Reminder

Hello!

Just sending out a reminder that we will be having a parent/teacher meeting right after school this Thursday to plan the Roman Holiday party that will happen in January.  Hope you can make it!  If you cannot, please let me know if you are interested in volunteering time, crafts, food, games, ideas, etc.

Have a great evening!
Billy Jo

Parent meeting

Dear Parents and Guardians,

 

      We would love for you to join us for a short planning session for our Roman Holiday on Thursday December 12th directly after school.  We need parents to lead crafts, games and contribute food. The Holiday celebration will be after the Winter Break and at a date to be determined. Planning, attending and contributing counts toward your volunteer hours.  If you can not attend the planning meeting, please let us know how you would like to help. This is a very special day for our students and parent help is essential.  It’s guaranteed to be a memorable event!

 

Thanks

Ms. Wetzel

 

Science assessment dates!!

I am pushing back the science assessment to Dec 2nd for Ms. Whalen's class and Dec 3rd for Ms. Wetzel's class.

Sorry for the confusion!!
Ms. Whalen

Upcoming science test

Monday, November 25^th (Ms. Whalen’s)

or Tuesday November 26^th (Ms. Wetzel’s)

The parts of the eye will  be tested. Students need to study from their eye map.

Know these definitions:

- Spectrum: all the colors (ROYGBIV) that come together to make up white light

- Prism: a transparent object that is used to separate white light into the spectrum of colors.

- Refract: to bend

- Reflect: to bounce back

- Transparent: You can see clearly through it and light can pass through it. (A window, eye glass lens, glass, water.)

- Translucent: You can not see clearly through it, you can see shadows of objects. Light can pass through it. (Most colored glass or glass with a design, fluorescent light covers, some shades, gauzy curtains).

- Opaque: You can not see through it. No light can pass through it. (Person, car, tree, wall, desk, chair.)

- Convex: curved outward- Larger view, used in stores to see around corners. Used in microscopes.

- Concave: curved inward- smaller view, objects appear upside down. Used in telescopes.

 

Know this information:

- Light travels in a straight line.

- Light travels in waves.

- Light is energy.

-We can only see things when light hits an object and bounces off it. The light from the object then travels through our pupils which creates an upside-down image on our retina. The image then travels on the optic nerve to the brain, where it is turned right side up again.

- Dark objects absorb more light than light colored objects. This is why dark clothing is hotter in the summer. It is collecting more energy from the light.

-The best object to reflect something would be a flat mirror. It creates an exact reflection, only backwards.

-Light is bending and slowed down when it is refracted.

-A transparent object, such as water or a lens, is used to refract light.

-When light is blocked by an opaque object, a shadow of the object is formed.

-White light is made up of a spectrum of colors (all the colors of the rainbow).

- A prism or a drop of water can be used to break up white light into a spectrum.

- ROY G BIV- Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet

To Help Your Student Practice their Oral Presentation

Nervous System Study Guide

Please practice with your child as they present their model to you.

Cerebrum-

Actions that take place in the cerebrum:

• 85 % of the weight of the brain
• 9/10 the size of the brain
• The outer layer of the cerebrum is the cerebral cortex.
• Voluntary muscles. (voluntary muscles are those that we can control- for skiing, walking, jumping, writing, etc)
• Thinking
• Learning
• Personality
• 5 senses
• Emotions
• Intelligence
• Memory- long term and short term
• Left side of the cerebrum controls the right side of the body. Right side controls the left side of the body.
• There is a thick bundle of nerves that connects the hemispheres so that they can “talk” to each other.
• Left hemisphere of the cerebrum:      
• Math
• Science
• Logical reasoning
• Right hemisphere of the cerebrum:
• Art
• Music
• Creativity

Cerebellum-

• Balance and Coordination

Brain stem (also called the Medulla)-

• “central computer”
• “Post office”- sorts messages received from the body and sends them to the brain. Receives messages from the brain and sends them to the body.
• Involuntary muscles (involuntary muscles work on their own such as breathing, heart beating and digestion)
• Reflexes

Spinal cord-

• Carries messages from the body to the brain
• Carries messages from the brain to the body

Social Studies

Guide for Canada Test –

Ms. Whalen's homeroom: Tuesday November 5, 2013

Ms. Wetzel’s Homeroom: Monday November 4, 2013

Please concentrate on how Canada is alike and different from the United States.  You may use this guide to study, as well the guide (Venn diagram) that you have completed in class.  The test will be in a Venn diagram format.  On your Venn diagram you will be required to summarize at least one historical development and how it has shaped the development of present day Canada and also identify that Canada is divided into provinces and territories.  I will bold print these points on this study guide. You will need to write at least 4 facts for each category; it must include some of the bolded facts.

