S.O.A.R. Newsletter
March 7, 2008
by Debbie Fischgrabe
March 10, 2008
S.O.A.R. Program
Putnam Co. R-I School District
Newsletter – March 7, 2008
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS WEEK
Miss Maureen Ferry visited our classroom on Wednesday to begin a unit on photography. She worked with third through eighth grade students on this unit. They discussed many aspects of taking a quality photograph and will continue this unit in the future.
Mrs. Tanya Partridge also visited the S.O.A.R. Program on Wednesday for a fun art project with the Kindergarten through second grade students. The students discussed cave paintings and had the opportunity to do some cave paintings of their own.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mrs. Jane Halley will be visiting our students on Wednesday to discuss the process of getting a thought on paper and then into a published book. This should be a very interesting activity.
Miss Maureen Ferry will be visiting the third through eighth grade students on Wednesday for another photography lesson.
Mrs. Teresa Sands will be visiting on Friday to give a presentation on Smokebusters.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
I
was reminded this week when visiting the Child Development
Institute website how important play is to our children. The
following is an excerpt from that article. While
children do need time to play alone and with other children without
adult intervention, research shows that playtime with parents is
also important.
Children crave time with parents. It makes them feel
special. Parents are encouraged to find time to spend playing
with their kids on a regular basis. This should include one
to one with each child and group time with all of the adults
and
kids
in the home. If you are a single parent or have an only
child, occasionally invite family or friends over to play.
In pretend play, let the child develop the theme. Get into their world. Let them go with it. Ask questions. Play along. Be silly along with them and have fun.
Parents can use stuffed animals or puppets to act out real-life situations that can teach problem solving or social skills. Let the puppet demonstrate the wrong way to handle a situation.
More Possibilities:
•
Play
outdoors. Throw balls. Push kids on swings. Make
mud pies. Go on a hike around the neighborhood. Take a
naturewalk in your
backyard.
•
Play games
– card games – board games – silly and wacky kids games. Help
them learn to take turns, how to win and how to loose. Praise
them. Encourage them. Laugh with them.
•
Get
involved in a craft project together. Build a jigsaw puzzle
as a family. Bake cookies. Paint a picture.
•
Listen to
music together. Sing along. Play rhythm instruments
along with music. Get out the guitar or keyboard and
make music.
•
Read a
book together. Ask questions. Ask them to change the
story or make up a new one.
•
Watch a
movie together. Find out what they liked – how they
felt. Discover the child’s interests. Comment on and
discuss any bothersome content--either words or actions.
• Play kid games like: Follow the Leader – Guess What I Am? – Hide and Seek
Play is a time when we can teachpatience, problem solving, social skills and creativity. Playing with kids builds a bond that will last forever. It lets the child know he or she is loved and appreciated. It opens the door for sharing problems and concerns when the need arises. It helps the parent get to know and understand the uniqueness of each child. It is also a great stress reducer for overworked parents.
Family Activities are great for the whole family. They help develop strong family bonds which can last a lifetime. It can be said that a family who plays together stays together. They also are more cooperative, supportive and have open communication. These qualities pay off in big dividends by increasing self-esteem, social skills and a sense of connectedness that helps kids use good judgment when confronted with difficulties and temptations.
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
I would like to schedule some helpful workshops for the family members of our S.O.A.R. students in the near future. Some possible topics might include smoking cessation, G.E.D. certification, family health/nutrition, basic computer skills, or assistance in creating a resume. Please telephone me at 660-947-3361, ext. 392 if you find any of these topics of interest to you. If several interest you please indicate your first, second, third choice and what evenings/times would work best for your schedule on the attached information sheet and return to Deborah Fischgrabe, S.O.A.R. Project Coordinator.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Have a great weekend with your families.
Daylight Savings Time - Remember to set your clocks forward this weekend!
Ms. Debbie, Ms. LeAnn, Mr. Reed, Ms. Nellie and Ms. Elladean
S.O.A.R. FAMILY WORKSHOPS
I would like to schedule some helpful workshops for the family members of our S.O.A.R. students in the near future. Some possible topics might include smoking cessation, G.E.D. certification, family health/nutrition, basic computer skills, or assistance in creating a resume. Please telephone me at 660-947-3361, ext. 392 if you find any of these topics of interest to you. If several interest you please indicate your first, second, third choice and what evenings/times would work best for your schedule on the attached information sheet and return to Deborah Fischgrabe, S.O.A.R. Project Coordinator.
S.O.A.R. Student Name:
Parent Name:
Phone Number where I may be reached:
E-mail address:
Workshop choices:
1st Choice:
2nd Choice:
3rd Choice:
Please return this sheet to Mrs. Fischgrabe as soon as possible so she may schedule the workshops.
