As we welcome November and the many blessings it holds, guidance classes are diving into responsibility and respect.  I love teaching these character traits to the students.  In searching for a guidance program, when I was first hired in 2012, I looked at a variety of programs.  From pillars to habits, I have come to the conclusion that our Guidelines for Success are the best traits or habits to teach!  The kids may think I'm crazy because I sometimes get so enthusiastic when teaching, however I really do feel that they can become successful Catholics by following them.  So I will continue to teach these guidelines with excitement!
     The students at the 4-6 Campus will focus on having responsible actions.  There are so many facets to this concept.  A person can be responsible for the well being of another person.  Or the responsibility may focus on something more concrete, such as homework.  And there is responsibility for a person's own behavior.  Teaching kids to be responsible for their actions is so difficult but beneficial.  In searching for parenting advice on this subject, I came across an article on Dr. James Dobson's website, Focus on the Family.  This article has some practical tips for teaching children how to be responsible for their behavior: http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/schoolage-children/curbing-the-blame-game-and-getting-rid-of-excuses. The 4th grade students will continue making their guidance books while the 5th grade students will be doing a fun activity while learning about responsible behaviors.  The 6th grade students began the anti bullying curriculum titled "Hero in You" last month.  They will have their second lesson in November. 
     The K-3 Campus is focusing on showing respect.  In teaching this trait, I have observed that students can give excellent examples of respect but struggle to define respect.  From a biblical viewpoint, I try to explain that we are made in the image of God and because of this we are all valuable.  Kids can relate to something being valuable.  "What is your most prized possession?"  When asked this question, kids can think of that special item that they cherish.  They are able to understand that some things are valuable because of how much money it may have cost or because it came from someone who has since died.  You can almost see some light bulbs come on when we talk about treating someone with respect because they are valuable because they are made in the likeness of God!  Here is an article I found on teaching respect to our children http://club31women.com/2015/03/3-good-reasons-i-wont-let-our-kids-disrespect-me/.  K-3 parents be on the look out for pictures, from the guidance classes, to be uploaded to the Seesaw app.  It's another new technology endeavor that I am trying!
     I wish everyone a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!  Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the (estimated) 700 blessings gracing our hallways.  As always, please feel free to comment or email me at kim.bennett@owensborocatholic.org.

     The beginning of the month is always a whirlwind of activity for me.  New guidance lessons begin!  Both the K-3 and 4-6 Campuses get new bulletin boards depicting the "Guideline For Success" for that month.  Much thought goes into the bulletin boards and lessons.  I hope that an image, story or worksheet sticks in the kids' heads so that one day, when a particular concept is brought to their minds, they think, "I remember learning something about that."  Or they may think, "I know what that is and I know what to do!"
     As I teach the monthly guidance lessons, a particular phrase always comes to mind: "It takes a village to raise a child."  In today's society, the traditional family is changing.  Some changes are for the good and others are not.  Something that I have noticed is the fact that very rarely does a child just have a mom, dad, brother or sister and that's it!  There is usually a grandmother, grand father, aunt, uncle or someone that lends a hand and helps.  That is a special blessing!  I remember many important lessons about life that were taught by my grandparents.  The reason I bring this to mind is because the many teachers and staff that are in your child's/children's lives want to be there to help as well.  The faculty at these two schools want to be a part of that "village!"  In fact, they view this as part of their responsibility (K-3's guideline for this month) and hope to form a cooperative team (4-6's guideline for this month) with you!  When we take on these responsibilities together, the boundaries have no end.  I hope that the guidance lessons support what you are teaching at home and vice versa!    Often when I am working with classes, a student will say, "My mom says the same thing!"  or "I hear that at home, a lot!"  These comments let my know that I am on the right track.  The older I get, the more I realize that parenting is hard work and teaching is hard work!  We are all in this together.  So here are some articles that are for you!  I love this one by Kristen Welch where she talks about her experience and thoughts about parenting: http://wearethatfamily.com/2015/09/parenting-is-hard-especially-when-youre-doing-it-right/.
     The K-3 Campus guidance lessons will focus on "Having Responsible Actions."  I am big on responsibility!  I love teaching the kids about how they are becoming responsible people.  They have responsibilities at school, home and even in the church!  Here is at article from Focus On the Family that hits the responsibility nail on the head! http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/schoolage-children/homework-and-responsibility  I mean it is spot on!  I half to laugh at myself when I read it.  I need to "crack the book" more myself and my children, especially my 16 year old would very much agree!  4-6 parents, even though this is not your guideline for the month, I encourage you to read ahead!
    The 4-6 Campus will begin guidance lessons this month.  MAP testing is finished (breathe a collective sigh) and I will be in the classrooms!  Fourth and fifth grades will focus on "Cooperate With Everyone."  Fourth grade will begin making their guidance books, and fifth grade will be doing more hands on activities.  The sixth grade classes will focus on a new bullying program that I am excited to begin teaching.  This curriculum is titled, Hero In You.  Each lesson begins with a Bible verse and it breaks down the entire bullying scenario to help students understand what bullying is and what they can do about it!  The focus is on the courage to stand up for what is right.  In this world today, this is a vital concept to learn.  Often when I talk with a student, they can tell me exactly what should be done in areas of conflict.  It's the "doing it" part that is such a struggle for them.  They are submersed in a world were they want to be liked and going against the grain is frowned upon.  So you can imagine how difficult it could be for a 10-13 year old to go against what everyone is doing, even though they know it should be done.  It takes courage and that is a focus in this program!
     I hope everyone has a great month of October!  Please feel free to contact me at kim.bennett@owensborocatholic.org or leave a comment, if you feel comfortable doing so!