Alike:

Native Americas lived in both first

Totem poles

Tepees

Hunted buffalo

Native people were treated poorly by settlers

Both were colonies of England at one time

Both are no longer Colonies of England

Both speak English

The money is called dollars and cents

TV shows

Food (hamburgers, cornflakes)

Multicultural

 

USA:

Rebelled against England and fought a war for their independence

Divided into states

Money has presidents and other American symbols

Baseball and football

Large population

President

Warm and cold climates

Eagle, a national symbol

Flag has stars and stripes

 

Canada:

Divided into provinces and territories

Settled by French people

Many speak French

Gradually and peacefully broke away from England

Money has a loon, beaver and the Queen of England

Mounties

Hockey

Larger in land

Cold climate

Inuits

Igloos

Flag has a maple leaf

Prime Minister

Science

 Nervous System Project !

Due the week of  November 4^th through the 6th, 2013!!!

Your final for the Nervous System Unit is to make a model of the brain.

You may use any materials that you can find around the house.  Some ideas for things to use are: dry noodles, beans, clay, play dough, cardboard, Legos, baked pan cookies with icing. Just about anything will work as long as it does not create a mess in the classroom; no ice sculptures or ice cream models.        

You may not just draw a picture on paper, but you may glue things to poster board or cardboard, or build the model any other way you would like to. This is your unit ending final grade. I am looking to see what you have learned during this unit and how you are able to communicate that learning to me. Please show me that you care by spending some time and effort on this project and it will reflect in your grade. The majority of your grade will be the oral interview, but your project will be at least 1/3 of it. The entire project will have 30 possible points to earn.

You brain model will need to include:

• Cerebrum
• Cerebellum
• Brain stem/medulla
• Spinal cord

You will need to explain each area of the brain and what its function is to me during our oral interview.

You can turn in this project any time during the week of November 4th to the 6^th, but it must be turned in by the 6^th. If turned in late, you will be docked 5 points for each day it is late.

If you are in need of supplies to create your project, please let me know ASAP.

Tara Whalen

Social Studies

Dear Parents,

   On Tuesday your child chose a river to research and create a travel brochure or a travel poster. This project is an a- home project that should be fun and educational. 

The due dates are:

Ms. Wetzel’s Homeroom – Monday, October 7^th

Ms. Whalen’s Homeroom - Tuesday, October 8th 

Making A Brochure Or Travel Poster Teacher Name: Ms. Wetzel Student Name:     ________________________________________

 

CATEGORY	4	3	2	1
Content - Accuracy	All facts in the brochure/poster are accurate.	99-90% of the facts in the brochure/poster are accurate.	89-80% of the facts in the brochure/poster are accurate.	Fewer than 80% of the facts in the brochure/poster are accurate.
Attractiveness & Organization	The brochure/poster has exceptionally attractive formatting and well-organized information.	The brochure/poster has attractive formatting and well-organized information.	The brochure/poster has well-organized information.	The brochure's/poster’s formatting and organization of material are confusing to the reader.
Graphics/Pictures	Graphics go well with the text and there is a good mix of text and graphics.	Graphics go well with the text, but there are so many that they distract from the text.	Graphics go well with the text, but there are too few and the brochure seems "text-heavy".	Graphics do not go with the accompanying text or appear to be randomly chosen.

