tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11803742226986588282024-03-14T03:15:54.018-04:00Wise LearnersMy adventures in parenting, applied neuroscience, positive psychology, and brain-based learning over the decades. Sharing my experience, a lot of common sense, and a huge dose of love, to help others tackle one of life's greatest challenges...KIDS!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06205765724654551605noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180374222698658828.post-56315247092981424242013-12-16T17:34:00.001-05:002013-12-16T17:34:51.235-05:00Flow: Your Brain at Play<br />
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"Play is the highest form of research." - Albert Einstein</div>
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<br />I've always been intrigued by how we learned. Why can some learn so much effortlessly, while others struggle to make minimal gains? One thing I've learned through my own experiences is that learning through play is just about as hyper-efficient as you can get. When the learner is in a state of "flow" (which is often the case during play, amazing things can happen.<br />
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What is flow? Flow is a mental state of mind in which the individual is fully immersed in whatever task they are undertaking. Their focus is razor sharp and most importantly they are having FUN! state of operation in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity. They are fully absorbed in the act! This is where the magic of play happens! If you don't believe me, take a loooooooong hard look at your child the next time they are entranced by their video game or other whimsical endeavor (whimsical is my "word of the day")...take a gander at some sports obsessed family member glued to the final seconds of the games...the examples abound. You'll see flow and recognize flow because you've likely experienced it yourself many times before.<br />
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Check out the article below. It offers some great information on how you get the most learning out of play, and honestly, would you rather that your learning experiences be boring? Make the most of every moment. Learn and play. =)<br />
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<a href="http://teachthought.com/learning/how-to-create-learning-through-play/" target="_blank">How to Create Learning Through Play - Teachthought.com</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06205765724654551605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180374222698658828.post-74765917759276947522013-12-10T18:09:00.007-05:002013-12-10T18:09:54.001-05:00Giving of Oneself: Recent Adventures Promoting Family Engagement!!!<div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">One thing that I've tried to make sure I do over the course of the last year has been to make sure that I don't take on too much. Yeah...that is not always successful, but I've gotten to a point now where the next </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">eight months are finally looking manageable and that is great news! Whether it's families of children with special needs, foster and adoptive families, families of children considered to be at-risk kids, or the culturally diverse community of families and learners right here in the Metro Atlanta area, there is always something to do (and nothing says it can't be FUN)! Below is a letter I wrote for the Aspen Institute on behalf of Univision Atlanta Community Affairs. They have been an absolute amazing resource to me and have allowed me to connect with other likehearted and passionate peopl. The reason I am sharing it is to hammer home a point It is a point I am always happy to be reminded of myself during the course of life. We often think we are blessing others when in fact WE are the ones being blessed.....</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><i>To whom it may concern,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><i></i></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><i></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I recently had the pleasure of partnering with Univision Atlanta Community Affairs, through a partnership with Gwinnett Public County Schools and Univision’s educational efforts. Their sincerest intention is to benefit Latino families and students as they aspire to reach heights limited only by their imagination and the possibilities of potential. Through this association, I was privileged to take part in several panels, as well as appear in a television segment, all focused on the multiple facets of education. These were each meant to offer guidance and information to families urgently striving to help their children achieve sustained academic and life-long success. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><i>It was through this purposeful partnership that I was able to also discover and collaborate with the educational endeavors of other Univision partners like HOPE (the Hispanic Organization Promoting Education) and The LAA (The Latin American Association). These memorable occasions over the last few months have provided me with unique outreach opportunities that I have used to affect families in ways I never thought possible. These goal-oriented relationships have already proven themselves to be invaluable and there are two particular instances that I would love to share with you.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The first involved the family of one of my very own students from almost a decade ago who had viewed an education focused program on Univision. My appearance during this segment encouraged them to contact me resulting in us all reuniting during a recent visit to our school. I was in awestruck wonder looking at the young man before me that had once been a student in my elementary class. They both shared with me that he was participating in what is called the STEM Targeted Educational Program (STEP Academy), a program designed for at-risk, over-aged eighth-grade students that allows them to complete multiple grades worth of course work in just one school year. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><i>If he was successful in completing this program, he would transition to 10th grade and remain on track to graduate with his peers. What a blessing I had standing right before me in the form of a chance to aid one of my very own former students and his mother. I asked them if they had time for an impromptu workshop on becoming a more efficient learner, since I was certain they would both enjoy and benefit from the experience. Not only was this the perfect example of a teachable moment, but it warmed my heart to be THE teacher fortunate enough to provide it. I expect wonderful things from this young man and I am appreciative of the unforeseen opportunity I was given to be involved in his academic journey once again. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The second, and most recent occasion, came as a husband and wife approached me at school, smiles broadly displayed across their face. The mother asked if I had a free moment and I gleefully offered her as much time as she needed. She began telling me how much she had enjoyed my workshop and what a pleasure it was to speak to me now. This left me puzzled. I had just completed a school workshop that very Wednesday and I was surprised that I could not remember either of their faces. Noting my confusion, they told me that they had seen me present at a workshop during the Latin American Association’s 14th annual Latino Youth Conference at Emory University. They had been looking forward to following up with me at Kanoheda since they also have a child enrolled here as well as a child in high school. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><i>They were relatively new additions to our school family. My collaboration with the combined educational efforts of these incredible community resources yet again proved to be a boon as it allowed me to make contact with a family that I may not have otherwise been able to reach so soon. They mentioned a desire to do even more for both of their children (music to my ears) and supplement the knowledge they had already received. I was able to immediately provide them with the additional support they needed as well as get them connected with several of the upcoming learning events scheduled at our school. The familiarity with this family, afforded to me through the previous work of these amazing educational partnerships, allowed me to provide support ideally suited to benefit both of their children, despite the disparity in their age. Once again, I was graced with an unanticipated blessing through the amazing collaboration in which I have been able to take part.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Since that first meeting at our school, I’ve had the pleasure of being in communication with this family on many occasions, with each instance heralded first by huge smiles on each of our faces. I could not have dreamed of a more astonishing way to begin a prosperous educational partnership with a new family or rekindle an existing one. These powerful individual examples are the result of a broad and purposeful focus on providing the support our families need to stay engaged in the education of their children and help every single one to fulfill the promise that is within them. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><i>As a teacher, I am so excited by the impactful prospects for educational support that I have now discovered through Univision Atlanta and their educational partners. Furthermore as a fellow parent, I am deeply stirred and eternally grateful for what is being done for the community of families and learners I am honored to serve. I wish you success beyond measure with this marvelous endeavor. Through these efforts, you have allowed me to experience triumphs firsthand that I had never before envisioned possible. For that I am profoundly thankful.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i></i></span><br /><span style="color: blue;"><i></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i>Sincerely,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i>Angel Rodriguez</i></span></div>
