Wrapping up Grade-Level Coffees
Dear Lower School families,
The cooler temperatures this week were a wonderful sign that Fall is on the way! I am truly looking forward to my first Fall in Colorado.
I have wrapped up the grade-level coffees for the beginning of school and enjoyed my time with the parents and grandparents that joined me for each one. I am including a list of highlights from the coffees for everyone this week, in case you were unable to attend or would like to know more about various topics.
Two books discussed:
Why Do They Act That Way? By Dr. David Walsh
Why Do They Act That Way? Explains the scientific, brain-based reasons behind teens' impulsive behavior, lack of focus, self-consciousness, territoriality, fatigue, and their quickness to anger and take risks—to name just a few common teen behaviors.
Unselfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me-World
This book explains what parents and educators must do to combat the growing empathy crisis among children today—including a 9-step empathy-building program with tips to guide kids from birth through college, and beyond.
Technology:
We discussed the use of technology for ages 4-11 and the balance of technology for school use vs. pleasure use. The discussion included:
- developing a family code of conduct relating to technology usage;
- creating a contract relating to your child’s usage and expected behavior;
- considering the location of charging stations in your home;
- implementing screen time blackouts for everyone;
- applying an app like Our Pact to manage screen time usage; and
- monitoring your child after using technology to determine if any concerning behavioral changes develop.
Homework Attitude:
Children take their cues from us as the adult leaders in their lives. If we have a bad attitude about homework, it will trickle down to our students. Consider approaching homework as a learning opportunity for your child to show you what they know. Be thoughtful of how you phrase homework related comments. Try not to say, “Oh, no! You have homework tonight!”
Use homework as an opportunity to assess your child’s strengths and areas of focus. Set your child up for success in thinking about how and when they complete their homework as well.
I appreciate the many suggestions for upcoming parenting workshop topics—please keep those coming. Thank you again for the time with you and the engaging dialogue during each coffee.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Angie Crabtree
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