From the Desk of Aly B.
Preparing for Another School Year
Here in Northern Kentucky, where the Growing Sound Play and Learn hub resides, the kids in our neighborhood (and maybe yours too) are preparing this week for another school year to begin. Students are preparing to reunite with their existing friends and make new friends (which can be stressful too). Parents are preparing schedules (for a zillion different things). Teachers are putting final touches on classroom prep for décor, resources and lesson plans. It’s all a bit chaotic even though it rolls around at the same time each year. Teachers, parents and students, all need to prepare emotionally for the back-to-school season. This involves a focus on establishing routines, fostering open communication, and promoting positive self-talk and coping skills. For parents, this includes helping children adjust to new sleeping schedules (even when it is still light out), reviewing academics (i.e. practicing ABC’s to reciting multiplication tables), and encouraging independence. Teachers can benefit emotionally by connecting with students, parents and colleagues early, creating a welcoming environment, and building a supportive classroom culture. Students can benefit by pulling out games, puzzles an projects that can inspire mastery motivation and reignite their interest in learning. Fostering Emotional Literacy helps all of us to identify and express our emotions, and teaches us coping strategies for managing stress, anxiety and conflict. Maybe at the end of the school day that really is what matters most.
TEACHERS: Don't forget to check out all of our Digital Resources at our Teachers Pay Teachers store. Check it out here.
Check out these fun songs-perfect for Back-To-School from our partner, David Kisor/Growing Sound Music. We hope you have a terrific school year!
THREE RULES
MYSELF, THE OTHERS, THE STUFF
Of course, if you ever want to drop us a note you can do so via email, or through our contact page. We welcome your feedback, comments, collaborations, and encouragement. info@gsplayandlearn.com