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I'll close this post by saying I have LOVED my life of teaching, fostering, and most importantly...parenting. =)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06205765724654551605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180374222698658828.post-56487018602105168582013-11-05T17:21:00.001-05:002013-11-05T17:21:47.705-05:00Learning to Learn: Helping Parents Understand Cognitive Assets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is one of my favorite subjects to talk about…helping learners become better learners. This is a true “big picture” strategy because if you become a better learner, you’ll improve in EVERYTHING, and that provides cognitive mental return on our learning investment.</div>
<br /><b>LIMITLESS POTENTIAL</b><br />I’ve mentioned in other posts how intelligence is dynamic. This is something every parent needs to understand. There is nothing static about a learner’s potential. There never comes a point where you can say “well, that’s it…job well done…you’ve learned all you’re gonna learn!” The human brain is malleable. Simply stated, when you put your brain to work, it physically upgrades. It doesn’t fill up, rather it physically changes its structure. As the parent of two children with special needs, this is particularly uplifting. They may not learn as fast or as easily, but a world of discovery is still open to them.<br /><br />This is a fact that I constantly repeat to them. You don’t keep this type of info to yourself. My kids are fully aware of their own struggles, but understanding how learning happens has given them a leg up on equipping themselves with the means to persevere. What do I equip them with you may be asking? Cognitive assets…the simple strategies and practices that make them more efficient THINKERS!<a name='more'></a><br /><br /><b>EFFICIENT LEARNING CULTIVATES A LOVE OF LEARNING</b><br />Learning is hard work and hard work is good, but the stumbling block for so many learners is that we sometimes make it harder than it has to be. I love to learn and the more efficient I am at it, the more of it I can do. Time is the most precious commodity. I could get to work taking an unnecessarily long and complex route that hits every traffic bottleneck, but that isn’t the best use of my time, energy, and effort. Now, I could drive faster (not recommended), but why chance the increase risk of accidents, traffic tickets, or suffer extra fuel costs associated with that poor choice?<br /><br />Yet upon reflection, that is exactly what we sometimes tell our learners to do. Oh, this isn’t helping you learn? Well then…just do it more often…do it faster…and do it again. The worst part is that when a learner struggles, they may start believing that it is because they didn’t try hard enough or weren’t capable in the first place. We’ve got to put our learners in a position to win as well as teach them how to put themselves in a position to win. <br /><br /><b>WHY BE EFFICIENT?</b><div>
<i>“When every physical and mental resource is focused, one's power to solve a problem multiplies tremendously.” </i></div>
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- Norman Vincent Peale<br /><br />Just take a quick inventory of the things in your life that make you more efficient...vehicles, modern housing, appliances, indoor plumbing (big fan), etc. Imagine not having some of those things (try to think of the nearest stream you could do laundry at for starters)? That is what learning is like for someone who hasn’t acquired the essential cognitive assets that many of us take for granted.<br /><br />Now taking it a step forward, it is easier to understand how potential can be greatly impacted by the addition of these assets or the lack of them. As a parent, making sure my children have these tools is imperative. I’m their learning coach and I’m going to put my kids in a position, not just to play, but to win! The best part about this is how easy and practical these assets are. Many of them are likely to be incredibly familiar, but their incredible value may not. <br /><br />The most interesting thing I’ve read in this past year was a book on “creating” genius. In account after account chronicling the most celebrated intellects known throughout history, it was the use of cognitive assets that set them apart. It wasn’t natural genius that made them special, rather how they squeezed out every last ounce of potential. It was their ability to magnify their strengths that catapulted them to amazing heights.<br /><br /><b>WHAT IS A COGNITIVE ASSET?</b><br />An asset is something that helps you get a job or task done. It doesn’t do it for you, but it makes the process more efficient. I purposely say efficient, because the term easier doesn’t always truly apply. I go to work every day. I could walk, ride a bike, take the bus, get a ride, car pool, or drive myself. Each one of those is an asset that is available to me, but due to the distance, some are better than others. I choose the best fit and then put it to use to accomplish my goal….gainful employment (I’m very attached to this…right up there with indoor plumbing). Now some other folks may have additional assets available to them, if for example they have unlimited finances. They can take a limo, fly by helicopter, or just rough it and drive their luxury car. Simply put, more assets…more choices…greater efficiency….SAME objective (they’ve got to pay for that helicopter somehow).<br /><br />Cognitive assets are the exact same thing, but they apply to learning. No matter what, you’ve got a journey ahead of you, but how you get there can make a big difference. Ever come across a person that loves to learn? I guarantee it is partly because they’ve learned to utilize assets that make the journey an adventure! I will be sharing several assets in future posts, but before I go today, I wanted to share two simple, yet extremely effective cognitive assets that are favorites of mine and work SO well together. I’ve had the pleasure of learning so many of these while getting my degree in brain-based teaching through the BrainSMART program created by Dr. Donna Wilson and Dr. Marcus Conyers. I’ve even invented one myself that I hope to share with you all someday, but in the meantime here are two awesome assets to get your children thinking intensely, critically, and efficiently.<br /><br /><b>80/20 PRINCIPLE</b>The first is the 80/20 principle. Many in the business world may already be familiar with this, but our children should be too. Think about the following:<br />20% of the food you eat probably provides 80% of the most important nutrients</div>
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<li>20% of your exercises provide 80% of the results</li>
<li>20% of the game on TV is responsible for 80% of the fun!</li>
<li>20% of what you study is the important stuff that makes up 80% of the test</li>
<li>20% of your time is responsible for 80% of your productivity</li>
<li>20% of what my kids do is responsible for 80% of my gray hair (I’m just guessing)</li>
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…and so on<br /></div>
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You get the idea. Why is this important for kids to understand this? You need to get them looking at that 20% as much as possible. When my kids are in a learning situation, I do NOT want to miss that 20%. I want them in the habit of finding this on their own. This is an asset, that if practice, can provide incredible returns on your learning investment and it’s obvious to see why.<br /><br /><br /><b>PRACTICAL OPTIMISM</b><br /><i>“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”</i><br />- Prime Minister Winston Churchill<br /></div>
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My mom is not an expert in brain-based teaching, but she taught me an incredibly important cognitive asset at a very young age without realizing it. I was six years old and we were driving on I-95 in Miami when I noticed a rugged biker on a chopper go cruising past us (this may have been where my motorcycle love affair first began). Then I noticed something shocking! This guy had one leg! I turned to my mom and mentioned how I felt sorry for that poor man with only one leg. My mom turned to me suddenly and in a surprisingly forceful tone said “Poor man? Poor man?!?! More like LUCKY MAN!” </div>
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Thoroughly confused as I was, she continued “Don’t be sad that he has only one leg. He should be THANKFUL to God for the leg he has! Look at him riding that motorcycle. What if he had NO legs?” I’ll never forget my mom saying that to me. No matter what my situation…no matter what I face or my family faces, I never stop searching for the blessing in it. This must be taught to our children. Be realists and face the fight without misconceptions, but always look for what can be learned especially in failure or disappointment.</div>
