Hi All,
How exciting! The first day/s of school, the adjustments, the anxiety and all the rest. We've been busy with our Education Workshops and Seminars and haven't had much time to post so...for those of you who were asking for some CoachKiki (@coachkiki on Twitter) info I'm going to list a couple of articles by some great people in great publications that might give you the start you need. These are some of my favorites - I'll be posting more original info as the school year continues.
Enjoy and good luck!
Parenting Magazine
The New Mom at School
Your guide to mommy cliques, scary teachers, and more
By Teri Cettina
(I'll add "new Dad/Parent" for single Dads or new-to-the-family parents!)
Education.com
Emo and Goth: What It's All About
by Amanda Morin
Better Homes And Gardens
9 Ways to Help Kids Practice by Jeff Bredenberg
9 Ways to Help Kids Practice:
Point Out the Payoff
and
9 Ways to Help Kids Practice:
Rewards, Goals and Practice
WSJ DN MarketWatch
Adults In Session by Amy Hoak
Tips For Grownups Heading Back to School
NY Daily News
Spoiled Children Concern Parents by Sheryl Berk
Emergency Planning for Adults and Children
The Co-Operater Co-op and Condo Monthly
How To Care For At-Risk Residents
For more information on our coaching, seminars, workshops and speaking engagements please email 411 at dlcecc dot com or call 646.355.8759
Have a great day and a successful school year!
RK
DLCECC
Showing posts with label Education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Education. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
The World as A Fun Learning Lab - A Day At The Beach
Ok - this one is especially for those of you who've been emailing and asking for specifics and a recap of some of what we covered in our last workshop. You know who you are! (What happened to the materials I gave you? Ok - I'll stop with the teacher tone - old habits die hard - and get right to it! But I will make it short and sweet here. If you'd like more personalized ideas call or email or bring it up at your next session or workshop - whew - it's not you really, it's just that for a quiet July it's been kind of nutty and a couple of unexpected projects came up. All good but time-consuming and very thinking-heavy, now why am I writing all this here? I think the heat is getting to me. Now then....where was I? Really, I'm so different in September...as I know you are too - remember - just a little while longer until school starts)
TRIP PLANNER - that's all you need to remember. Here's how it goes.
*Topic - Discuss with the children where you'll be going. In this case that would be the beach.
*Research - Get them to find out as much as they can about the beach. Books, DVDs, magazines, coloring, cutting and pasting. Have them make a collage of different things they might see. Collect books, songs, movies about animals that live in the ocean, on the beach, near the beach, weather patterns that cause changes in and on the ocean, houseboats, sailboats, ships, far-off lands, imaginary ocean communities and cultures and on and on.
*Investigate - Have them investigate one or more topics that are of specific interest to them. Do they love seafood? Do they love boats? Do they love swimming? Do they love dolphins, sharks or hate jellyfish? One topic or more that they look into in further depth.
*Plan What will you and they need to make a day at the beach go smoothly? Involve them in the planning. Set a plan for the day, figure it out on the clock. Have them draw pictures of clocks and the times that everything will take place. For example - (their favorite!) Snack - 11:00 am and they draw a clock with the hands at 11:00)
*Participate as much as you can. You can always put an older child in charge of the younger ones for some of these activities. Don't knock yourself out before the trip to the beach. These are just some guidelines for ways that you might approach it so that they're as involved as possible and proactive about the trip.
*Learn Simple question(s) to ask them. What do you think you'll see or find out that you didn't know before? What do you want to find out more about?
*Action Items Again, a plan for the day. Break it down as much as you can. A little advance work makes the trip go much more smoothly. Figure in travel time, sun time, SPF needed, food time, swim time, boat time, grouchy time, down time and whatever else you might be doing.
*Navigate Chart the actual travel on a map and assign trip landmarks for the children to watch out for. It makes the ride smoother and does wonders to answer the inevitable "are we there yet???????".
*Needs Make a list, check it twice, ok three times, and have the children participate in making it. What will you need before, during and after.
*Educate (Shhhhhh - don't tell them that they'll be learning!) Figure out one or two things that you'd like them to know about the ocean. They can be simple - you can ask older children what they'd like to know about it.
Document it before - on colored paper, poster paper or in a notebook or online journal.
For older children who are able to, they can write their own blog about it, create a simple website where they'll be able to upload pictures and link to other sites of interest.
