I ask, " Why are you not finishing your classwork honey?"

If you find yourself saying to your children "focus! focus! focus!" then you have been sounding a lot like me for the past few weeks.  Needless to say I am beginning to sound like a broken recording.  The wonderful Mrs. Peters the teacher of my daughters kindergarten class sent home a note the other day.  Mrs. Peters like any good teacher went on to express a concern and wanted to know if everything was okay with Sade.  Unfortunately, Sade had not completed the listening and writing assignment of the day.  I was so grateful she took the time to inform me of her observations.  I immediately started to think about what could I do to support her and help Sade be more successful in the classroom.

 

 

Keep Calm and Complete Classwork

 

I sat down with my little student and had a discussion about why she had not completed her class writing assignment.  Her response was simple she tried so hard to complete her work and she did her best. I thought to myself what can we do to improve your focus in class?  After considering what I know about my child pretend play is very important to her.  I give her 15 minutes upon arrival from school to unwind.  So I decided to move that around to the evening.  After reading a few articles to get some helpful ideas I have devised a next plan of action to help my little student focus throughout the day.

 

 

Family Planning requires a few tools and resources.

 

 

 Tool Box:

1. How does the environment affect a child's brain development?                                             https://www.sharecare.com/health 

2. How to Improve Attention Spans:                   http://www.parents.com/kids/development

3. Dietary plan:                                    http://www.multivitaminguide.org/

• I wanted to make sure that my daughters diet was supplementing those very important minerals that she would need to help with her brain development and function.  We I researched her multivitamin it was not even in the ranking 100.  Needless to say if your child has the type of diet that includes all the right amounts of the food pyramid then you beating half the battle.  Unfortunately, I am that parent that has to seek alternatives and supplement those nutrients that are  to the development of a healthy child with a developing brain.

4. Book Recommendation YOU-Raising-Owners-Manual

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5. Calendar of events:

• Depending on what region of the world you live in like me you have to consider that the winter season has required a few snow days and necessary indoor activities.  My child is probably experiencing a great deal of cabin fever.  So with the upcoming winter recess I will schedule activities with an opportunity to get out and socialize.  For example the movies, bowling and indoor ice skating.

 

Bowling is for everyone!

Lego Movie

 

 



       

It is always a great idea to reevaluate your family plan and to consider how personal lifestyle, academic goals and weather may or may not be affecting your child and their progress.  Please share your thoughts and any other ideas for me. Good luck!

Our Tools Equals Our Success

Its a new year and as much as we would like to start fresh we are still in the middle of quarterly grades, standards and goals.  After the holidays we can regroup and renew our approach to succeeding in school.  We are four months into the school year and whats so great is we should have a better understanding of what its going to take for our child to succeed in this year. For example,  we know homework patterns and we can support our children in building a stronger relationship with their teachers.   

Tool Box:

Great books to read for new ideas that are buzzing around the world!

I was talking to a fellow mom and she shared an important observation.  She thinks each year is going to be a great opportunity to teach our little scholars "Time Management Skills".  She thinks that teaching little students effective habits of successful people is the start to utilizing time efficiently and effectively.  By exposing our little scholars to new and effective ways of managing schoolwork and extra curricula activities we are building a strong foundation for success in the classroom and life.   It should create accountability, an awareness of what it takes to complete goals,  and how to prioritize.

Visual mapping:

Faithfulprovisions.com

Momstoolbelt.com

You might think what age is too young to get started? As I watch my daughter grow and stretch as a person I have learned their is value in good practice and an occasional challenge.   To my surprise my daughter is well suited to meet most of those challenges.  What a great confidence booster!

Time for Action

So, reflect upon what is working and what to enhance as you think with the end in mind.  Aim higher for a balance and effective lifestyle.  As parents we should model and or learn these new skills we are trying to encourage.  It absolutely renews my life and my ability to reinvent myself in all these wonderful areas that I'm trying to nurture in my child.  So lets make it a family affair by setting goals, broadening our interest levels, exploring new learning styles and becoming life long learners.  What a gift and a legacy to share with our children.  Good luck!

The Benefits of Video Games

Imagine that if you give them the tools their curiosity will take over.

       

I enjoy being a parent and always thinking about what is going to be the next idea to help my little girl grow and stretch. My daughter was given a beautiful +Nintendo DS for Christmas at the age of 4. Needless to say at the time I felt she is still too young for games but her uncle +Joseph insisted.   He is a game connoisseur he wanted her to get started in developing her motor skills.  Personally, I have never put full value into video games but when challenged I will try my best. I can also become frustrated by my lack of hand and eye coordination but I'm not shy.

Well now as for my daughter she is 5 years old and plays games like "Let's Draw" , "Team Umizoomi" and attempts to play "Monster High". I figured why not mix up her selection with games that have more learning themes.  After a discussion with a fellow mom +Angelica Taylor got excited by my ideas and immediately considered how her child who is now in third grade would benefit from a variety of themes in his collection of games. She decided she will be purchasing a few of these titles as well. 

It can't hurt to incorporate games that stretch their understanding.