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<br /><b>FINAL THOUGHTS</b><br />In future posts I hope to share other cognitive assets with you and how they’ve impacted my life, both personally and professionally, as well as the lives of my family. If you can’t wait, I highly recommend the book BrainSMART in the House: The Family Guide to Helping Children Succeed in School and in Life. The information is some of the best I’ve ever come across in regards to equipping parents to help their children become world class thinkers. Also check out some of their other books as well. Donna and Marcus are both on my short list of people I would love to sit down with for a deep and compelling conversation (no joke…I have an actual list).<br /><br />In the meantime my fellow learners, just remember this as you continue your own journey of discovery and learning in your efforts to help the children you cherish…<br /><br /><i>“Every child deserves a champion — an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” </i><br />- Rita F. Pierson<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06205765724654551605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180374222698658828.post-54652907527568969882013-10-15T17:41:00.000-04:002013-10-15T20:16:41.043-04:00The Four Ingredients of Family Engagement: 4 simple steps to effective involvementA while back I wrote about the four types of activities make up family involvement and engagement. These are often referred to as ingredients in the Hoover-Dempsey and Sadler Model of parental involvement. I just love the insight that this model has been able to provide me and I've done all I can to share this amazing information with other educators as well as apply it with parents. The way they refer to ingredients really got my mind wandering (don't wait up...who knows where my daydreams will take me). It kind of reminded me of Chopped...you know, from the Food Network. In this show they open up a basket of ingredients and you are forced to make due with what you've got. Actually just "making due" won't get you far at all. You need to produce something amazing! The more I thought about it, the more I realized that this show really is just like effective parent involvement.<br />
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<b>The 4 Specific “Ingredients” Used by Families during Engagement Activities: Instruction, Reinforcement, Modeling, and Encouragement</b><br />
These ingredients are how families influence the student attributes that form the backbone of school success. The beauty of this is that you don't need every ingredient. Through the use of any one of these four specific kinds of activities, your child can benefit immensely. It is important for parents to discover which of these “active ingredients” are their strengths and cultivate them at every opportunity!<br />
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<b>Make the most of what you have and don’t get CHOPPED!</b><br />
You may not have a choice regarding the ingredients available to you, in fact the show seems to take great pleasure in throwing the contestants curves at every opportunity. Who cares. It makes for great TV! The same holds true for our families and teachers, but something far more precious than ratings are at stake. We've got to make the most of what we are working with. You must make the most of what you have in your “basket” without lamenting the lack of other ingredients. Celebrate what you bring to the table and don't knock yourself for what you don't have. Work your strengths and squeeze every last drop out of them.<br />
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<b>Specific Examples of Engagement in Action!</b><br />
These first two are often perceived as the ideal and most effective forms of parental engagement. They represent what is traditionally expected from effectively parent involvement:<br />
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What is expected and coveted, sometimes to the exclusion of other valuable forms of family engagement: Instruction and Reinforcement<br />
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<b><i>I.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Instruction</i></b><br />
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<li>Instruction applicable to the academic standards (delivered by the parent or another individual/entity, such as a tutor)</li>
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<b><i>II.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Reinforcement</i></b><br />
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<li>Practice books/educational games</li>
<li>Online resources</li>
<li>Apps/Programs</li>
<li>Tutors</li>
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If we just play in this sandbox, we limit ourselves as parents. I'm saying NOT to do any of the above, but just remember that you can offer so much more today, tomorrow, and beyond! While not traditionally recognized as being as potent, these two forms provide equivalent results. Here are some great examples of what modeling and encouragement can look like and how it affects your learner:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aniah said she wants to be President and Tristan said he'll be her "General Manager"</td></tr>
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<b><i>III.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Modeling (directly or indirectly): Actions speak louder than words</i></b><br />
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<li>Problem solving out loud when confronted with an appropriate situation</li>
<ul>
<li>Cooking dinner using a recipe (math, science, reading: volume, elapsed time, sequence, etc.)</li>
<li>Creating a grocery list (writing, math: purposeful writing, estimation, addition, subtraction, etc.)</li>
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<li>Discussing the <b>importance </b>of education </li>
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<li>Provides clear intent in regards to the “Big Picture” of education and the steps necessary to achieve success. </li>
<li>Develop perseverance and discourages the natural instinct to quit during hardships</li>
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<li>Serving as the “external” brain when students are problem solving themselves</li>
<ul>
<li>Provides immediate feedback</li>
<li>Guides decision making practices</li>
<li>Reaffirms positive choices and reinforces the use of existing resources and practices (re-read your book, check your work, etc. and other self-regulatory skills)</li>
<li>Practice utilizing/seeking external resources to facilitate learning (similar to the practice of peer grouping and sharing that is already encouraged in the classroom)</li>
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<li>Managing resources such as time and space</li>
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<li>Adhering to a schedule</li>
<li>Working in the right environment (quiet, well lit, materials on hand, etc.)</li>
<li>Developing organizational skills (a neat and orderly desk almost always directly correlates to a neat and orderly room)</li>
</ul>
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<b><i>IV.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Encouragement </i></b><br />
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<li>Discuss neuroplasticity (yes, really…just get your children to understand this concept. It's not a secret)</li>
<ul>
<li>Intelligence is not static. The brain experiences physical/tangible/measurable growth with use. The harder you work, the smarter you get. Share this fact with your children. This is one of the most amazing discoveries in the last few decades in regards to the brain.</li>
<li>You cannot prevent yourself from learning as long as you continue moving forward.</li>
</ul>
<li>Learning from mistakes</li>
<ul>
<li>Getting children to view mistakes as evidence of learning</li>
<li>Looking for the positive lessons in every setback to maximize the learning experience.</li>
<li>Practice critical thinking and utilizing feedback to improve in all areas</li>
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<li>Risk-taking</li>
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<li>Offer the safety and security of knowing that they can take calculated and developmentally appropriate risks. This is a common deficit among very bright children because they avoid risk-taking since failure is interpreted as a blow against their self-image. </li>
<li>Get them to try without fear of failure. If they do fail, that does not define them. They just need to try, try, and try again. Let perseverance define them.</li>
</ul>
<li>Valuing effort, as well as outcome</li>
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<li>We all want our children to succeed and to have that success be a measureable outcome. There is nothing wrong with that, but we must recognize the steps (sometimes many steps) along the way. The child with a grade of C in math and an “excellent” rating in effort WILL improve.</li>
<li>Celebrate every triumph on the path to success!</li>
<li>Get your children and their parents to relish hard work. 1+1= you learning nothing. Once the content starts to be a challenge, NOW you know that you are learning!!!</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tristan rocking the "Best Reader" award in 1st grade</td></tr>
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It seems so simple right? But that is the point. Complicated never trumps consistent! My youngest son suffers from brain damage. By all accounts, he has a mental and emotional disability that should be a great hindrance to him. He just started the second grade, but has been reading on a third grade level since the previous school year. Was he always an advanced reader? Nope. This has been the growth he experienced since applying similar strategies to the ones listed above. Well what about reading materials and resources? Do you work with him constantly at reading? The answer again is that we do not do anything that differently than the average family. </div>