*Recap Ok - after you've rested from the trip and sometimes while you're recovering you can ask the children to recap in any way that they're able to. For the younger ones this could be a picture, picture book, cutting and pasting, collage etc. For the older ones a journal entry, blog entry, web upload etc. Plan this in advance and let them know they'll be doing this when they get home. It encourages them to pay closer attention before, during and after.
Ok - got to run now but as always,
Enjoy the day your way (and let me know how it goes!),
Rebecca "Kiki"
***********************
Daily Life Consulting
For more information on individual or group coaching, seminars, workshops, program training and development, or programs for your group or organization please call 646.468.0608 or email me at coach at dailylifeconsulting dot com or Eva Harris at eva at shoutoutpr dot com
TRIP PLANNER - that's all you need to remember. Here's how it goes.
*Topic - Discuss with the children where you'll be going. In this case that would be the beach.
*Research - Get them to find out as much as they can about the beach. Books, DVDs, magazines, coloring, cutting and pasting. Have them make a collage of different things they might see. Collect books, songs, movies about animals that live in the ocean, on the beach, near the beach, weather patterns that cause changes in and on the ocean, houseboats, sailboats, ships, far-off lands, imaginary ocean communities and cultures and on and on.
*Investigate - Have them investigate one or more topics that are of specific interest to them. Do they love seafood? Do they love boats? Do they love swimming? Do they love dolphins, sharks or hate jellyfish? One topic or more that they look into in further depth.
*Plan What will you and they need to make a day at the beach go smoothly? Involve them in the planning. Set a plan for the day, figure it out on the clock. Have them draw pictures of clocks and the times that everything will take place. For example - (their favorite!) Snack - 11:00 am and they draw a clock with the hands at 11:00)
*Participate as much as you can. You can always put an older child in charge of the younger ones for some of these activities. Don't knock yourself out before the trip to the beach. These are just some guidelines for ways that you might approach it so that they're as involved as possible and proactive about the trip.
*Learn Simple question(s) to ask them. What do you think you'll see or find out that you didn't know before? What do you want to find out more about?
*Action Items Again, a plan for the day. Break it down as much as you can. A little advance work makes the trip go much more smoothly. Figure in travel time, sun time, SPF needed, food time, swim time, boat time, grouchy time, down time and whatever else you might be doing.
*Navigate Chart the actual travel on a map and assign trip landmarks for the children to watch out for. It makes the ride smoother and does wonders to answer the inevitable "are we there yet???????".
*Needs Make a list, check it twice, ok three times, and have the children participate in making it. What will you need before, during and after.
*Educate (Shhhhhh - don't tell them that they'll be learning!) Figure out one or two things that you'd like them to know about the ocean. They can be simple - you can ask older children what they'd like to know about it.
Document it before - on colored paper, poster paper or in a notebook or online journal.
For older children who are able to, they can write their own blog about it, create a simple website where they'll be able to upload pictures and link to other sites of interest.
*Recap Ok - after you've rested from the trip and sometimes while you're recovering you can ask the children to recap in any way that they're able to. For the younger ones this could be a picture, picture book, cutting and pasting, collage etc. For the older ones a journal entry, blog entry, web upload etc. Plan this in advance and let them know they'll be doing this when they get home. It encourages them to pay closer attention before, during and after.
Ok - got to run now but as always,
Enjoy the day your way (and let me know how it goes!),
Rebecca "Kiki"
***********************
Daily Life Consulting
For more information on individual or group coaching, seminars, workshops, program training and development, or programs for your group or organization please call 646.468.0608 or email me at coach at dailylifeconsulting dot com or Eva Harris at eva at shoutoutpr dot com
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
3rd-Graders Aimed to Hurt Teacher - AP
I have no answers to any of the questions I've gotten about the story out of Georgia
"3rd-graders Aimed to Hurt Teacher " about a plot cooked up by a group of 3rd graders to hurt their teacher in retaliation for reprimanding one of them. The plot included duct tape, handcuffs and a knife and materials for covering the windows during the attack and cleaning up afterwards.
I am horrified. I'm upset. I'm bewildered. I'm a lot of things. I have a lot of questions but no answers right now.
The story did remind me though of a wonderful surprise birthday party that one of my second grade classes planned for me. It involved music, a cake, snacks and soda, cards and gifts. I was amazed that the children were able to plan it so well, they got their parents involved for some of the bigger items. Michael G. was the planner and leader and he did a great job. I still smile when I think of it. That's the kind of planning young children should be doing. Planning for parties, playing, thinking about summer vacation or gym or music class.