Please feel free to call if you have any questions. Thanks, Ms. Wetzel

Muscles and Bones Study Guide

Muscles and Bones Unit Exam Study Guide

 

 

Students should be able to:

 

• Label 15-20 bones of the human body. (word bank will be provided)
• Identify the number of bones in an adult human body. (206).
• Name the three functions of the skeleton as form, protection and movement.
• Name the largest, longest bone in the body as the femur.
• Describe how bones are made up of four layers: “bone skin”, compact bone, spongy bone and bone marrow.
• Explain the reasons how we know that bone is a living thing. They heal themselves. They grow. They make blood.
• Name the four types of joints and be able to label them on the skeleton.
• Hinge joint- fingers, toes, knees and elbows
• Pivot joint- wrists, ankles and neck
• Ball and socket- shoulders and hips
• Gliding joint- spine
• Identify the largest muscle in your body as the gluteus maximus.
• Name the three types of muscles as voluntary, involuntary and cardiac. They will also need to give examples of how each is used. Voluntary muscles are muscles that we can control such as kicking a ball or writing a letter. Involuntary muscles are muscles that we do not control such as our brain functioning, our lungs breathing, our digestive system working. Our cardiac muscle is our heart.
• Define
• ligaments as tissue that connects bone to bone
• Tendons as tissue that connects muscle to bone
• Cartilage as the tissue that is known as soft bone like that in our nose and ears. Also, as the jelly like substance found in between bones which reduces friction.
• Joints are where two bones meet.

 

 

Great video from Kid President!

Everyone can be more awesome!

He is so awesome!

Scientific Visitors

We had visitors to our classroom on Thursday. Mr. Brian Schwartz and two of his medical students, Kate and Kelly, came to explain more to us about bones and the human body. They brought along fake bones that we could touch, but they also brought along a real human skull, heart and brain. So cool!!

It's fun to practice!!

My daughter, Bailey, found this fun skeleton game online. You can either build a skeleton or label the bones. Practice makes perfect :)

 Enjoy!

Skeleton game

A note forwarded from Ms. Cross

Dear Ms. Cross,

 

I am writing on behalf of Metro Denver Promotion of Letters (MDPL). We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to provide young writers in the Denver area with a supportive community and creative opportunities to express themselves through writing. We achieve this by offering free workshops, intensive & expeditionary camps, and the opportunity to publish student work.

 

This year we are excited to present a new opportunity for students. In addition to the free monthly creative writing workshops, we are opening the doors at Back Space, our workshop at 1 South Broadway, every Tuesday from 3:30-6:30 pm to students who could benefit from a little extra writing and reading support. This free after school tutoring is open to K-12 learners and begins on September 24.

 

Volunteer educators, parents, and academic mentors will be on site to work with students on essays and writing assignments, critical reading and thinking skills, or even creative writing projects. We envision the space to be lively and focused and eventually hope that peer tutoring will play a major role in the success of the program. Back Space is a safe, positive, and productive community environment. As always, students will receive extra academic guidance or just find a place to be imaginative and write among their peers. Snacks will also be provided.

 

If this sounds like a good fit for either a student of yours who is struggling or a student who just loves to write, please pass the attached information along to parents or post in your school. We’d love to help!

 

As for our monthly creative writing workshops for kids, there are still four left this year – all free and all on Saturdays. Please see the schedule here. Our website is also chock-full of information and interesting resources.

 

If you have any questions or want to learn more about MDPL, please be in touch. We delight in youth-focused collaborations.

 

All the best,

 

Nicole

 

Nicole Burdick

 

Board Member and Development Chair

Metro Denver Promotion of Letters

1 South Broadway

Denver, CO 80209

Cell: 307-413-5235

promotionofletters.org

Non-fiction titles

http://www.donorschoose.org/project/reading-the-real-stuff-a-non-fiction/1039731

Ms. Whalen's classroom is taking donations towards the purchase of more non-fiction books. If you are interested, you can click on the above link to find the request. :)

Recorders

Third Grade Parents,
In music class we are focusing on identifying note names on the
musical staff and distinguishing between our speaking voice and
our singing voice. We will begin recorder instruction in September. 
The students will continue to be exposed to note reading, to different
styles and composers of music, to ear training and basic rhythmic
patterns.

Recorders are taught in the “music dojo” where the students
play “Recorder Karate.”  Each song they learn is a little bit more
challenging and introduces a new musical concept. Once the student
can successfully learn each song, they will receive a “Karate Belt” for
that level to tie on their recorder.

We use Yamaha Recorders in the music room. Students
may purchase their own Yamaha recorder for $4.00 from Ms.
Tobias starting Wednesday, September 4th.  Recorders that
are purchased at a store (Target, Walmart, etc.) are considered
toys and do not produce the same quality tone as the Yamaha
recorders. Students do not have to buy a recorder, they can use
one during music class time.