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However, when it comes to modeling and encouragement, we go ALL OUT! From encouraging questioning (we are a talkative family) and friendly competitions, to always having a book in our own hands and always praising effort above all, we do model and encourage at every opportunity. I've had incredible success with this and considering that two youngest are adopted (different families) and suffer from the effects of brain damage, my oldest is my stepdaughter, and my oldest boy is my only bio child, I'm fairly certain that in regards to achievement, nurture has beaten the tar out of nature. =)</div>
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I shared this all with you because I want every parent to understand just how influence they possess. Be confident and do what you can. My mom had a kindergarten education and could not speak English, yet when I think of effective family engagement, I believe she set the gold standard! I believe the same is true for you! Go be awesome!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06205765724654551605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180374222698658828.post-72418069949005800622013-10-10T15:16:00.000-04:002013-10-10T15:16:09.744-04:00Angel Rodriguez Presenting at the 2014 Statewide Family Engagement Conference<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">I just found out today that I will be presenting at the 2014 Statewide Family Engagement Conference for the GADOE in Athens, GA! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">This is what I was sent earlier today...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><i>Dear Mr. Rodriguez -</i></span></span></div>
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<i style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">Thank you for your interest in the 2014 Statewide Family Engagement Conference. We had a large number of quality proposal applications to choose from, which made the committee's task very difficult. </i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I'm just gonna be real. At this point, I'm thinking the news isn't going to be good. "Large number of quality proposals"..."this was a difficult task"... OH NO!!! I think the 2014 Statewide Family Engagement Conference is breaking up with me!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />That's okay. I love teaching parents how to be involved, as well as showing teachers ways to make </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">this irreplaceable partnership better and stronger. This truly is my passion and I'll never stop trying to make a difference! If I don't get this opportunity, there will be others in the future...I just know there will be. I'll just be patient and continue to pursue my passion...I just need to be strong...I'll carry on....</span></div>
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<i style="color: #333333; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">*** Cue Titanic Theme Song "My Heart Will Go On Celine Dion" </span></i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aw4r3864cEA/Ulb28Y2Js8I/AAAAAAAAArg/eowJeZEtVXg/s1600/article-0-0009AE4900000258-686_468x299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aw4r3864cEA/Ulb28Y2Js8I/AAAAAAAAArg/eowJeZEtVXg/s200/article-0-0009AE4900000258-686_468x299.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>However, I am pleased to announce that your conference proposal "Family Engagement De-mystified and De-constructed!" has been accepted. We look forward to having you share your expertise with our participants! </i> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">OH THANK GOODNESS!!! I try to always find the good in every situation and I'm always the eternal optimist, but having said that, it feels absolutely wonderful to find the good in an already great situation. I could not be happier with this chance to share with peers and colleagues!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I'm going to do everything I can to make a real impact at this conference. I want as many people as possible to walk away fired up about making a positive change regarding parental involvement. I want them to feel empowered and I desire nothing more than for this information to come across as practical AND achievable. I once heard Shawn Achor say that our environment does not shape our reality, but rather it is the lens in which we view our environment that shapes it. I want to help provide educators with a new lens regarding parental engagement and help aid any way I can in the discovery and appreciation of this incredibly powerful asset...PARENT INVOLVEMENT! </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I'm going to give this everything I've got! A</span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">nyone wearing socks to my presentation is guaranteed to leave barefoot, cause I'm planning on knocking them all off! Attend at your own risk! You have been warned.</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06205765724654551605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180374222698658828.post-56836625576074789012013-10-09T17:56:00.000-04:002013-10-15T20:10:43.526-04:00Helping Your Child Build a Better Brain for Math (K-12)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I just got the opportunity to video my math workshop and share many cognitive and academic strategies for success. Not only will I be able to share it with more parents, but it will also give me the chance to really examine where I could improve by reflecting on my performance as a speaker. WOW, do I have room to improve. This is not a bad thing mind you. I really love finding ways that I can continue to develop strengths or discovering weaknesses that I can shore up and manage. Reflecting on our practices and learning from our experiences can be invaluable for any learner and I am no different. </div>
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<a name='more'></a>A couple of things went wrong with our inaugural attempt at making a video (which is forthcoming by the way). In the meantime, I thought I'd put the audio from the presentation and combine it with my dazzling (I'm embellishing) powerpoint. No honestly, I think you'll enjoy the content, but I'm not sure if my production value will overpower the senses. I'm not a techno-wiz, but I think it came out good for my first try. Just give me time though to get better...I'll keep working hard to improve. In regards to this presentation, the biggest hurdle I had to overcome was that I did the entire workshop with both hands tied behind my back. Hey, I'll do anything to get the audience on the edge of their seats after all. </div>
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Let me explain. I had hoped to use a wireless mic during the training. That didn't happen so, no problem, I'll use a hand held mic. Next, a friend lent me their handy, dandy clicker so I could breeze through the powerpoint. Great! There goes the other hand. Now mind you, I'm a hispanic...I "talk" with my hands. Without realizing it, I had figuratively muzzled myself! To make matters more interesting, I was so excited about starting, that I began without my glasses. Now my notes, that I had hoped could remain on the table, had to be held (yes, if you are counting I am out of hands). Somehow I managed. I didn't even skip a beat when one of the kids at the presentation passed gas...I just kept on keeping on. Ya can't phase me.</div>
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Needless to say, it was way tougher than it had to be, but I still feel good about the message. It was also heartening to know that even when things don't go exactly as planned, I've practiced the attitude of making the best of it. That is another cognitive asset that every learner can benefit from. That silver lining actually is made of solid gold.</div>
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Well here is the powerpoint video for you to enjoy. I've got a wonder parent volunteer that is going to put the actual video together so you can see me juggle a mic, clicker, presentation notes, and a chainsaw, all while blindfolded! In the meantime, enjoy this presentation on Building the Better Brain for Math. Let me know what you think and if you have ANY questions at all, post them in the comment area and I'll be happy to answer them. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06205765724654551605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180374222698658828.post-80573528016796502922013-10-05T11:06:00.001-04:002013-10-09T18:03:38.635-04:00A Whirlwind Year! Talking a TON about Parental Engagement!!!I've read often about how bloggers start with a whirlwind of activity, only to then drift off...<br />
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I just wanted to let my friends following me know that it has been the opposite. I've desperately wanted to return to blogging consistently, but things have been BANANAS (but in a good way...not the kind of bananas that got too ripe are now only good for banana bread). I just wanted to fill you in before I got back in the saddle with what will hopefully be great content on the blog for you to use and enjoy.</div>
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I've been so humbled and honored by recent opportunities. First I was able to do a radio interview regarding parent involvement on Atlanta's first Spanish language radio station. Then came a tv spot on Telemundo Atlanta on the first day of school this year.</div>
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If that wasn't enough, I got a chance to take part in a TV education series on Univision a few weeks later, and NOW I've been asked to participate in town hall meeting on Univision, sharing my passion about parental involvement, as one of about five experts on various fields related to education from around the state!!! </div>
