National Adoption Month

Most adopted children in kindergarten and first grade think being adopted is special. They are usually happy to share they are adopted and try out the vocabulary taught to them by their parents.  An adopted child usually refers to the "birth mother" and neither as the "real parent."  Use of positive adoption language by school personnel is very important (see adoptivefamilies.com for guidance).

Around age 7, adopted children begin to be able to grasp the fuller meaning of their adoption, including the loss and abandonment issues that may be associated with it. They may spend time fantasizing about their birthparents and wondering what they are like. Common questions include, “Why didn’t you keep me? Why did you give me away?”  They may feel that they were placed for adoption because they were not good, pretty, or smart enough to be kept. With mental energy tied up in these concerns, children can find it difficult to pay attention in class and to learn their lessons. Adoptive parents frequently struggle with how to help their child work through her fears and anxieties and counselors need to be prepared to assist and/or refer.  At this stage it is helpful for the adoptee to spend time with other adoptees either in group counseling or in an event organized as part of post-adoption services.

Children in elementary school are old enough to decide for themselves whether to tell their classmates about their adoption. They must be taught, however, that once they tell, they will not be able to "take it back."  If parents feel it is important to discuss adoption with the child's teacher, the child should be told exactly what is shared and why. Parents may chose to discuss adoption status at the first conference of the school year.

Adoption is another way to build permanent families. Approximately 5 million Americans alive today are adoptees, 2-4 percent of all families have adopted, and 2.5 percent of all children under 18 are adopted. If an adopted child needs outside support, try to refer to a therapist with a strong background in adoption.

Happy Halloween

I have nothing against Halloween but I am aware of families in our school who do not "celebrate" it and may not agree with the parties being called Harvest Celebrations (when they really are all about Halloween).  For the first time our kids got to wear costumes to school today (yes I know tomorrow is Halloween) this was Whacky Wednesday.  Our SCA voted for this as the special day this month.  So we had costumes today in grades 1-5 and tomorrow our kindergarten students get to bring their costumes to school to put on for the "Fall Party."  I had to teach in several classes and the attention and focus was much poorer than normal. We also had two incidents of physical aggression by a student dressed as a character who happens to be very aggressive.  I am not in favor of costumes being worn all day in school.  As an advocate for student's success I would rather see the focus on learning than dressing up.  I will go to school tomorrow and try to enjoy the children's excitement but will be even happier when it is over.  I do like the idea of a book character day featuring a book parade around the school, but even for that I'd like to see it only last an hour, not the whole school day.

Mix It Up!

My school psychologist, social worker, and I had a great time handing out a variety of colored jelly bracelets and sending our students to the table with the sign that matched the color they received (randomly).  We participate every year but this was the first time we bought them each a cheap bracelet (Oriental Trading Company) and then let them keep it. We were asked if we could do this once a week by several students. I am sure many kids took the first step in making a new friend or at least learning more about a child.

Digital Citizenship Week

 

There is still time this week to raise awareness that digital citizenship means making thoughtful decisions and developing a sound digital foundation. Check out the resources (tool kit) at common sense media.

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/digitalcitizenshipweek?utm_source=2013_10_Newsletter_3&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weekly

Digital citizenship education empowers students to make thoughtful decisions and develop a sound digital foundation for the rest of their lives. It’s a holistic and positive approach to helping students learn how to be safe and secure, as well as smart and effective participants in a digital world. That means helping them understand their rights and responsibilities, recognize the benefits and risks, and realize the personal and ethical implications of their actions. Helping a student become a good digital citizen cuts across all curricular disciplines - See more at: http://www.ciconline.org/digitalcitizenshipweek#sthash.arT6kOmz.dpufcommonsensemedia.org/

Digital citizenship education empowers students to make thoughtful decisions and develop a sound digital foundation for the rest of their lives. It’s a holistic and positive approach to helping students learn how to be safe and secure, as well as smart and effective participants in a digital world. That means helping them understand their rights and responsibilities, recognize the benefits and risks, and realize the personal and ethical implications of their actions. Helping a student become a good digital citizen cuts across all curricular disciplines - See more at: http://www.ciconline.org/digitalcitizenshipweek#sthash.arT6kOmz.dpuf

Digital citizenship education empowers students to make thoughtful decisions and develop a sound digital foundation for the rest of their lives. It’s a holistic and positive approach to helping students learn how to be safe and secure, as well as smart and effective participants in a digital world. That means helping them understand their rights and responsibilities, recognize the benefits and risks, and realize the personal and ethical implications of their actions. Helping a student become a good digital citizen cuts across all curricular disciplines - See more at: http://www.ciconline.org/digitalcitizenshipweek#sthash.arT6kOmz.dpuf

First Session Small Friendship Group Activity

This activity Accordion Paper Person Adjectives About Self  is a favorite with our third graders. I use it in groups but it could easily be adapted to a class lesson.  In the first session after we do a icebreaker and preassessment we brainstorm words that can be used to describe third graders.  I aim to have at least 20 adjectives so that members who struggle with writing have a variety to use. The paper is folded so they write 8 words that describe self.  I was smiling when I did this activity yesterday because the "typical peer" I had included in the group described himself on one of the folds as "role model." They draw their own face on the head cut out and add some precut arms and legs.

Using Literature to Decrease Bullying

Our school's bullying program is based on Steps to Respect developed by the Committee for Children.  It is a  literature based program with teachers reading at least two books to their classes and discussing key concepts.  The counselors deliver the skill based lessons.  Another program that uses literature read by teachers in WITS. I really like some of their lessons but I don't like to teach children to ignore bullying. Since bullying is a pattern of behavior that keeps happening, other strategies are needed.  I agree that the person being bullied should not show the reaction the person doing the bullying wants.  I just think Ignore is the wrong word to use.  But check out some of the discussion guides for books that  are probably already on your book shelf at http://www.witsprogram.ca/schools/book-lists/

Spookley The Legend of the Square Pumpkin

Our latest bulletin board featuring the square pumpkin who was teased and bullied for being different even has lights in the pumpkin patch.  The cute letters and darling 3-D Spookley make it impossible to miss.  The kids love this display! Most have either heard the book or seen the movie that plays on Cartoon Network several times this month. Please check out the Educators Kit at www.pacer.org