Places." Their work to encourage students provides parents with 

Five Important Points to Ponder

1. Look for Inspiration - The things that we enjoy on an everyday basis can often inspire us to create something in a new, innovative way. Find ways to incorporate "regular" items into a design you're working on.
2. Find Your Way to Success - Failure is not an end! Keep trying and make adjustments until it works.
3. Think Outside the Box - While instructions can be a helpful guide, some of the most creative innovations are generated by stepping away from the directions. If you can think of a different way to be successful, follow a different plan.
4. Be Proud of Being Different - Just because your creation doesn't look like everyone else's doesn't mean it isn't fantastic. Invest in your own ideas and stand behind them.
5. Create Bravely - Taking risks can be scary, but can often lead to exciting results. Be willing to take a chance and watch it pay off.