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This has been an amazing year and I'm so glad for every chance I've gotten to reach out to even more parents! I'm waiting on your call CNN...you're just down the road and I've got some open spots left on my schedule. :)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06205765724654551605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180374222698658828.post-30156705165780359912013-09-26T17:58:00.001-04:002013-09-26T18:02:00.092-04:00My Interview for GCPS-TV on Parent Engagement!<!-- Start of Brightcove Player -->
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I've had some great opportunities to encourage parents during several interviews over the last few months. Each has been in Spanish, my second language. I just got the chance to finally do an interview in English! Phew...no more worries about possibly inventing a word due to limited Spanish vocabulary, although I've been known to invent a few in English as well (just less likely)! </div>
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Please let me know what you think! =)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06205765724654551605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180374222698658828.post-48512693861721099482013-08-10T19:17:00.001-04:002013-08-10T19:35:22.202-04:00The Blessings of Serving Others<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><i>Magic Moments That Come From Serving Others: Sharing a Happy Memory</i></b></div>
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<b>Lessons we never expect</b><br />
Many years ago I was interpreting for a family attending a school I worked at. They were one of many families that I've helped along the way, yet I never saw them again. I had hoped that someday I would get the chance to help them again, but you just never know for sure in these circumstances. You just do as you can and try to be at peace. This post is just my experience with one of those situations that ended up coming around full circle...a family I meant in one brief moment...a moment that lasted longer than I ever thought it would.<br />
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This family had a heartbreaking story. Mom was coming to a meeting to set up “homebound” education services for her child who was fighting cancer. She would come to school when she could, and do school at home at other times. I did all I could in this meeting. I would gladly have done anything they needed me to do, but sadly this was just one of those instances where there was only so much I could do. I could interpret…I could be empathetic…I could keep her in my thoughts, and most importantly my prayers…but there was nothing else I could do. At the end of the meeting, I promised her that I would be available for her if she ever needed my help. I would always be available to interpret, being just a phone call away, but not many more meetings occurred in subsequent years. Her daughter succumbed to her illness. This young child had lost her battle with cancer.<br />
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The school reached out to the family to offer their help. I remember hearing how amazed everyone who came in contact with this family was by their reaction. They displayed what seemed to be an endless outpouring of gratitude for all the efforts the school put forth. It was almost as if they were consoling us. The school had collected some money to try and assist with funeral arrangements, but their level of appreciation and concern for us overshadowed any of our efforts for them. These were such good people. I prayed and prayed for them. It made me long to do more for them. I wanted to do more for this mother. Unfortunately, the opportunity didn't materialize for me then. It wasn't time yet.<br />
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<b>The echoes of kindness</b><br />
Years passed and I was talking to one of my many friends that worked in the school's cafeteria. This particular school I worked at was blessed with an amazing group of ladies that always went above and beyond in caring for our students and their families. I just adored them all! This particular year, they added some new staff members with hearts and smiles that fit right in with the rest of the crew. The school year was coming to an end and we were rehearsing the 5th grade graduation celebration in our cafeteria. It included a video of all the 5th graders during this transitional year, as they went from elementary to middle school. So many bright and smiling faces…our children growing up.<br />
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After one of the rehearsals, a cafeteria worker approached me asking if I could help her again. Again? I didn't think much of it. She then asked if the videos were done every year and inquired just how far back they went. I did a bit of mental math, and happily answered. She wanted to know if the video of her daughter's 5th grade graduation from several years back (five years to be exact) still existed. Let me explain that in school time, five years is FOREVER. Between new technology adoption (and technology exodus), the occasional “everything got erased” or occasional hardware failure, and the obvious challenge of where to even look, this search was going to be difficult considering how far back in time we had to travel. However, I’m an optimist. I could definitely take a crack at this. Anything is possible. =)<br />
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I told her that I honestly could not promise anything, but I would be happy to investigate and do my very best. I had a few leads along with some names in mind of those that could maybe send me in the right direction. She told me at that moment that it would mean SO MUCH to her if I could help, but she didn't want me to get it trouble. Bah, I told her “don’t be silly.” She then said "you've always been so nice to me and I hate to ask more of you" and that was when it hit me.<br />
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I thought she was just a sentimental parent (I can't fault her for that), but then the details clicked. Her face had <span style="background-color: white;">seemed so familiar, so friendly, and warm to me throughout the year, but it hadn't registered before then. I knew this mom! It</span> was THAT MOM!!!! It was HER!! S<span style="background-color: white;">he’d been part of our sch</span>ool family as a parent, and then returned years later to serve other children as one of our staff, at the SAME school her daughter attended before passing away (I'm still in awe of that). Thank you Lord for this chance to serve again! I would absolutely look! It would be my pleasure! I had the chance to do more and I would do more!!!!!<br />
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I knew that if anyone could dig anything up, it was my friend the technology specialist at our school. We sat down together and started doing some detective work. If these files still existed, where would they be? Staring at a computer screen and scanning through countless videos, pictures, and PowerPoint presentations is not all that exciting, but the results were more than I ever expected. At the end of our search, we had joyfully found not just a few pictures or a video, we had found a treasure trove. My friend had dug up video clips, digital images, PowerPoint presentations, and even the choreography video that was played during her daughter’s 5th grade graduation so many years ago.<br />
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<b>Life's little "Magic Moments"</b><br />
My friend put it all together on DVD and I made sure to introduce her (the tech hero that made this all possible) to this sweet mother so she could present her this gift herself. Tears filled the mom’s eyes. She was so happy (sidebar: This happens to be my kryptonite, so I had to eventually excuse myself before I started getting way too misty eyed and emotional). My point in sharing this story is to encourage you to seize the moments we are offered to serve others. Some are little, others may be big, but regardless, the act of service is more than just a blessing to others…we are blessed as well.<br />
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My small role in this all made my heart sing. I sincerely love helping families with anything I possibly can. Aside from the blessing we offer to others and the how your own heart grows from this experience, always remember who may be watching you, most importantly your children. You never know how your actions may echo over time and who they may touch or how deeply they may be affected. Always seek to serve others in some way. Teach your children to do the same through your actions, not just words. Few lessons in life are as valuable as this and fewer still can offer this fulfilling of a reward.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06205765724654551605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180374222698658828.post-17131549225730808672013-07-26T17:51:00.002-04:002013-08-10T16:00:27.661-04:00Supporting Families Affected by #FAS: A NEW partnership between Emory University and NOFAS Georgia!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-foAQzSBr7qY/UfAS16GonaI/AAAAAAAAAis/BoRfAJXDKLc/s1600/35345359_400x400.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q142A-pWFcc/UfAY4PombuI/AAAAAAAAAi8/4hfbhza1ROo/s1600/Emory_School_of_Medicine_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; clear: right; color: black; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></span></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Department of Psychiatry,<br />
Behavioral Science and Pediatrics</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: inherit;">“What lies behind us & what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” </i><br />
