Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Spelling City: Fun Games Using our Sight Words
Looking for some new ways to help your child learn sight words? Why not play some online games with our list of kindergarten word wall words? Check out the link below!
http://www.spellingcity.com/Community.html
http://www.spellingcity.com/Community.html
Five Years Already?!
Both Mrs. Gabriel and I received service awards for five years of service and dedication to Virginia Beach Public Schools. I was completely surprised- time flies when you are having fun!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Positive Parenting Tips
Ms. Booth, our school guidance counselor, has shared this article with our blog on positive parenting. Ms. Booth has been a guidance counselor in Virginia Beach Public Schools for nine years, three years at John B. Dey.
Hello Parents!
To help your child achieve success as a well balanced child, these tips might help
Responsibility: Encourage your kids to admit their mistakes, and take the time to treat it as a learning experience. Remain calm, discuss the decision that was made, and explain that poor choices have consequences. Mistakes are everyday teaching moments. More than likely, the consequences from poor decisions will have an impact on the child making more successful choices in the future.
Stress: Our kids have busy lives!! What helps when things get chaotic? Lower the volume in your home. Studies reveal that kids growing up in chaotic, hectic, loud homes often have more anxiety issues and difficulty problem solving in their environment. To help de-stress, turn the TV off when it is not being viewed. Often, background noises are distracting and time could be better spent talking or sharing family time. Have a quiet time period after school or before dinner to let the kids unwind, read their favorite book, or even have a short nap. Talk to your kids in calm tones and show them what active listening is all about. Finally, have daily routines to help maintain order and consistency in the home.
Discipline: It is important to keep in mind what we really want to get out of discipline. We want kids to realize from any situation that they are able to learn the difference between right and wrong. Self-discipline is a goal from positive parenting techniques- praise, discussion of choices, discussion of expectations, and building trust. Studies show that a nurturing parent- not too harsh and not too lenient- has the most positive impact on kids. Parents who are kind, understanding, and send nurturing messages to their kids usually have better behaved children. Some nurturing messages: I love you, you are important in our family, let’s learn from this together, I have faith in your abilities, I care about you. Anger is a natural emotion of parents when their children disobey, however be sure to take the time to calm down before speaking to your child. Children learn from modeling, so when they see you take time to calm down, they are more likely to assess their choices to get the best response from you!
Source: Firm, Fair and Consistent, The Parent Institute, 2006.
Hello Parents!
To help your child achieve success as a well balanced child, these tips might help
Responsibility: Encourage your kids to admit their mistakes, and take the time to treat it as a learning experience. Remain calm, discuss the decision that was made, and explain that poor choices have consequences. Mistakes are everyday teaching moments. More than likely, the consequences from poor decisions will have an impact on the child making more successful choices in the future.
Stress: Our kids have busy lives!! What helps when things get chaotic? Lower the volume in your home. Studies reveal that kids growing up in chaotic, hectic, loud homes often have more anxiety issues and difficulty problem solving in their environment. To help de-stress, turn the TV off when it is not being viewed. Often, background noises are distracting and time could be better spent talking or sharing family time. Have a quiet time period after school or before dinner to let the kids unwind, read their favorite book, or even have a short nap. Talk to your kids in calm tones and show them what active listening is all about. Finally, have daily routines to help maintain order and consistency in the home.
Discipline: It is important to keep in mind what we really want to get out of discipline. We want kids to realize from any situation that they are able to learn the difference between right and wrong. Self-discipline is a goal from positive parenting techniques- praise, discussion of choices, discussion of expectations, and building trust. Studies show that a nurturing parent- not too harsh and not too lenient- has the most positive impact on kids. Parents who are kind, understanding, and send nurturing messages to their kids usually have better behaved children. Some nurturing messages: I love you, you are important in our family, let’s learn from this together, I have faith in your abilities, I care about you. Anger is a natural emotion of parents when their children disobey, however be sure to take the time to calm down before speaking to your child. Children learn from modeling, so when they see you take time to calm down, they are more likely to assess their choices to get the best response from you!
Source: Firm, Fair and Consistent, The Parent Institute, 2006.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Kelso's Choices
Today, our wonderful guidance counselor, Ms. Booth taught a lesson on Kelso's choices. The kindergarteners learned the difference between big problems and small problems and how to choose one of Kelso's choices to solve a small problem. Some of the choices include- talk it out, go to another game, apologize, make a deal, ignore it, walk away, share and take turns. If you have a big problem, talk to an adult who you trust. Thank you Ms. Booth for a great lesson!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
A Special Turkey Visitor
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Scientist of the Day!
Beginning in December, we will start a science project called "scientist of the day". Below is a note from Cindy Becker who is the kindergarten science lab director.
Parents,
We are going to start a new program in the kindergarten classes with your help. We tried it out in Mrs. Jenkins’ class and it has been a big hit. It is called “scientist of the day.” The students will take turns being scientist of the day and when it is their turn, they get to bring home a science bag filled with items to explore their world. They get to wear a lab coat just like a real scientist and record their discoveries (with your help) in a journal to share with the class. The bag will also have a book to read with them that is science related.
If you have anything at home that you would like to donate to our program (measuring devices, magnifying glasses, kindergarten level books with a science theme, or anything you think we could use) please send it in with your child to their classroom. We are also requesting a $1 donation, if you can, to help cover some of the costs of starting this program. We appreciate any help you can give and hope you enjoy this program as much as the students.
Cindy Becker
Hands on Science
Parents,
We are going to start a new program in the kindergarten classes with your help. We tried it out in Mrs. Jenkins’ class and it has been a big hit. It is called “scientist of the day.” The students will take turns being scientist of the day and when it is their turn, they get to bring home a science bag filled with items to explore their world. They get to wear a lab coat just like a real scientist and record their discoveries (with your help) in a journal to share with the class. The bag will also have a book to read with them that is science related.
If you have anything at home that you would like to donate to our program (measuring devices, magnifying glasses, kindergarten level books with a science theme, or anything you think we could use) please send it in with your child to their classroom. We are also requesting a $1 donation, if you can, to help cover some of the costs of starting this program. We appreciate any help you can give and hope you enjoy this program as much as the students.
Cindy Becker
Hands on Science
Thanksgiving Cooking
Many thanks to our wonderful parent volunteers for helping us cook yummy food. We made cornbread, pumpkin pie, a sweet potato dish, and mashed potatoes.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Building Future Grant Celebration
Last night was the reception for grant winners at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts. The food was prepared by culinary students- yummy! Grant winners and guests also participated in a silent auction on different pieces of artwork created by Virginia Beach School System employees.
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