You can encourage your child to play their recorder by:

• reminding them to use a soft, pleasant sound
• reminding them to play with left hand on top
• ask them to perform their songs from the song packet they receive in class
• listen to them play their songs and comment on how "Fluently" they played (did they play it without stopping).

If you would like to purchase a recorder for your child, please bring
$4.00 made payable to Highline Academy and have your child give it
to Ms. Tobias in the music room.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,
Ms.Tobias

Bubble Bubble lab

Learning to follow the scientific method can be a really fun activity! Here the students are testing which liquid soap can create the largest bubbles. Will it be dish soap, shampoo, or laundry detergent???

Love and Logic

* note: Highline's homework policy is to aim for 10 mins per grade level per night Monday through Thursday nights. So an average 3rd grade student should have around 30 minutes a night but it could be as little as 20 minutes or as much as 40 minutes. If it becomes more than this due to battles in your home or because of the content of the homework- please let your child's teacher know ASAP.

Ms. Whalen and Ms. Wetzel


As a kid, I had a love-hate relationship with homework. I loved those days when I didn't have any, and I hated the days I did. As a "mature" educator and parent, my attitudes have changed...but only a little bit.

Sure, homework is important! In fact, it doesn't take long to find research that shows how appropriate homework assignments contribute to improved academic achievement. Nevertheless, I still have a love-hate relationship with the stuff. I love when children get appropriate homework...but I hate seeing so many who repeatedly have unhealthy homework experiences.

Much of the problem seems to stem from very conscientious educators and parents who don't understand the key characteristics of appropriate homework:

• It leaves time for the child to contribute to the family by doing chores.

• It leaves time for the child to play and enjoy being a child.

• At least 95% of the content should represent repetition and review of things the child already knows how to do correctly.

• The parent helps only as long as the interaction remains positive.

• It's the child's work...not the parent's work.

In our Schoolwork / Homework Package, we teach a variety of strategies for helping parents and educators keep homework positive and productive.  One strategy involves systematically noticing only the parts of their homework they have done well. Helping your child learn to feel good about their stengths will help them have the energy and courage to keep working on their weaknesses.

 Thanks for reading! Our goal is to help as many families as possible. If this is a benefit, forward it to a friend.

 

Dr. Charles Fay

Welcome to the 2013- 2014 school year!!

Wow! Ms. Wetzel and I have already heard about what amazing students, writers, readers, mathematicians, listeners, etc... that we have this year. This is going to be one AWESOME year!

This year we will really focus hard on writing skills. The first language arts unit has a focus of expository writing. Most students in our school come out of 2nd grade already strong writers in expository writing therefore we can build 3rd grade skills within a style that they are already comfortable.

Ms. Whalen's science classes - We will be working on the Scientific Process. Your student will be doing all sorts of labs and learning how scientists must follow a certain process in their studies. Then we will turn to the Muscles, Bones and the Nervous System unit.

Ms. Wetzel's social studies classes will begin the year with map skills and then will travel on to Canada and World Rivers.

Thank you for supporting us and your student as we travel through this year together!

Spirit Week

Monday (5/27)—No School, Memorial Day

Tuesday (5/28)—Thousand Island Bring out your best Hawaiian/Caribbean Wear— flip Flops, Shorts, Grass Skirts, Sun Glasses, Bright Colors, Leis.Board Shorts are Okay but No Bathing Suits 

Wednesday (5/29)— Ranch Western Wear! Plaid Shirts (or just a regular Button down), Jeans, Cowboy Hats, boots, - Whatever you have.

Thursday (5/30)—Blue Cheese Today is simple, wear Blue. Lots of Blue.

Friday (5/31)—Caesar Find an old bed sheet and make a Toga!  Take it a step further with a leafy crown all togas should be worn over appropriate clothing.

Invitation

  We have been working on the musical “Through the Looking Glass” and would like to share our story with you. Please come join us.