<i style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~ Ralph Waldo Emerson</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I find it so surreal. I almost cannot believe this is happening, but it is and it's only going to get better. Our meeting at Emory went great!! Tracy and I are so happy in our role of strengthening NOFAS Georgia </span>(National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome). We are <span style="font-family: inherit;">even more honored to take part in a new partnership between NOFAS Georgia and Emory University that will allow us to offer</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> support for families affected by </span><a class="_58cn" data-onclick="[["HashtagLayerPageController","click"]]" data-pub="{"id":132173700294461}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/fasd" style="cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_58cl">#</span><span class="_58cm">FASD</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">! Our hope is to quickly begin work in the Metro Atlanta area and then expand this network of support throughout the state so we can impact as many</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"> lives as possible!</span></span><br />
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Before now, NOFAS Georgia has held on by a string, thanks to the herculean efforts of Melissa Cook (a parent volunteer facing the same challenges as us) and the folks at Emory University. Tracy and I have joined Melissa, and the three of us have pledged ourselves to lead a parent initiative, through NOFAS Georgia, that will offer families in our state the support they so desperately need. Great things start from humble beginnings. Our goals are very modest...we just want to change the world!!! I just love a good fight. That's just me...challenge accepted!!!<br />
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Our Family's Story:</i></b><br />
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<b>The girl that stole our hearts</b></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">My wife and I actually talked about adoption on our first date. We knew from the beginning that we had found a similar spirit in each other. I sincerely believe that divine providence lead our lives in that very direction. Our hearts led us first to become foster parents. I was an educator, with a particular love for early childhood education and Tracy would be a stay at home mom. We had been prayerful and saw this as the role we were meant to fulfill. We still wanted to adopt someday, but we put that on hold to answer the call of serving children and families in need. We went through the training, orientation, and evaluation that goes into becoming foster parents and soon had our very first placement. God blessed us with Aniah!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I held her in my hands...now she holds my heart in hers.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Aniah's birth mother had tried to do the right thing. She attempted to curb her drug use during pregnancy, but tragically turned to consuming greater amounts of alcohol instead. Aniah weighed a little over two lbs when she was born prematurely. We could cradle her in a single hand. Thankfully due to the close relationship we formed with her birth mother, we were made aware of so many details regarding the pregnancy. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Aniah will struggle </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">with FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) her entire life. FASD is often referred to as the invisible disability. Thankfully, we knew what we were up against. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">This knowledge can be a unique</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">blessing for any child suffering with FASD</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and we were determined to make the most of it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: white;">What is FASD?</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are a group of conditions that can occur when a mother drinks alcohol during pregnancy. FASD is a disability that lasts a lifetime. </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">We were prepared for the worst. We were told that the primary disabilities linked with FASD are permanent. Individuals suffer from a mixture of mild to severe effects, stemming from this neurological dysfunction and damage to their central nervous system. They may suffer from memory disorders, learning disorders, behavior disorders, sensory disorders, sleep disorders, mood disorders, impaired speech and language development, and a host of others. The damage caused to the brain does not lessen or improve, even as the person gets older. Parents like us are often told to temper our expectations. This infuriated us. We had a realistic understanding of this disability, but how could we ever place a limit on the potential any of our children?. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">We had hope and we grasped at it with all our might since the moment Aniah first came into our lives. Despite the obstacles, the outlook for our children could possibly change with the right support, sound strategies and a greater understanding of FASD. As most parents of children with FASD, we faced an uphill climb. The support structure these families need did not exist for most parents then, and is only in it's infancy now through groups such as NOFAS. Thankfully we were in a unique situation. As foster parents with Georgia AGAPE, we had access to a greater amount of training and support than most parents. We were determined to take advantage of this and every learning opportunity that came within our reach, in order to help Aniah and the other children we would inevitably serve.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white;">The arrival that made our family complete</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The family God meant for us to have!</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">The years passed and Aniah's birth mother was never able to overcome the demons that overwhelmed her. During her last visit to see Aniah, she asked if we would adopt her. She knew that we loved her, and despite her despair and the decisions that had brought her to this point, she just wanted the best for Aniah. We promised to love Aniah always if they were not able to be reunited, but we also begged her not to give up. She agreed, but it was sadly the last time we ever spoke to her. She disappeared and after nearly three years in our care, the court terminated parental rights and asked if we, being the only family in her life, would be interested in adoption. I've never answered such an easy question. Our minds and hearts were made up long before then.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The treasure that came sailing into our lives!</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"></span><span style="background-color: white;">Around this time, another child came into our life. His name was Tristan. We were never able to form a close relationship with his birth mom since she had been incarcerated. Despite the bleakness of this situation, it ended up being another amazing blessing for a baby that would be born with FASD. Because of the circumstances, his birth mom disclosed her complete medical and family history. His birth mom was HIV positive. Because of the likelihood that he would be born with HIV, his extended family would not take him in. This also made placement within the foster system nearly impossible. DFCS (Division of Family and Children Services) approached AGAPE, and AGAPE came to us. This was unlike anything we'd undertaken, but our confidence in the training AGAPE could provide made the decision simple. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">We welcomed Tristan into our home three days after he was born. The first four months of his life were arduous. In addition to the developmental delays suffered through FAS, his mother had been on a regiment of preventative HIV drugs during pregnancy and these would continue through the first six months of his life. He was sickly and weak, but with each passing checkup and blood test, the likelihood that he had contracted HIV dropped drastically. After almost two years, the doctors declared that they were certain he was HIV free. Despite this, no one in his family would take the responsibility of caring for him. The spectre of FAS and FASD loomed large. His mom could not care for him and after two and a half years in the foster system, her parental rights were terminated. We were again asked the same question we had been asked before. As the only family present and the only family he had ever known, would we adopt Tristan? Again, the answer had been decided long before the question was ever asked. This was the family God had intended for us. </span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white;">The effects of FASD on Aniah and Tristan</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good times at the Georgia AGAPE foster banquet.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When we look at Aniah and Tristan now, we are overcome with emotion. With each additional ounce of information we learn about FASD, we are grateful beyond words for how far our children have come. FASD has manifested itself within our children in very noticeable ways. Aniah has always displayed profound developmental delays encompassing the entire scope of FASD, both physical and mental, but her progress has never plateaued. She has a persistence that can move mountains. Despite her difficulties, she loves to learn and tackles each challenge with an understanding that hard work is the key to success. We have also nurtured her strengths. Despite the weaknesses we work to help her manage every day, she has displayed an emotional intelligence that I find amazing. