Diet Coke and a strawberry Pop Tart...

Vices or habits often control, lead, and/or dictate how we run our lives…However, these habits or idiosyncrasies truly are just a part of our daily routine. We rarely give it much thought (as I stop to take a drink of my diet coke) as to when or how often the habit weaves itself into the fabric of our day. For me two things that "help me out" include my diet coke and strawberry Pop Tart (unfrosted).

I often think of the habits we have and also those habits of our students (Especially the ones we’d like to see fall to wayside). If we ask our students to change a habit that we perceive as one that impacts their school day, remember it takes a while to change or eliminate a habit. Remember, if you do decide to break or change one of your habits it takes 30 days to change, break, or begin a new habit. So when encouraging our students to make a change, they too need that time to make the transition into a new habit or behavior.

If you really want to consider eliminating the habit or vice, consider the following:

1.      Determine if you can go through the day without the vice or habit,

2.      Does it have any negative effects or impacts on your life?

3.      What can replace it in a healthy positive way?

Gotta go, its early morning and I need my diet coke and strawberry Pop Tart… What helps you get through the day?

Facing Our Giants

Just as Coach Grant Taylor and the Shiloh Eagles football team in the movie Facing the Giants confronted their modern day Goliath, our students often struggle with “giants”- imposing upon and impacting their lives each day of school. From home, to friends, to social media, to school, they often face issues that simply “get in their way” of enjoying school and life. Knowing this, it is important that we “meet them where they are” and provide a support system to help them while they are with us at school.

Often just by knowing that there is a caring adult nearby to listen to them, our students find this comforting; it is an added assurance that “things will be ok”. In working to help our students to be successful, here are three steps you can implement to help them in this process:
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Maintain Open Channels of Communication with your students (and colleagues):  Communication is the key and this helps your students understand that you want to stay “connected” with them. Talk with them about their interests, likes, and goals. Showing a sincere interest in your students will create a positive bond with them. Keep the “team” in the loop, as colleagues may have additional insight in to ways to help. Also, keep channels of communication open with parents, since they can provide information that is beneficial to their child’s welfare.

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Home Base: Establish a Home Room setting where students can touch base with a specific teacher throughout the year. This creates a “safe” zone of comfort for the student. We’ve established the Character Connection Class that addresses the Home Base factor (see March 6, 2013 Blog Post: Character Connection Class…Building Relationships in a place to call “Home”). This is more than a home room or Academic Lab, it is a scheduled time for a small group of students to meet with a specific teacher on a regular or semi-regular basis.

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Watch for Signs of Change: In the event you see a change in behavior, attendance, social groups, or appearance, make contact with the counselor, parent, and grade level administrator. Changes in these key areas are often signs which signal a concern for the child. Always follow up with the counselor and administrator to check on the student’s progress.

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We all want what is best for our students, and often they need us for support and assistance far more often than they will admit. Knowing that they have us in their “corner” always helps. Taking proactive steps to create a positive and conducive learning atmosphere is best for all students. Tackling the 21^st century Goliath will help our students become productive citizens both in school and in the greater community! Make it a great day - the choice is up to you!