SACRAMENTO–As a dedicated teacher, Jenny Dermody took it personally when her son fell behind in school. Though he tested in the gifted range, Kevin acted spacey and didn’t work well independently. Then one morning Dermody found Kevin, now 11, curled up on the shower floor with water pelting him. He was fast asleep. It took… Read more »
1. Do you make it a point to say positive things to your team members when you’re playing in a game? Yes____ No____ 2. Are you honest with the little things as well as the big things? Big thing – never steal from your parents or school. Little thing- The store gave you a dime… Read more »
Use the tune from “Are you sleeping Brother John?” 1. Brush your teeth, Brush your teeth, Everyday, everyday. Use your brush and toothpaste, Use your brush and toothpaste, Twice a day, twice a day. 2. Floss your teeth, Floss your teeth, Everyday, everyday. Use your floss and fingers, Use your floss and fingers, Once a… Read more »
Children need reminders more than they need to be informed! – Gene Bedley
At Mount Rainier Elementary School in Mount Rainier, Maryland, counselor Norma Freeborne teamed with principal Phillip Catania to develop a character education program that has helped build a school-wide sense of community and give students the structure and connections they often lack at home. The school gives students Peace Passports, to be filled out whenever… Read more »
There are all kinds of reminders that a teacher can create to assist children in remembering what they need to do in order to follow through on their jointly created plans and agreements. You might want to review the steps of making an agreement below. 1. It’s critical to make and verbalize the agreement by… Read more »
1. Pick your battle. (control) Does it matter who approaches whom? 2. Show children that everyone (even teachers) need to walk away and cool off. 3. Make it positive. Walking to you or away from you can be positive. Determine the vocabulary you will use. “I like the way you walked over here.” “I like… Read more »
COURAGE * I agree to stand up or remain seated for what is right. RESPECTFULNESS * I agree to demonstrate consideration and hold others in high regard. HONESTY * I agree to be truthful to others as long as it does not hurt others. COMPASSION * I agree to demonstrate acts of kindness. COOPERATION *… Read more »
As schools, families, and communities identify and list outcomes and standards for their children, it is clear that the list can not be complete without including values. Developing strategic learners and problem solvers always is included, but the inventory also must include respectful listeners, integrity and responsibility. Knowledge and the expertise to prepare young people… Read more »
To help my students understand problem solving and consequences I often ask them what they will need to help the other child feel better. They make choices from things like tissues, band-aids, baby wipes and scotch tape. (Desiree shared this option for problem solving in a recent seminar by Gene Bedley titled “Discipline and the… Read more »
