EDUCATION MATTERS—SANFORD SCHOOL'S PRIVATE SCHOOL BLOG

Digital citizenship is a way to teach students how to use technology responsibly and respectfully—and it’s an important aspect of developing good character in our students. Because using digital media is a part of our everyday lives, we teach them how to manage their school Gmail accounts and Google Apps for Education for their learning. We also talk with them about how to manage themselves online, especially when using social media.

As educators, we think a lot about social media and how to use it effectively and responsibly. We work with our students to make sure they know how important it is for them, too. The guidelines our school uses for our own posts are designed to create a positive atmosphere online. We teach appropriate technology use to develop good digital citizens.

Worrying from time to time is natural, even for children. As the caring adults in their lives, how do we approach these worries in a way that helps kids develop positive coping skills? Here are the top five tips I share with teachers and parents:

1.) Listen

Sure, this one may be obvious. When children open up to us, we know that they need to feel heard and understood. But once we get the gist of it, it is so easy to jump in and try to solve the problem or offer our opinion. The next time you’re ready to jump in, remember that it is likely too soon for your child.

2.) Bring the child back to reality

Kids can easily lose perspective and make little deals into big deals. Let’s say a child worries that everyone at school thinks he is stupid because he gave a wrong answer in class. Reframe the situation by pointing out an alternative (and more positive) viewpoint.

What do your teachers say about participating—do they say that you should try, even if you might be wrong? Have you heard other kids give wrong answers in class? And you don’t think they are stupid, right? You put yourself out there and took a risk today. I’m really proud of you for trying.

3.) Help the child look for solutions

At times, kids are worried about a situation where some type of action is necessary. Before you make suggestions about what to do, ask some questions to put the ball in the child’s court. 

• I wonder what might help?
• What are you going to do about that?
• What’s one thing you could try? 

Questions like these are empowering for kids—they show that you have confidence in their ability to solve problems on their own.

From the big screen, to NFL fields, to high school gymnasiums across the country, the buzz about concussions is getting louder. Just as our awareness is increasing, our tools for evaluation are improving. So is our understanding of why it’s important to give students the time they need to fully recover. Their futures depend on it!

Concussion rates represent a high proportion of all injuries sustained by athletes. In the United States, an estimated 3.8 million concussions occur each year as a result of sport and physical activity.

Schools, parents, and physicians want to work together to keep students safe while they play hard and have fun. That’s why there is greater emphasis on information and prevention, knowing each student’s baseline, and responding swiftly and cautiously when concussions occur. Here are some best practices to consider.

Research shows that students perform better in school when they are physically and emotionally healthy. 

That’s why the national organization SHAPE America (Society for Health and Physical Educators) believes in educating the whole child. Their main focus is on children’s physical development and athletic skills, integrating these things into a well-rounded school day that offers kids opportunities to be active.

Physical education classes and participation on sports teams both provide knowledge and experience in different activities and address the social aspects of children's development. Recess, too, offers important opportunities for kids to be active, solve problems, and build skills, friendships, independence, and confidence. Physical activity also contributes to a greater sense of well-being, which has far-reaching benefits of its own.

It is essential to keep kids moving inside the classroom, as well. Studies have shown that information is solidified in the brain when the body moves. Why? Because exercise fuels the brain with oxygen, which helps make connections with the learned material. So next time your child needs to study for a test, maybe suggest that they get up and work out some dance moves while reviewing the material.

Recently I was driving behind a license plate that read, “Be A Dad.” My thoughts were instantly transported to the night before, when my daughter said, “I want to tell Dad something” as I was kissing her good night. I replied with, “Dad’s in with your sister reading her a book, can you tell me? No, you’ll be mad at me” she responded. In that moment, I was completely grounded. I felt terrible that I had reacted in the past in a way that would communicate that she could not tell me just about anything. Many instances in my mind replayed when I had been tired and therefore irritated, when I had told her to “GO TO BED AND STOP THIS NONSENSE.” I did not listen. I shut her down. Where was my compassion, my caring and understanding?

Just as I did when I was a youngster, I LOVE RECESS!!! Some may think it is an odd thing for an adult to brag about, but as a career educator in the field of physical education and athletics, I feel that recess is a wonderful learning tool for young people. Recess time provides the training ground for many valuable life lessons that adults use every day .