As teachers we know it is hard at times to handle teenagers. We have come up with a list of helpful links that you can use at any time you may want. This list includes websites written by parents for parents, an authors website which explains her helpful books about raising teens, and how parenting is one tough job.
http://www.parentfurther.com/
http://www.byparents-forparents.com/
http://www.gotateenager.org.uk/
http://www.blogger.com/%20http://pleasestoptherollercoaster.com/blog
http://www.suite101.com/parentingteens
http://onetoughjob.org/?gclid=CPPxio6JhqcCFcjsKgodei9XgA
http://www.theyouthexpert.com/
Along with these links, we often go back to two books when we have a question about teenagers and their middle school years. These two books are called Introduction to Middle School: Second Edition and This We Believe.
National Middle School Association. This We Believe: Keys to Educating Young Adolescents. Westerville, OH: National Middle School Association, 2010. Print.
Powell, Sara Davis. Introduction to Middle School. Boston: Pearson Allyn & Bacon, 2011. Print.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Language Arts Activities
I have provided a few links that both students and parents can use to find fun games, activities, and information regarding many topics. We will be covering a broad range of content within this subject and these websites will aid in mastering the material.
http://www.softschools.com/grades/5thgrade.jsp
http://www.kidport.com/grade5/LanguageArts/LanguageArts.htm
http://www.toonuniversity.com/free/elementary-education-4th-6th.asp
http://www.globalclassroom.org/ecell00/javamath.html
http://getworksheets.com/samples/worksheets/langarts/index.html
http://www.softschools.com/grades/5thgrade.jsp
http://www.kidport.com/grade5/LanguageArts/LanguageArts.htm
http://www.toonuniversity.com/free/elementary-education-4th-6th.asp
http://www.globalclassroom.org/ecell00/javamath.html
http://getworksheets.com/samples/worksheets/langarts/index.html
Monday, February 14, 2011
The Earth's Crust
Over the next few weeks we will be learning about the earth's properties. The first layer of the earth we will be covering is the crust. I have provided a Bill Nye the Science Guy videos that you may watch with your child that might help learn about the earth's crust. There are three parts to this episode. If you enjoy the first video clip, you may watch the second and third one.
I am also including some links to websites that will be helpful for your child's homework and project.
Please feel free to let me know of any other helpful websites or information that you find when helping your child. Thanks!
Social Studies Odds and Ends!
I have provided a video here for you to watch with your child that might help them with all of the presidents. I also have included some sites that your child can use for research, as well as help them with projects and homework. Their are also some interactive historical sites that you might want to check out. Remember that without our history, we would all be a mystery! Please also feel free to let me know of any other websites that you know of or find when helping your child.
Thanks :)
http://www.kids.gov/
http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/
http://www.kidspast.com/
http://pbskids.org/wayback/
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Math is a really cool thing!
Here I have provided a few fun websites that you can share with your kids if they need some extra help on math outside of school. These websites are full of games that let your kids have fun but learn a little something at the same time. I hope they help you and your kids.
Top 5 Things Middle School Parents Should Know!
1. It is important for you to stay involved in your child's life. This could mean supporting them at a basketball game, picking them up from school, or just helping with homework. Staying involved is a key component to keeping a positive relationship with your child.
2. When your child expresses that he/she does not want you around or treats you poorly in front of their peers, just know they are trying to appeal to others, even if it means putting you down. Communication is key when it comes to this issue. It is importnat to find a way to relate to them on the subject of peers.
3. Middle school age students are at a point in their life where many changes are occuring. This causes a rollercoaster of emotions and sometimes outbursts or breakdowns. It is necessary for parents to realize what is going on and just listen to your child when they need someone to confide in. Being on their side will keep you close and maintain a relatively positive relationship.
4. As a parent, it is important to stress getting involved when it comes to your child. Allow them the opportunity to get involved in clubs, activities, or sports. This is a way to keep them around positive, hard-working peers, as well as keep them busy (ultimately keeping them out of trouble).
5. Keep in contact with your child's teacher! This will 1.) show that you care about your child's grades. 2.)keep them on track if they know you are watching. 3.) allows for the teacher to help in many other ways.
IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE WHEN YOU ARE INVOLVED IN YOUR CHILD'S LIFE!
2. When your child expresses that he/she does not want you around or treats you poorly in front of their peers, just know they are trying to appeal to others, even if it means putting you down. Communication is key when it comes to this issue. It is importnat to find a way to relate to them on the subject of peers.
3. Middle school age students are at a point in their life where many changes are occuring. This causes a rollercoaster of emotions and sometimes outbursts or breakdowns. It is necessary for parents to realize what is going on and just listen to your child when they need someone to confide in. Being on their side will keep you close and maintain a relatively positive relationship.
4. As a parent, it is important to stress getting involved when it comes to your child. Allow them the opportunity to get involved in clubs, activities, or sports. This is a way to keep them around positive, hard-working peers, as well as keep them busy (ultimately keeping them out of trouble).
5. Keep in contact with your child's teacher! This will 1.) show that you care about your child's grades. 2.)keep them on track if they know you are watching. 3.) allows for the teacher to help in many other ways.
IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE WHEN YOU ARE INVOLVED IN YOUR CHILD'S LIFE!
"E" stands for Emotional
The fifth developmental area that you may want to know more about is the “E" in SPICE”, which stands for Emotional. This is the area that addresses the impossible to predict roller coaster of emotions that middle school students deal with. The students at this age are also extremely unpredictable with their emotions, and most of the time can’t even control them.
Variety of Emotions
The emotions that middle school students have are extremely unpredictable as well as frequent. It is important to know that, “young adolescents may have emotions that are unpredictable, extreme, and unstable. They may be moody, anxious, angry, and embarrassed by things that we don’t see as important” (33).
As parents you should also know that the transition from elementary to middle school is a huge change for children. Therefore, “the transition from elementary to middle school carries with it a myriad of changes that to a 10- or 11- year old may seem overwhelming” (33).
Interrelatedness
According to Powell, “emotional development is interrelated with both physical and intellectual development” (33). This means that your child’s emotions will influence their ability to pay attention and retain the information that they learn. Therefore, it is important for us as teacher to be aware of this and teach with that in mind.
Worry
Another thing that students deal with is worrying. Children at this age tend to worry about everyone and everything. Also, “their fears have changed from those of childhood concerns to concerns about social and appearance issues, such as, “Do I fit in? Does my hair look okay and Will I be able to sit with those girls at lunch?
According to Powell, “from an adult perspective, the sources of these negative emotions may seem trivial, but remember that our perceptions become our realities” (35). It is important for both us as teachers and you as parents to know how to acknowledge students when they are upset. For example, “when a 12-year-old girl is crying because she found uncomplimentary notes written about her by kids she considered as friends, the last thing she wants to hear is “It’s no big deal, you’ll find new friends.” Instead, we should acknowledge that she is hurt” (35). It is extremely important to be aware of her feelings and acknowledge her based on how she is acting. Also, “the gift of an understanding ear will allow her to express her feelings and know that someone cares. It won’t take away the hurt, but it will legitimize he emotions and give her the opportunity to work through the grief of the moment” (35).
Therefore, it is important to remember as parents of an adolescent, that your children will go a variety of different emotions at this age. Also, please know that the four of us as well as the guidance counselors are available to talk to both you and your child as needed!
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