lessons

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The little homerun lessons of life…

“Everyday is a new day which gives us a new opportunity to shape a child’s life.”  Thus begins the little jewel of a book called Life’s Little Lessons…An Inch-by-Inch Tale of Success by Joanne Scaglione and Gail Small.  This tale for children, parents, and teachers, inspires with a simple message, in fact, the authors have this to say: LLLbook “We hope to teach children that although life has it’s twists and turns…if we face life with our chin up we can accomplish anything!”  The story centers around a caterpillar named Cyrano who lives with his mom and spends a great deal of time in trouble with the school’s principal, Mr. Tweeterman.  Cyrano cannot make or keep friends, his teachers are so hard on him, and his dad has left home.  He is sent to Mr. BeeCallus’ class (known as the Bee Better class) where Mr. B recognizes his talent with a baseball…and you can probably guess the rest of the story.

Resonating throughout the book is the importance of learning life’s lessons when we’re young and how knowledge can lead us to greatness in the future.  When a young learner looks at me and asks, “Why do I need to know this, Mrs. Van?”, it is my sincere hope the WHY is always more important than the WHAT.

As we begin to start a new school year, there is great excitement and anticipation on the road ahead.  Here’s hoping you savor these last few days of summer time, family, friends, and fun…and here’s hoping the new school year allows each learner the opportunity to make multiple home runs of success!

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A little side trip…

Yes, it’s been a month since the last post and life certainly happens in the meantime!  Let’s just say I took a real break this summer by traveling beyond the borders, using my passport for the very first time, reading some ancient materials, absorbing astounding facts and history, and enJOYing the journey.  As a special gift this year (for a momentous birthday this month), my extraordinary husband flew me to my sister Assisiin Italy (who spends her summer teaching opera to up-and-coming stars in the genre).  If a place can be a soul friend, Italy is certainly a personal contender.  From small communities to cities like Florence and Rome, I had the uncanny feeling I truly belonged.

One of the most powerful observations along this journey were the children with their families.  It is tradition to work hours in the morning until about Noon, take a 3-4 hour break for lunch and sieste (most places close their doors during these hours!), finish up any business, and then go outside to greet friends and neighbors in the city squares (piazzas) before a family meal.  No matter where we traveled, this expectation was present.  While Italy certainly has beautiful cars and other interesting modes of transportation, walking and biking are usually their first choices.  Children are calm, well-behaved, interested, and incredibly tuned-into their environment.  Families and friends are highly engaged with one another by forging IMG_2846relationships, talking, and interacting together (like dads taking off their beautiful Italian shoes to play soccer in the piazzas on the walk home from work while still wearing their business suits).  There is a serene, subtle energy, but no one appears stressed or in a big hurry.  Meals can take hours, especially in the evening when several courses are served, because they talk about family, traditions, and life.  My Italian friends proudly tell me Italians know more about family and traditions than anyone; I believe them now!

We can take a lesson from these friends by slowing down some, savoring the moments more, and approaching everything with greater care and anticipation.  My challenge to learners, classroom leaders, and our families this coming school year is to try this at least ONE night per week.  Turn off the electronics (all of them), share a meal prepared together, and talk with one another about family, traditions, and life.  Here’s hoping you heed the challenge with great success!  🙂

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Study Skills and Homework…really?!

Like any important life skill, studying must be taught and practiced.  There was much discussion in one classroom I visited today on this very topic in fact!  Students had much advice to offer, so here are some reminders to help all of us with our study habits and homework (taken from some experts, our learners!):

  1. Work on the harder stuff first, like math or writing.  You have more brain power then.  🙂
  2. Use the planner and write it all down.  Who can remember everything at once?  🙂
  3. Mom has an special area we use for studying and homework now–it has paper, pencils, index cards, and other supplies we might need to finish our work–we have six kids, you know.  🙂
  4. Stay organized and know what you need to finish your work.  🙂
  5. A really good snack helps me study more.  🙂
  6. I have to “teach” the lesson to dad when he gets home.  I better be ready so he learns it!  🙂
  7. Cooking, reading, playing bingo or other games with my weekly words keeps me sharp.  🙂
  8. I’m given some play time first and then it’s time to settle down to work.  🙂
  9. Mom and dad read when we read; it’s a rule at home.  🙂
  10. No texting or TVs on when I study; grammy means it!  🙂

Here are some ideas our teachers share with parents:

  • Set a good example; allow your child to see you reading, writing, figuring problems, etc.
  • Look over homework assignments and make yourself available to help if needed.
  • Communicate how important school and education are in life.
  • Have high expectations and expect your child’s personal best always.
  • Invite your child to teach you a concept or new information being studied in class; we learn best when we teach someone else the idea.
  • Keep informed about grades and school progress; attend school conferences and participate in school activities teaching you how to work with your child.  Communicate and collaborate regularly with your child’s teacher(s).

Remember, you are your child’s first and most important teacher.  You are our partners and participating members of our learning community!  We always invite your suggestions, your triumphs, and your concerns, so let us know how we can best serve your child and you during this educational journey.  Study skills and homework are ongoing during the academic year…it’s a blessing to know we have some REALLY great ideas to help us!