March-April2021

New NHEG Heights Magazine Educational | March - April Group 2021
www.NewHeightsEducation.org
3.. Have the students think about a family tradition and/or family
object they would like to learn more about. Ask them to inquire
about the history of a tradition or special object. For example:
ENCOURAGING THOUGHTS
By Leah Davies, M.Ed.
Encouragement means to stimulate initiative and positive actions.
ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN
By Leah Davies, M.Ed.
Children learn life skills by observing the adults in their lives. There-
http://www.kellybear.com
ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN
By Leah Davies, M.Ed.
Schools have an opportunity to enhance children’s social and emo-
• Why do we celebrate ?
• Why is a necklace, picture, painting or other family item
special?
• Have them draw a picture and/or write about what they
discovered. Then give them an opportunity to discuss their
findings with a partner or the class. If a child reports an
unusual holiday or tradition, with his or her permission,
ask the child or a relative to share the information on their
special day.
Teachers, counselors, and parents are asked to encourage children to
do their best by acknowledging their efforts and strengths. However,
when children do not feel good about themselves or their situation,
they need to be reminded of ways they can encourage themselves and
each other.
Ask your students for examples of thoughts that help them feel better
when they are unhappy. Explain that helpful thoughts are called
positive “self-talk” and that adults often use this as a way to cope with
their problems. List the children’s ideas on the board.
fore, if we want children to be socially and emotionally competent,
we must be cognizant of our own behavior and accept responsibility
for being a role model. Review the following actions and reflect on
how well you exemplify them.
• Show genuine warmth, respect and caring
• Model honesty, dependability, and fairness
• Foster a sense of trust and acceptance
• Value individual differences
• Give recognition freely
• Create a peaceful environment
tional growth, as well as their academic knowledge. The following
activities foster self-understanding, positive peer interaction, initiative,
and learning.
1. Have the children list on paper their age, height, color of hair
and eyes, and any other description you would like them to
include, but not their name. Then have them make either a
“Me” or “Things I Like” collage using magazine pictures and/
or a variety of art materials. Have them staple their list to the
corner. Read the description as you hold up each one, and have
the children guess the creator’s name. Then offer the child an
4. Ask the children what they do well. For example, run, read,
help others, cook, babysit, play ball, draw, spell, do math, skate,
sing, tutor others, fix things, do puzzles, swim, dance, act in plays.
Because children who have goals are more likely to be self-motivated,
have each child explore future occupations with their own
strength in mind. Ask them to identify what they want to be or do
when they grow up. What is important is not that a child fulfill his
or her specific career goal, but for the child to visualize him or herself
as successful. Have the students draw self-portraits depicting
themselves in future roles. Some examples are:
Some examples are:
• I am a good person no matter what anyone does or says.
• It is okay to make mistakes because everyone does.
• I do not give up; I keep trying.
• I think about what is good in my life.
• Everyone feels good and bad, now and then.
• I can do it!
• Money cannot buy happiness.
• How I act is more important than how I look.
• I am lovable.
• Provide consistent structure
• Use natural or logical consequences
• Teach problem solving skills
• Have high, but reasonable expectations
• Offer individual attention
• Demonstrate communication skills
• Listen carefully without interrupting
• Discuss feelings openly
• Acknowledge commendable behavior
• Be approachable
• Display a sense of humor
opportunity to discuss his or her picture. To further a sense of
belonging and to stimulate dialogue, display the works of art in
an “Exhibit Hall”.
2. Ask the children what they would like to know about themselves
when they were younger. List the questions on the board.
Some examples are:
• In what year was I born?
• Where was I born?
• Did I live in any other city or state?
• What was my favorite story?
• What did I like to do best?
• What was my favorite game, toy or song?
• What food did I like best?
• Athletic, a professional ball player?
• Reader, a librarian
• Cook, a chef
• Swimmer, a lifeguard
• Fix things, an engineer
• Help others learn, teacher
• Take care of people, doctor
• Singer, performer.
Provide an opportunity for children to explain their future goal to
their classmates and/or to a group of younger children. Have them
brainstorm what they need to do to meet their goals. Put the list on a
poster as a reminder to do their best.
• When I smile, I feel better.
• I can do many things well.
• I cannot control what grown-ups do.
• I am unique, one of a kind.
• When I feel sad, I think of things I like about myself.
• Each new day brings a chance to do better.
• I think about my choices and then choose what is best for me.
• I will change what I can and accept what I cannot change.
• I treat others the way I want to be treated.
• I cannot change my family; I can only change myself.
• What I learn today will help me in the future.
After making an extensive list, have the children choose a sentence
that is meaningful to them. Ask the students to make a picture or
• Provide choices
• Celebrate successes
• Enjoy being with children
• Believe in each child’s worth, dignity and ability to learn
• Call children by name
• Understand that mistakes happen
• Give negative feedback privately
• Establish a positive, working relationship with parents
• Participate in worthwhile, community sponsored events
Answer the following questions:
1. What are your strengths?
2. What are your weaknesses?
3. Think about an educator who was one of your role models.
• What did you like best about me?
poster featuring their saying complete with illustrations. Have them
What made him or her memorable?
Have the children think about or copy the questions they want to
prominently sign their creation. Then divide into small groups or pairs
4. Note your opportunities for growth. Name one or more things
ask their parent or guardian. Then have them to draw and/or write
and have the children discuss their work. Caution the students to be
you will try to do differently.
a story about themselves based on the adult responses. The stu-
respectful of each other’s ideas. Display the results in the classroom
This self reflection will help you assess yourself as a role model for
dents may want to include photographs in an “All About Me” story or
or in the hall to challenge ALL children to use positive “self-talk” that
the life skills you are trying to develop in the children with whom
book to share with the class.
will encourage them to do their best.
you work.
106 106 107
107