Windsor Parent Group: "Everybody Counts!"

Today's focus...

Jamie Impastato, the Windsor/Foundations social worker and I co-facilitated the Communications & Foundations Parent Group today at Windsor.  Today's topic was about "Everybody Counts" week which takes place the week of February 18th.  Members from the PTA joined us as we discussed the purpose of "Everybody Counts" and ways to update the program to coincide with student needs.  On February 12th, the "Everybody Counts" committee will be holding a parent training from 9:30-11:00.  The parent training is for parent volunteers who want to help facilitate a topic in one or more grades.  The parents will learn how to teach the activities created for each grade level.

Kindergarten:  Focuses on Visual, Hearing, and Motor Impairments (Introduction)
First grade:  Focuses on Visual Impairments (Elaboration of Kindergarten topic)
Second grade:  Hearing Impairment
Third grade:  Learning Disabilities
Fourth grade:  Motor Impairments (Elaboration from Primary grades)
Fifth grade:  Medical-related needs such as Diabetes and Allergies, as well as discussion on Autism

Looking to the future...

There was a great discussion on integrating a wider-range of special needs such as speech delays, neurological disorders, sensory issues, and other areas that are not currently addressed in the "Everybody Counts" curriculum.  By addressing a wide-range of special needs, there will be a better connection amongst students to understand and identify with everyday, real-life situations.

Staying Connected to Student's Social/Emotional Needs

In the article below, a teacher created a classroom system to stay connected to her student's needs.  The system helped her gauge which students may be feeling isolated or disconnected from their peers.  This is something that every classroom could do from elementary to high school.

Check it out :)

http://momastery.com/blog/2014/01/30/share-schools/ 

Be a true friend...

Friendship can be a rollercoaster ride for children. However, teaching and modeling empathy and good character can lead to more successful relationships altogether.

See the link below for a great story that reinforces this important life lesson:

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/4661700

Social/Emotional Learning and Academic Success

Social/Emotional learning in schools teaches children about self-awareness, self-regulation, social skills, problem-solving skills, and other life skills that help build success.

Please click the link below for more details:

http://www.casel.org/library/2013/12/5/aligning-preschool-through-high-school-social-and-emoonal-learning-standards

IMAGINE the possibilities...

I found this great article discussing a link between imaginative play and improved social/emotional and self-regulation skills.  See the link below :).

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=19212514

Empathy vs. Sympathy

http://failblog.cheezburger.com/share/56915969

Holiday YO's or Holiday WOE's?

The holidays can be a time of celebration, but it can also be a time of stress.  Children thrive on routine and structure so although the holidays can be fun, the time off of school or changes at home can prove difficult for some.

See the link below for some helpful holiday tips:

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/parenting_tips_for_the_holidays