What's going on? Why the violence in our schools? Why the violence among young children? I recall the studies after 9/11 that suggested that violent acts will rise in number and that the violence will be exhibited by younger and younger children. Is that what we're seeing now? Where is this coming from?
It's time to take a really close look at what's going in our schools (BEYOND test scores) on and a closer look at what every adult can do to help stop the violence.
"3rd-graders Aimed to Hurt Teacher " about a plot cooked up by a group of 3rd graders to hurt their teacher in retaliation for reprimanding one of them. The plot included duct tape, handcuffs and a knife and materials for covering the windows during the attack and cleaning up afterwards.
I am horrified. I'm upset. I'm bewildered. I'm a lot of things. I have a lot of questions but no answers right now.
The story did remind me though of a wonderful surprise birthday party that one of my second grade classes planned for me. It involved music, a cake, snacks and soda, cards and gifts. I was amazed that the children were able to plan it so well, they got their parents involved for some of the bigger items. Michael G. was the planner and leader and he did a great job. I still smile when I think of it. That's the kind of planning young children should be doing. Planning for parties, playing, thinking about summer vacation or gym or music class.
What's going on? Why the violence in our schools? Why the violence among young children? I recall the studies after 9/11 that suggested that violent acts will rise in number and that the violence will be exhibited by younger and younger children. Is that what we're seeing now? Where is this coming from?
It's time to take a really close look at what's going in our schools (BEYOND test scores) on and a closer look at what every adult can do to help stop the violence.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
What Is Daily Life Coaching 4 Kids? + What Makes Finnish Kids So Smart? WSJ + Single Sex Public Education - NYTimes
When it comes to Education I'm a bit "Back To The Future" in my philosophy. Hi-Touch and Hi-Tech. Hi-touch because there's nothing more real than children, especially young children. Hi-tech because it's the present and future.
Combine the old fangled methods that work well with technology that meets the educational, intellectual, emotional and creative needs of children. It sounds very simple, and conceptually it is but...it also implies asking and answering many questions about what the "educational, intellectual, emotional and creative needs of children" are. That is one of our goals here at Daily Life Consulting (4 Kids).
Other goals include applying all the knowledge and using it to create and develop and teach daily life solutions which will enable children to have the most fun and successful childhoods possible. We work with parents, teachers, counselors, therapists, coaches, schools and school administration, government and corporations and anyone else who works and cares about children who would like to acquire the skills, knowledge and techniques that will enable them to encourage healthy growth and success.
To that end, along with the Learning Readiness and Skills modules that I've been working on we are in the midst of creating and developing one of the most exciting coaching and learning modules that it has been my extreme joy and excitement to create. I don't want to say more until it's been worked through a bit more but it will combine the most basic elements of hi-touch with preparing children for a future in a very hi-tech world.
In answer to your questions about what I think re: the New York Times article about Single Sex Public Education. Yes.
As for what works, check out a great article in the Wall Street Journal about education that works, that is (gasp) somewhat old-fashioned What Makes Finnish Kids So Smart?Among other concepts "one explanation for the Finns success is their love of reading".
What I love about the article is the description of the Finnish philosophy, the libraries in the malls, the lack of competing "cool factors" in schools. The focus on learning and allowing for children to be children and growing. Mr. Erma, a teacher at the school put it brilliantly "we just have to accept the fact that they're kids and they're learning how to live."
Let's work together to do that ... help them "learn how to live". Not "how to take tests well" or "how to get a pedicure at 6" or "how to follow pop entertainment role models to the exclusion of everything else" or "how to be the ultimate consumer by age 10" but simply "how to live".
If you have any questions or comments or would like more information on Daily Life Coaching 4 Kids please email me at rebecca at dailylifeconsulting dot com.
Enjoy the day your way,
RK
Rebecca "Kiki" Weingarten M.Sc.Ed, MFA
Daily Life Consulting
Combine the old fangled methods that work well with technology that meets the educational, intellectual, emotional and creative needs of children. It sounds very simple, and conceptually it is but...it also implies asking and answering many questions about what the "educational, intellectual, emotional and creative needs of children" are. That is one of our goals here at Daily Life Consulting (4 Kids).