Ms. Whalen’s class will present at 8:00 am on May 30^th in the gym

Ms. Miles’s class will present at 10:40 am on May 30^th in the gym

 

Ms. Wetzel’s class will present at 8:00 am on May 31^st in the gym

 

Through the Looking Glass

PLEASE take this weekend to work with your child on their part of the Through the Looking Glass play. It will take place next week and many of the students STILL don't know their parts. Here is the link to the music again....

https://sites.google.com/a/highlineacademy.org/ms-tobias-music-info/third-grade

Peace Officers Memorial Day

Fly the American Flag at Half Staff on 5/15/2013 for Peace Officers Memorial Day

Presidential Proclamation Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2013 Day after day, police officers in every corner of America suit up, put on the badge, and carry out their sworn duty to protect and serve. They step out the door every morning without considering bravery or heroics. They stay focused on meeting their responsibilities. They concentrate on keeping their neighborhoods safe and doing right by their fellow officers. And with quiet courage, they help fulfill the demanding yet vital task of shielding our people from harm. It is work that deserves our deepest respect -- because when darkness and danger would threaten the peace, our police officers are there to step in, ready to lay down their lives to protect our own.   This week, we pay solemn tribute to men and women who did. Setting aside fear and doubt, these officers made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the rule of law and the communities they loved. They heard the call to serve and answered it; braved the line of fire; charged toward the danger. Our hearts are heavy with their loss, and on Peace Officers Memorial Day, our Nation comes together to reflect on the legacy they left us.   As we mark this occasion, let us remember that we can do no greater service to those who perished than by upholding what they fought to protect. That means doing everything we can to make our communities safer. It means putting cops back on the beat and supporting them with the tools and training they need. It means getting weapons of war off our streets and keeping guns out of the hands of criminals -- common-sense measures that would reduce gun violence and help officers do their job safely and effectively.   Together, we can accomplish those goals. So as we take this time to honor law enforcement in big cities and small towns all across our country, let us join them in pursuit of a brighter tomorrow. Our police officers serve and sacrifice on our behalf every day, and as citizens, we owe them nothing less than our full and lasting support.   By a joint resolution approved October 1, 1962, as amended (76 Stat. 676), and by Public Law 103-322, as amended (36 U.S.C. 136-137), the President has been authorized and requested to designate May 15 of each year as "Peace Officers Memorial Day" and the week in which it falls as "Police Week."   NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 15, 2013, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 12 through May 18, 2013, as Police Week. I call upon all Americans to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also call on Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, officials of the other territories subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day. I further encourage all Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes and businesses on that day.   IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.     BARACK OBAMA

Love and Logic

Moms…do you ever feel like the weight of the world is resting firmly on your shoulders? Do you ever feel like it's your job…YOUR JOB… to make sure that your kids always do the right thing and turn out well? Do you ever worry that the entire neighborhood is aware and judging you when your kids sneak out of the house with mismatched socks, messy hair and less-than-polite attitudes?

 

Oftentimes, the most loving and effective mothers take the most heat from others and themselves.

 

Wonderful moms understand that kids need to make plenty of small, affordable mistakes. They know that kids must experience occasional struggles and disappointments. They also know that constant rescuing or micromanaging just creates kids who need constant rescuing and micromanaging.

 

Because of this, the best moms often feel a bit lonely and unsure of themselves. They feel lonely because our society too frequently rewards what looks good rather than what is good. They feel lonely because they rarely overhear other mothers bragging about allowing their kids to learn by forgetting a lunch, misplacing an occasional homework paper, or having to pay for a lost coat.

 

The best moms often feel a bit lonely and unsure of themselves.

 

It's easy to feel guilty or insecure when you see so many "super hover mommies" acting like pack mules, carrying all of their children's sporting equipment, back packs and other responsibilities. It's easy to lose perspective when your minivan is the only one without an "Honor Student" bumper sticker. It's tempting to waver when the parents next door are working harder completing their child's homework than their child is.

 

On this Mother's Day holiday, I hope to encourage all of the wonderful mothers who let things fall apart from time to time…who understand the wisdom of providing a rather imperfect world for their kids. When you find yourself feeling insecure or guilty, listen to our audio, Helicopters, Drill Sergeants and Consultants, and be reminded that it's far better for our kids to submit a sloppy science fair project than them seeing us hunched over the kitchen table frantically doing it for them.

 

Thanks for reading! Our goal is to help as many families as possible. If this is a benefit, forward it to a friend.

 

Dr. Charles Fay

Through the Looking Glass

Here is the site to practice the songs for Through the Looking Glass.

https://sites.google.com/a/highlineacademy.org/ms-tobias-music-info/third-grade

thanks,
Ms. Tobias

 

teacher appreciation!!