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Her empathy and ability to motivate others exceeds that of almost every student I have ever worked with in my entire life. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A smile that can lift anyone's spirits!</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I remember doing a soccer camp last summer, we watched nearly 300 children take the stage, as they were cycled through team by team. Every team awarded a "game ball" to one child on the team. Every team exited the stage always with just one extremely happy kid, ball safely clutched in their arms. When Aniah's team left the stage, there were TWO extremely happy kids. Aniah had not won the game ball, but you wouldn't have known by her expression. Her face had lit up as she genuinely congratulated the boy that did win. Parents throughout the auditorium gave a collective "awwww" in response. She'd done something no other child out of hundreds had done. THAT is my daughter! I've witnessed her self-awareness blossom in ways greater than most children without disabilities. Even in the area of self-regulation, she has made strides that most children with FASD never experience in a lifetime. I can objectively say Aniah is one of the sweetest and most savvy kids I've ever met. I honestly believe she will follow in my footsteps as a teacher and excel!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The effects of FASD on Tristan are different in that his greatest obstacles manifest in behavioral and mood disorders. Tristan is a tumult of emotion. He dwells in the extremes of happiness, anger, sadness, etc. We work constantly to help him regulate himself. Despite the intensity of his emotions, and what can result because of it, he is one of the sweetest and toughest kids I've ever known. We've worked with this strength and honed his ability to reflect and learn from any situation. He still makes mistakes, but we work tirelessly to make sure he learns from them. Every setback can be an opportunity! I've known many parents to give up on children with behavior problems like this, but Tristan has proven time and time again, that he can learn and triumph! </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">This fits so well with his other strengths.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> His competitive nature is extreme</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">, just like the obstacles he seeks to overcome. Nothing can knock him down and keep him there. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tristan received the best reader award in his class!</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">This has translated academically as well. Here is a child with brain damage, that entered first grade as a below average reader since the focus up to that point had been behavioral and on socialization. By the end of the year, he made over two grade levels of progress as a reader and is set to be evaluated for the gifted program. His accomplishments are even greater when you consider that he has never been identified in the school system as a child with special needs. He has no IEP (Individualized Education Plan). His success is all a result of a sheer force of will that we have cultivated at every opportunity. Parents can be have an impact for children with FASD, and we want others to know that they can make a huge difference!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See no sass, speak no sass, hear no sass!</td></tr>
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">What an amazing adventure it has been</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Over almost eight years, Tracy and I fostered eight children total, including </span>Aniah<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and Tristan,</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> in addition to raising own own children Lawson and Kyla.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Before ever fostering, Tracy had garnered extensive experience as a classroom volunteer and running a successful home child care business for children with special needs. I had been an educator now for almost two decades, which included serving children with a variety of </span>exceptionalities <span style="font-family: inherit;">and their families. Tracy and I embraced every training we could attend and researched more information regarding </span>FASD<span style="font-family: inherit;">, and how the</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> brain learns, than most teachers</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I've ever known. </span>FASD<span style="font-family: inherit;"> is just not on the radar for most teachers, but it should be. </span>During our tenure as foster parents, we ended up specializing in children with severe emotional, physical, and mental disabilities. We would not give up fighting for our children.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I was </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">even </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">inspired to pursue a graduate degree in brain-based learning, all for the sake of serving our own children and others. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Working to support others</b></span> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We refuse to relent. We refuse to surrender. FASD presents a huge obstacle for these children and their families to overcome, but we can change the course of their lives with comprehensive support, sound strategies, and a greater understanding of FASD. Every day can be a success. Our children may experience setbacks due to FASD, but to deny them the chance to reach their full potential is unacceptable. I believe this is true for my own children and for others with FASD. The greater danger lies not in setting our aim to high and missing the mark, but in setting it too low and achieving it. My children prove how high they can reach every single day. I want other parents to share in that hope as well. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Providing education about the risk of alcohol use during pregnancy, supporting individuals and caregivers living with FASD, and advocating on their behalf is precisely what NOFAS is about. NOFAS Georgia is the state affiliate helping to educate and support families in our state, in partnership with Emory University. Tracy and I are both looking forward to the supporting friendships that will be made between us and other FAS caregivers and we are looking forward to locking arms with Emory and working together to provide education about FAS prevention. I am personally excited about any opportunities that come my way to share the skills and knowledge I have gleaned from my education and personal experience with other parents, so that they can help their children reach their full potential, and not just what experts "think" our children can achieve. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">I know this was a long post, but thank you for letting me share our story with you. Please feel free to share this positive story with others, in fact I respectfully ask that you do share this to help increase awareness of #FAS and #FASD. Parents of children with special needs, regardless of what kind, often need to hear an uplifting message. Perhaps this story can offer a glimmer of hope. Whatever your cause may be, never believe that what you can accomplish doesn't matter. That's NONSENSE! It is only through inaction that we guarantee failure. You might be only one person, but one is still greater than none! Have the courage to stand alone if you must! You could end up being the spark that ignites a fire!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06205765724654551605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180374222698658828.post-36908058093820899322013-07-17T15:23:00.004-04:002013-07-17T15:27:48.869-04:00Sept. 9th is now Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day in Georgia!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Georgia NOFAS (National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) is set to start moving mountains! September 9th is now </span><a class="_58cn" data-onclick="[["HashtagLayerPageController","click"]]" data-pub="{"id":132173700294461}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/fasd" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_58cl" style="color: #6d84b4;">#</span><span class="_58cm">FASD</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> Awareness Day thanks to the efforts my friend Melissa Cook </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">(the author of this proclamation signed by our Governor)</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> and her efforts on behalf of families dealing with FASD! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">So glad to be part of this revitalized GA NOFAS team, that includes the smart and talented Tracy Rodriguez! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The effects of FASD have had a huge impact on our family. I've been blessed with so much information that has helped us and now we just want to offer our support to others. Once upon a time, I would have thought that despite my good intentions, my efforts wouldn't really make that much of a difference. I'm so glad to have left that thinking far behind me where it belongs. Wayne Gretzky was quoted as saying "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." I'm not sure how much we will be able to accomplish, but I truly believe the three of us are going to be getting a lot done. I am POSITIVE that it will be more than we ever expected, especially if we had just convinced ourselves not to act! This is just the beginning!