Other goals include applying all the knowledge and using it to create and develop and teach daily life solutions which will enable children to have the most fun and successful childhoods possible. We work with parents, teachers, counselors, therapists, coaches, schools and school administration, government and corporations and anyone else who works and cares about children who would like to acquire the skills, knowledge and techniques that will enable them to encourage healthy growth and success.
To that end, along with the Learning Readiness and Skills modules that I've been working on we are in the midst of creating and developing one of the most exciting coaching and learning modules that it has been my extreme joy and excitement to create. I don't want to say more until it's been worked through a bit more but it will combine the most basic elements of hi-touch with preparing children for a future in a very hi-tech world.
In answer to your questions about what I think re: the New York Times article about Single Sex Public Education. Yes.
As for what works, check out a great article in the Wall Street Journal about education that works, that is (gasp) somewhat old-fashioned What Makes Finnish Kids So Smart?Among other concepts "one explanation for the Finns success is their love of reading".
What I love about the article is the description of the Finnish philosophy, the libraries in the malls, the lack of competing "cool factors" in schools. The focus on learning and allowing for children to be children and growing. Mr. Erma, a teacher at the school put it brilliantly "we just have to accept the fact that they're kids and they're learning how to live."
Let's work together to do that ... help them "learn how to live". Not "how to take tests well" or "how to get a pedicure at 6" or "how to follow pop entertainment role models to the exclusion of everything else" or "how to be the ultimate consumer by age 10" but simply "how to live".
If you have any questions or comments or would like more information on Daily Life Coaching 4 Kids please email me at rebecca at dailylifeconsulting dot com.
Enjoy the day your way,
RK
Rebecca "Kiki" Weingarten M.Sc.Ed, MFA
Daily Life Consulting
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Learning 2.0 - K12 Online Conference 2007
There's a very interesting online conference going on called the K12 Online Conference which you can find here K12 Online Conference 2007
Anyone involved with children and/or learning will probably find something interesting to add to their information arsenal.
Many of you have asked me what the "integrated approach" means when I describe the work that I do. In short, I'm interdisciplinary in my training and approach. I'm trained in education, mental health and creative fields (writing in particular and the study of creativity as well). I incorporate all those areas into the work that I do. Now read on for the interesting part...
In answer to other comments I keep getting - something along the lines of "you must have been such a great student" "you must have loved school as a kid" - I say think again. Let's just say that when I ran into a high school teacher of mine when I was in my first year of teaching kindergarten and I told her what I was doing she laughed and said "I hope they never shut up!" (thanks Mrs. S!)
The truth is that I was a solid average student who got kicked out of class up to and including college classes (for talking - I know you're shocked) UNTIL my senior year of college when I was finally taking all the courses that I loved in my major. Suddenly, I was loving it. I was interested - I couldn't get enough - I wanted more, more, more and I've continued since then.
THAT'S why there's no such thing as a "difficult" student in my vocabulary. The task is to find out what's going on. My students were always well behaved and did as well as possible, my clients find their way and shine - it's my passion to help them do so.
It's also my great passion to help students and their parents find the areas that intrigue and motivate them - again - I've been there.
I've been there and I know the way out - that's why I love doing what I do.
Enjoy the day - discover something you love!
Anyone involved with children and/or learning will probably find something interesting to add to their information arsenal.
Many of you have asked me what the "integrated approach" means when I describe the work that I do. In short, I'm interdisciplinary in my training and approach. I'm trained in education, mental health and creative fields (writing in particular and the study of creativity as well). I incorporate all those areas into the work that I do. Now read on for the interesting part...
In answer to other comments I keep getting - something along the lines of "you must have been such a great student" "you must have loved school as a kid" - I say think again. Let's just say that when I ran into a high school teacher of mine when I was in my first year of teaching kindergarten and I told her what I was doing she laughed and said "I hope they never shut up!" (thanks Mrs. S!)
The truth is that I was a solid average student who got kicked out of class up to and including college classes (for talking - I know you're shocked) UNTIL my senior year of college when I was finally taking all the courses that I loved in my major. Suddenly, I was loving it. I was interested - I couldn't get enough - I wanted more, more, more and I've continued since then.
THAT'S why there's no such thing as a "difficult" student in my vocabulary. The task is to find out what's going on. My students were always well behaved and did as well as possible, my clients find their way and shine - it's my passion to help them do so.
It's also my great passion to help students and their parents find the areas that intrigue and motivate them - again - I've been there.
I've been there and I know the way out - that's why I love doing what I do.
Enjoy the day - discover something you love!
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