It doesn't matter what age you start but imagine if you catch them early... ?

A recent study from the Education Development Center and the U.S. Congress-supported Ready To Learn (RTL) Initiative found that a curriculum that involved digital media such as video games could improve early literacy skills when coupled with strong parental and teacher involvement. Interestingly, the study focused on young children, and 4- and 5-year- old who participated showed increases in letter recognition, sounds association with letters, and understanding basic concepts about stories and print.       

Video Games in Moderation

Their are many reasons to be concerned about all the different types of interactions that our children may encounter throughout the day.  I would heavily consider that everything they do must be done in moderation but more importantly with purpose.  As parents we should consider the advantages of technology in our lives and how this technology can impact our children's lives in a positive way.  

On purpose these products can encourage independence, critical thinking and problem solving skills.  Don't shy away from games that seemed to be challenging just utilize the time to support your child.  Give them words of encouragement and show them what they can do when they practice by modeling a few moves.  The chances are high that your little one will go off and try to hurdle their own little challenges on the screen.  Every moment is a teachable moment so on purpose take advantage of those moments.  

Its a Family Affair

Moreover, the benefits of video games on children and adults are endless.  Let's reshape your thinking or doubts about them if any.  Did you know that these game products are fun, exciting and interactive?  There is a game for every type of personality or interest. Just keep an open mind and embrace new concepts and technology.  This would be an valuable lesson to share with your children and a fun idea to incorporate into family time. 

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) indicates that video games can help adults process information much faster and improve their fundamental abilities to reason and solve problems in novel contexts. In fact, results from the ONR study show that video game players perform 10 percent to 20 percent higher in terms of perceptual and cognitive ability than non-game players.

Finally, keep in mind that as your child is learning and growing you can be too.   These activities are also great when shared by the whole family.  Its a great time to socialize and model positive and encourage good manners and behaviors.  Here are a few suggestions:

1. Make Wednesday nights "Game night" after homework of course. (2 game maximum)
2. Definitely consider all the other activities that fit into your child's schedule. So I often suggest reading, tablet games or her personal game console for extra curricular activities. For example: car rides, in between time or the doctors office.
3. Have a "Game Night" with friends and or family.  Everyone is involved and the kids love it.
4. Join the PTA and recommend a Family Game Night where it is possible to encourage other parents who are not sure or reluctant to embrace technology at home. 

I'm taking this opportunity to share what is working for me and my little scholar. Knowledge is power and sharing is giving.  So I hope this will encourage you to utilize your time with your family on purpose.  Its all about the kids and what will encourage growth and success in their lives.  Good Luck!
Benefits of Video Games ABC

Home School Connections

As the weeks have skated by everything seems so rushed.  I received a few notices from the teaching team at my daughters school to put it simply I appreciate the attempts to keep me current with what is going on in the classroom.  

Home school connections is the only way a parent can keep up with the latest topics, themes and activities in the classroom.  These Home School Connection notices include vocabulary words your child should know, symbols being used in the classroom, activities to practice at home and books you can buy to read that support what they are doing in the classroom. Here is an example:

So here are a few suggestions for other parents like me:

• What I have done for my little student is created a word wall that I add to every two weeks.  

• I have ordered books from the book list to read to her and add to my library. You can check your local library for similar text.

• I have created a project based activity along with the suggested activities shared by the team.  This is to accommodate my child's other learning styles. 

• I also use youtube videos for kids to research images and information for my little student.  She really enjoys a 3 to 5 minute video on topics such as tornadoes,  earthquakes and recently facts about fire.

During the transition into Common Core and standardized testing I have taken to being more involved and less shocked by the Department of Educations new realities.  I believe at times this system can hinder the growth of many to accomodate a new breed of students.  I am being proactive about her school work and my mission to be a partner in education.   I'm supporting my child through her learning and supporting these teachers who I believe love to teach.  I hope as parents and guardians you can too.  Good luck!

Parent Teacher Conference

I'm so excited to have started this blog about my daughter's and my experience with Board of Education schools and their teachers.  My first six to eight weeks have been bitter sweet.  Feeling excited daily about my daughters education and curious to what she is experiencing and how she is being assessed by others.  I have to admit I was looking forward to hearing how awesome and sweet she is.  The reality is she is sweet and quiet and that definitely communicated that she is not invested.    Problem with that is I consistently convince my child to listen and to behave for her teachers and I may have misread the demands of a Board of Education classroom.  Simply her teachers found no value in what I thought was important going into school for the first time.  What clearly needs to be happening is a drive to engage between teachers and students.  The teacher-student interaction almost needs to be competitive.   Mrs.Peters is a wonderful seasoned teacher who is full of smiles and full of valued experience and as a parent I intend to team up with her to help my child meet the common core benchmarks.   I thought "this is kindergarten how hard can it be?" but on the contrary its been a mystery for me.  I didn't realize how much of the changes in standards and criteria in grades across the state would impact kindergarten.  Kindergarten has not been excused from the growing demands on education and needless to say preschool prep is not only valuable but mandatory.   

