Dear Lower School Families,

 

As I departed my Lower School office in March for Spring Break, I took 15 of my favorite books about educational pedagogy and teaching strategies. I thought that “if the return to school was delayed,”  I might reread a few of my favorites. With our extended time at home, I’m glad I brought 15 with me. One of the books is The Essential 55 by Ron Clark.

 

The premise of the book is to outline “55 rules for living,” and how adults can introduce and support these rules in the development of all children, regardless of age. I cannot possibly share all 55 today, but there are several that seem relevant and important to share with Lower School families. These are rules that most of us live by each day, but we do not necessarily think about transferring them into a child’s life. Sometimes as adults we take for granted that children “just know” what to do in a variety of situations, and that is not always true.

 

Today, I will share 7 of the suggested 55 rules:

 

These rules may be simple, but they are necessary in developing positive relationships with others. As adults, we know that these are polite and responsible behaviors. It is our responsibility as adults to teach and model these rules for living to children in an appropriate manner. Remember: children model what they see and experience. Consider developing your Essential List of Rules with your family.

 

I treasure a teachable moment with a child. A situation occurs, and I have the opportunity to talk about what is happening, why it is happening, and gather perspective from the child about how they might handle it. In developing your own list of Family Rules, you open a pathway for continued conversation and accountability in a proactive manner for everyone in your family.

 

Thank you for your continued feedback as we progress through the final weeks of school. The faculty, staff, and I appreciate YOU and the work you are doing to support your children learning from home.

 

Wishing you a restful weekend –

Angie Crabtree