I'm Back!

I'm Back! Sorry It's been a while! I've been crazy busy with home, family, school, and life! I'm pretty excited to begin sharing again! Since I've been away I have been addicted to Pinterest! What a great way to share ideas! The only problem is I have been looking at all the great ideas, but not actually TRYING the great ideas!


One thing I am excited to share is that the School Counselors and myself are putting together a monthly newsletter! It's been fun writing for "Silcott Spotlight," my section of the page! I share parenting tips. Tips that I have had to learn the hard way by raising my son and daughter! I encourage my readers to learn from mystakes! Sharing failures with my readers can be quite humbling, but it can also be a bonding mechanism. Lets face it. School staff can be intimidating to parents. I know I'm still a little intimidated when I'm in the Principal's office. A Principal's office and all that it represents has a very lasting effect on children! By sharing with readers that I do support and work with families, parents, teachers, students and the community, this doesn't mean that I don't need support too! Like I tell a lot of people, no family is perfect! Escpecially mine! WE ALL NEED SUPPORT! We all need to seek guidance. I believe we are all in this together!

Which makes me think of this blog! Whoever is reading this probably has a job like mine. Those who are kind enough to post school ideas on Pinterest probably have a job like mine. We seem to be uniting through technology! I feel like I have been mentored by some great ones like Danielle Schultz, Marissa over at Marissa's Blog, and Tabitha Panariso! I love all the ideas that I see at my schools and knowing they originated from the kindness of those willing to share!

I know it's time for me to contribute! So keep in touch...more is on the way!

"MEAN"

"No Name Calling Week" is January 23rd - 27th. This brings another opportunity to bring awareness to bullying. I'm using  a lesson plan using the song "MEAN" written by Taylor Swift. The words she uses brings a great message to her listeners.

I love Taylor Swift! She is a great role model that our kids can relate to! I'm always referring to her when I ask my students about different ways of coping. I ask, "What does Taylor Swift do to cope with her feelings and what is going on in her life." They shout, "Singing and writing songs!" It's neat to see the look on their faces that shows they never really made the connection!

The lesson starts with the classroom excited about the opportunity to hear the Taylor's song "MEAN!" After listening, the kids are given a worksheet with the lyrics. Using English Lesson Plan using "MEAN" we decipher the song and discuss how it can be interpreted as a  promise to herself to be successful!

Some discussion questions....
Do you think Taylor was bullied in school? If you had to guess.... Why?

What is Taylor's message to those who bullied her?

How did Taylor Swift persevere?

One of her famous quotes is "If your lucky enough to be different, never change.”  What makes you different? Have you ever wanted to change that? What made Taylor Swift different? Did she change or embrace it?

What are you doing for "No Name Calling Week?"

PASS IT ON!!

I'm always soo excited when I come across a great website!! Especially one that offers freebies! I stumbled across Values.com  and found so many resources! One message from this website is to "Pass it on!" So........I'm passing this on to you! You can complete a request form for a free DVD and poster set! It takes about 4-6 weeks to receive it in the mail! I was happy to receive mine this week! The DVD is continuous 60-90 second "TV commercials" that represents different values! I'm trying to brainstorm all the possible ways I can get these great messages to our students! So far, I'm thinking.....



a) play the DVD on an ENO board in the GYM where kids meet in the morning before school

b) play the DVD in the cafeteria during lunch

c) before or after awards ceremonies

How would you share this DVD?

I also received three big posters! There are several free printable posters offered on the website. There is even a section where you can share and read other inspirational stories from readers! You can even make your own billboard sign with your own picture nad message! How neat would this be to create for a student?

Have you "stumbled" upon a great website like this? Do you take time to PASS IT ON?