December 2, 2013
Dear Parents,
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving break. As the weather becomes colder, please ensure that our students arrive to school in appropriate clothing that will keep them warm before and after school and during recess activities.
Colder days will bring more time indoors. That could translate to more TV, more video games, or more activities that parents do not want their children to do.
As parents, we need to be proactive in helping children choose beneficial ways to use their time. Below are some ideas to think about during the winter months:
- Establish Routines: Children need to know when they need to do things. Designating a time and place for students to do homework before playing or a set bedtime are great examples of set routines.
- Procedures: Talking about the simple procedures can be more beneficial than you think. Talking about how children should do things should not be taken for granted. Spending a few minutes talking about how kids should do their reading would be an example of a procedure.
- Expectations: Children do best when they know what parents want them to do. For example, “I want you to read for 20 minutes, complete any other homework, and pick up your room before you play today.” Another consideration such as not watching more than 30 minutes of television is a great expectation.
- Alternatives/Choices: It is empowering and developmental for children to be able to make choices. However, they do better when they have some parameters. Giving children a choice of watching TV or playing a video game for a limited time would help the student. When they can only choose one of a few options, it will help to develop the early stages of self-governance.
- Supervision: Children do best when an adult monitors them. There are times when children will be left alone for short periods of time. However, if they know that parents will check up and follow through, they will accomplish more.
Take advantage of the colder days by spending quality time together. Please have a safe and joyful holiday season.
Sincerely,
Mr. Adams, Principal