So we had our first parent teachers conference and from the looks of  Our report card I made sure to see Mrs. Peters in the first session while she had all her energy. I came in prepared to tell her she made some mistakes in her evaluation of my daughter's progress. She explained that according to the core standards, she didn't make the marks. I saw folders, diagnostics, test scores and portfolio work which appeared to show progress but in Mrs. Peters perspective not enough.  Problem is if I use the 1 to 4 scale provided by the Board of Education her evaluation would be inconclusive because the evidence of work and test scores and Mrs. Peters opinion does not match.  As a parent I was shocked at how procedure, protocol and policy in this system really does not support the total experience for the student and teacher.  I felt my daughter in many ways had met the mark but Mrs.  Peters wanted to stay relevant in what she needs to happen moving forward.  I completely agree with that unfortunately the lines of communication were not established and she never once reached out to communicate her concerns and she did have ample opportunity since I stop in her classroom every other week to say "hi" and volunteer my time whenever she needs it.  Its unfortunate how the system does not support success for all parties.  In reflection having been in the teachers seat I completely understand we are two different people with different ideas.  

My question is how do we pull together to help my child meet those benchmarks?  How do we utilize this school and teacher to meet the demands of this awkward system where there are far too few breakthroughs?  Well for starters communication is essential in building relationships in support of the common goal.  The common goal is success.  I wanted to throw my hands up but I thought about every parent I met and every teacher I will meet.  A very good friend of mine inboxed me, her name is Mrs. Grier she is an administrator for the Brooklyn Preparatory School in New York.   I want to share what she was thinking

" involvement is vital and crucial to children's success in school. I have learned from our school's visionary and Principal.   that "Involvement [certainly] leads to increase".  As an administrator and early educator involved in  both the classroom and school management process combined at now almost 21 years, I am finding that from year to year you will have what I am now coining, parents and guardians in one of two categories: Fans  vs. Followers. You will have those who will one day praise your institution until you've dropped the ball that one time after a lengthy period of consistency in support of their child's learning and growth  or they will rally with you until the end respecting and cooperating with the educational standards, protocols, procedures, and practices set in place in the spirit of advocacy for their child's whole development. As one in facing this dilemma, I would have to ask them which one are you? A Fan or a Follower.   Is your overbusy-ness and day to day affairs affecting your ability to build resourceful relationships with your child's surrogate parent – the teacher?  Think about it…."

I immediately considered how difficult it is to be thrown into a working relationship with someone I don't know.  How important the relationship is to the future success of my child and how awkward it is to work in a system that has created a spirit of division and mistrust.  Luckily, I have other plans for my daughter school year.  I intend to bridge the gap in communication.  Also, I will work closely with Our school and Our teacher to meet the reading, writing and math goals created by the help of Mrs. Peters.  Since she is an experienced professional in this industry I will trust her expertise to get US to where we need to be.  Finally,  I do consider myself a partner in education and while your reading this think about how you will partner up with your team of teachers to win this school year!  Good luck!

Our History

My name is Shaunette and I'm an educator, entrepreneur and a single mom. I'm proud to be a mother to a fabulous, sweet and energetic kindergartner. I love watching her grow into a self confident, secure and curious student.  I wish nothing but the best for her and the sky is the limit.  I started her education early as most parents do and should.  Before the age of  two she was painting, listening to nursery music daily, watching the preschool channel, visiting the Brooklyn Museum, and other local attractions.  I immediately started a daycare in my house where I could schedule activities for my little one afraid any other place would not stimulate the growth of my child.  It would be great that other babies could benefit from our nurturing environment as well.  

I eventually put my daughter in Brooklyn Preparatory School  a fabulous Christian based school for ages 3 to 6 and it proved to be a valuable experience. After the church dissolved kindergarten and first grade I was forced to investigate alternatives to my daughters future education. Honestly not as receptive to the idea of public school I asked around, I panicked and finally I thought public school classrooms are the best alternative at this point.  These classrooms have technology,  these schools have libraries, the premises are newly renovated and equipped with gyms and spaces for recreation right!?  

I have decided to create this blog for families like myself  who may be experiencing the same anxiety and frustration like I may be feeling at times.  I intend to sift, illuminate and change my view of the classroom.  I'm going to reshape my approach to relationships with my daughters school and teachers.   It will be interesting to see how building a line of communication with teachers and administrators may enhance my child's school performance and experience in a NYC public school.  A place where there at times is a veil of secrecy,  a break in  the line of communication between teachers and parents, and goals and outcomes are not clarified between teachers and parents.

So firstly, the goal of this blog is to break through a barrier of misunderstandings between teachers and parents.  Next, it would be great to redefine the role and purpose of the parent teacher relationship for many who don't know where to start or who may carry some bad experiences of their own into the new year.  Finally, all of this is to help myself strategically plan a school year where I can support my lovely child to grow and succeed in a system where there are too few a break through.  

So come along with me on my year to year journey where my daughter's school is now also my school and my daughter's teacher is now my teacher.  We are in this together.