Thank you so much for all the wonderful ways you all have shown us your appreciation this week!!! We are overwhelmed with gratitude. Your cards, flowers, gifts and FOOD have all been so enjoyed and treasured. THANK YOU so much for sharing your amazing children with us!!

Ms. Whalen
Ms. Wetzel
Ms. Miles

Love and Logic

Maybe you know a kid who’s mastered the art of shooting looks that kill. Maybe this "kid" is really an adult who’s maturity-challenged. Here are some tips:

 

Resist the urge to act like a child.

 

Are you like me? Do you ever find yourself tempted to reciprocate to your child’s snotty attitude with a mucus-like one of your own?

 

Resist this temptation and do your best to remain calm.

 

Give honest feedback while making the problem belong to your child.

 

Kids need to get honest feedback about how they come across to others…and the impact this is likely to have on their OWN lives. With a strong dose of empathy, experiment with saying:

 

When you stick your tongue out and say those nasty things,

you're really no fun to be around. I will always love you,

but few others will if you continue to act that way.

That would be a pretty lonely life.

 

Take good care of yourself by setting and enforcing healthy limits.

 

Becoming a doormat only teaches your child to treat others like doormats. Examples of healthy limits include:

 

I play with kids who talk nicely.

 

I cook dinner for people who express thankfulness rather than complaining about what I serve.

 

Feel free to join us when you can act sweet.

 

I enjoy providing privileges to kids who talk and act nicely.

 

Also, set firm limits over television and video game use.

 

Most television content glorifies nasty, sarcastic attitudes. Too much time spent interacting with video games makes it tougher for kids to display patience and grace with real-life people.

 

Nasty looks and nasty comments aren’t just annoying…they’re hurtful to those who deliver them. That’s why you shouldn’t feel guilty for taking a firm and loving approach to the problem. For more tips and techniques read Love and Logic Magic: When Kids Leave You Speechless.

 

Thanks for reading! Our goal is to help as many families as possible. If this is a benefit, forward it to a friend.

 

Dr. Charles Fay

 

TCAP

Phew- we made it through the first round of TCAP testing. I am hoping that some of the anxiety of this new type of testing is somewhat relieved now that your child knows what the test looks like.

Please keep in mind as we enter the 2nd and 3rd round of testing in the next few weeks that your child will need to be well rested, come to school on time, and have a nutritious breakfast.

If you are able, will you please bring in healthy snacks to feed our bodies and minds before we test? We could use go-gurts, cheese sticks, fruits- bananas cut in half, apple slices, cuties, etc...

Our next testing dates are:
Writing- Tuesday and Wednesday March 12th and 13th.

Math- Tuesday and Wednesday March 19th and 20th.

Thanks!
Ms. Whalen, Ms. Wetzel and Ms. Miles

Science and Social Studies study guides...

Ancient Rome Study guide- click here

Astronomy Study guide- click here

Forwarded from Love and Logic!

Far too many parents find themselves mired in un-winnable power-struggles over homework…battles that damage parent-child relationships result in further resistance to learning and they steal joy.

 There's good news! With some practical tips, we can enjoy cooperative kids while building a life-long love of learning:

• Prevent resistance by providing choices within limits.

Of course, only give choices that will make you happy regardless of what your child decides. For example:

 

Do you want to work on math first or reading first?

 

Would you like to do the odd problems or the even ones?

 

Would you like to read sitting down or standing up?

• When your children get resistant, allow them to learn by refusing to.

Refusing to do a homework assignment can serve as a more important life lesson than the content of the assignment.

The next time your child gets resistant, experiment with walking away from the table and saying:

 

I love you too much to fight with you about homework.

I'll be happy to help when I see that you want my help.

• Let their grades be their grades.

When their grades are poor, be sad for them. Using empathy rather than anger dramatically increases the odds that they'll actually feel bad about getting bad grades. When this begins to happen, the consequence comes from inside the child…rather than us having to provide one from the outside. In my book, From Bad Grades to a Great Life (now available as an e-book) I provide a variety of additional strategies for helping kids develop this type of internal drive.

• Build them up in their strengths.

Kids who make a lot of mistakes also need to experience plenty of success. That's why it's so important to encourage them to spend time and energy on their strengths. Celebrating their successes cements our relationship and gives them the courage to tackle the tough stuff!

 

 

Thanks for reading! Our goal is to help as many families as possible. If this is a benefit, forward it to a friend.