As we get into the second full week of school, everyone should be getting into a groove and finding their routine. This can be hard to do at first. Every student and family is different so if your family’s routine is different from a peer’s, that is ok! What’s important is that you know what is best for your family. I encourage families to establish a routine that includes homework time and a specific bedtime. Consistency is the key. Even if your child does not have homework yet, try to set a routine where they unload that back pack and attend to school items. Obviously this will look very different for a kindergarten and a third grade student, but the approach can still be similar. If your child is in kindergarten, teach them how to unload their backpack. You can walk through it with them until they get the hang of it (and that may take a very long time, which is ok). By doing this, you are teaching them that homework is important and is not an option. It is also teaching them responsibility. But most importantly, you are instilling confidence in them that they can do this task. I cannot stress enough how important feeling confident is for a child. Sometimes it may seem and actually be easier for you to do this for them, but such small steps can help contribute to such large gains, later in life. For some parents it is just hard to let go. Trust me when I say, “I get that.” Just this past weekend, my husband and I took our oldest to U of L. Leaving him there wasn’t the hardest thing I have ever done but it was up there on the list. Taking your oldest (and maybe your middle and your youngest) to kindergarten or a new school can be just as difficult. Our very wise art teacher, Mrs. Julie Warren made a great point when we were talking about this very subject. We are raising our children to grow and spread their wings so they can fly. But man! As a parent, watching that happen can be so bittersweet. Here is an article that might help if you’re struggling with this. https://bridgechristian.wordpress.com/2016/07/05/putting-the-basket-in-the-water-trusting-god-in-the-next-phase-of-your-childs-life/ Here is a quote from the article: "There comes a time-many actually-in the lives of our children where we have to put the basket in the water. We have to let go and trust the plan of the Father."
So what are we doing in class this month? The kindergarten students will be l doing an introduction game and learning about listening skills. The kindergarten transition class will also play a game about listening skills and learn about behaviors that can help them be successful in the classroom. The first and second grades will be playing games that teach listening skills as well as cooperating with others. The third grade classes will be doing activities that focus on goal setting for the academic year.
Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help your student or your family. I can be reached through email kim.bennett@owensborocatholic.org or at (270) 684-7583.
