With Catholic Schools Week behind us and MAP testing just about finished, February should be a calm month.  With that said, we are entering our longest stretch of school for the school year.  At the end of our last snow day, we had 10 solid weeks before spring break.  The good news is that we have 2 of those weeks behind us.  These weeks can seem very long and trying at times.  We will all need a good dose of patience.  Fr. Richard Meredith used to say that God was actually teaching us patience, in times like these.  Maybe we can include this in our lenten sacrifices.
     Last month, I began a new series of lessons with kindergarten, first and second grades.  All of the classes came to my room for their lessons, and I think it was a big hit!  I plan to continue doing this for the remainder of the year.  The kindergarten lessons are dinosaur themed while first grade are safari themed.  Both of these grades will have lessons focusing on tattling and when to tell.  I know the teachers like this topic and hopefully it will be helpful at home, as well  (I wish I had a dollar for every time I have told my own kids "You worry about yourself and not what your brother/sister is doing."  I would have a nice vacation fund going!)  Second grade lessons have a pineapple theme.  I'll admit that I was a unsure of this theme, but it seems to be going over well with the students.  This month second grade will focus on conflict resolution.  Learning how to communicate and work out our differences is a skill that everyone needs, regardless of age or grade.  Third grade will continue with the growth mindset lessons.  This month we will discuss what it takes to be a successful learner and how effort and practice are essential for success, in the classroom.
     I have been exploring the "Focus on the Family" website.  There are so many good articles and surveys on this site.  You can sign up for weekly emails that will include upcoming podcasts, featured books and articles and movie reviews.  I really like the movie review feature.  A review will tell you all the good, bad and ugly in a new release (right down to he number of times inappropriate language is used).   I encourage you to check it out when you have time.  I found the following articles on the site.   https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/schoolage-children/wanted-good-friends  and https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/schoolage-children/kids-and-comparison/end-parenting-comparisons-and-choose-contentment.  One article gives excellent tips on helping our children become good friends.  This article ties in nicely with the second grade conflict resolution lesson.  The second article helps us deal with comparing ourselves to others.  I see children do this frequently and I'd be lying if I said that I have never done it.  Comparing ourselves to others can happen so easily, without notice.  This article point out that we should have more gratitude for what we do have instead of what we don't have.
     On a side note, the season of Lent begins next week.  I also encourage you to check out Matthew Kelly's "Best Lent Ever" program.  By signing up on his website, you will receive a daily email that "guides you through the season of Lent."  Here is a link to his website: https://dynamiccatholic.com/bestlentever
     As always, please contact me if you have any worries or concerns.  I can be reached at the K-3 Campus (270) 684-7583 or through email at kim.bennett@owensborocatholic.org.