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06205765724654551605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180374222698658828.post-31189092577944023322013-07-09T14:25:00.001-04:002013-07-09T14:25:10.478-04:00<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/7150615/?claim=vs98bufxzwx">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06205765724654551605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180374222698658828.post-3749659913140966052013-07-08T22:12:00.001-04:002013-07-09T12:41:00.417-04:00Feeding Your Brain AND Body: Our Family's Journey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>**This is a guest post by a VERY special guest poster...Tracy Rodriguez!!! I am hoping she will accept a very low paying position as a regular commentator on nutrition and clean eating here at WiseLearners! Welcome Tracy!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Feeding our children well is so important for the development of their bodies and brains. When I say "well", I don't mean what taste good. What I mean is food packed with nutrition and healthy fats. I use to think I fed my family well. The boxes of food said things like "whole grain", "all natural", "fat free", "multigrain" and a whole host of other labels that are misleading. It turns out that I wasn't feeding my family well at all because I wasn't feeding them actual food. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'd like to share with you a little about how we went from eating processed products to real food. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>WHY CHANGE?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A large portion of our meals were made up of something from a box or bag. Cereal for breakfast (it's heart healthy, right?) with low-fat milk , cream of tomato soup (canned of course, made with that low-fat milk) and grilled cheese sandwiches (the kids helped by unwrapping the cheese) for lunch. Dinner was often served with a salad covered in low-fat dressing and a side of flavored rice from a box. Snacks were made up of products like granola bars, cereal bars and packaged cookies. I'm at a point now in my nutrition journey where I can't even call these products food. They are highly processed, chemical food wannabees that don't add to the health of my family, but actually diminish their health.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I changed the way I feed my family in June of 2012. We started off by eliminating gluten (wheat). I started here because our oldest daughter and I had been sick for several years and all of the research on our symptoms pointed at gluten as the culprit. The research led me to blogs like <a href="http://www.marksdailyapple.com/" target="_blank">Mark's Daily Apple</a> and <a href="http://whole9life.com/start/" target="_blank">Whole9</a>. I cleaned out the pantry, fridge and freezer on June 13th and removed anything with gluten in it. We had several boxes of food that we gave to the food bank! My fridge and pantry were empty. I admit, I started doubting myself and thinking I'd just made a huge mistake. </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">TAKING A BIG STEP</b><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We are a one income family and I'd just gotten rid of most of our groceries! I knew for our family though, if we were going to change our eating lifestyle, it was better to do it this way rather than little by little. I had talked to my kids beforehand about how I had learned that it was the food I was buying that was making me and their older sister sick. I explained that our home should be a safe place for all of us, and that included the food that was in it. They understood that immediately and bought into it because they know that family looks out for each other. I assured them that I would find yummy substitutes for baked goodies that didn't make anybody sick when they ate them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was feeling so much better within a few days of cutting out wheat! This was enough motivation for me to keep studying, researching recipes and racking my brain for meal ideas that my whole family would eat. In August, I read <i>It Starts With Food </i>by Dallas and Melissa Hartwig. I recommend this book to everybody I talk to about nutrition and how I feed my family. The book explains how the food we eat affects us, physically and psychologically<span style="line-height: 21px;">, in an easy to understand way. The information is backed by the latest scientific research, has delicious recipes and includes help with meal planning. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><b>IMMEDIATE DIETARY IMPACT</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Angel and I decided to do a <a href="http://whole9life.com/category/whole-30/" target="_blank">Whole30</a> in September, after reading <i>It Starts With Food</i>. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">We each had our own reasons for taking on a Whole30. I was still having a few health issues and I had a feeling that they were food related, plus I wanted to take our family's "clean" eating a step further. Angel had a sugar demon that he wanted to conquer and he wanted to support me in my Whole30. Doing the Whole30 meant cleaning out the fridge and pantry again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">This time I was looking for ingredients such as dairy, soy (which I found in my canned tuna!), high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), monosodium glutamate (MSG), and sugar. The kids ate Whole30 at home that month, but were still eating school lunches. (I know there is not anything healthy about school lunches. Baby steps...) September finished and Angel and I felt fantastic! I discovered I am also sensitive to dairy and he kicked his sugar demon to the curb. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">We decided to keep the foods that we had cut out during the Whole30 out of the house and stick to a diet of unprocessed whole foods. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><b>LIFESTYLE CHANGES</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">Paleo or Primal would most closely describe our lifestyle. We do enjoy the occasional non-Paleo/Primal food here at home (oats, legumes, rice and corn for example), but it's still healthier than how we use to eat. I'm pretty strict about a few ingredients...gluten (wheat), MSG, soy, HFCS, partially hydrogenated oils, dyes, caramel coloring and fake sugars. If a product has even one of these ingredients, I won't buy it for my family. There are other ingredients that I don't want my family eating, but the ones I listed pretty much covers enough to where basically all processed foods are a no-go for our family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">Our kids have adapted well and they know that at home we eat as healthy as we can. We don't stress over what they eat when we go to birthday parties or "food-centered" gatherings and events. We know that at home our kids are eating very well, so an occasional gluten filled hot dog bun holding a soy laced hot dog, smeared with HFCS ketchup is not something we stress over at this point in our clean eating journey. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In the last year, we have gone from a good portion of our meals and snacks being made up of processed foods with a long list of ingredients (sometimes unpronounceable!) that didn't enhance our health (and actually made us sick), to a lifestyle of real whole foods that improve our health. We eat real food- meats, lots of veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds and healthy fats 95% of the time. I am still researching and learning about food and how to best feed my family. Our journey into clean eating is far from done. In my next post, I will share how simply changing what I feed my family has impacted our physical, emotional and mental health, in ways I never imagined. </span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">-Tracy</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06205765724654551605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180374222698658828.post-5510258114846660372013-07-04T14:52:00.001-04:002013-07-29T10:10:43.939-04:00The 4 types of parental involvement: Is there such a thing as too much?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When it comes to limits on parental involvement, I believe honestly that there is NO LIMIT at all! In fact, give me all you got! Where things seem to go wrong comes from the focus we sometimes place on some types of involvement to the exclusion of others. I don’t think we do this on purpose, but the effects are deleterious. This is where that sense of hopelessness first begins with parents that are so desperate to help their children, yet feel lost in regards to how and where to begin. This may not make me popular, but teachers often do make this situation worse without even meaning to. Let me break it down the how and why.<br />
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<b>Who is looking out for you: How parental involvement is flawed</b><br />
The school will always do what works best for the school. It's apples and oranges. Just trying to make parents experts at the curriculum is a losing battle. It's an approach that works at first, but it is ALWAYS followed by a steep decline in effectiveness. Sure, k-2...I was an expert. I totally rocked my ABC's and 123's. Yes...my kids were in absolute awe of me! But as they advance, we are asking parents to exhibit mastery in areas they just can't. We need parents to be experts in areas educators cannot ever dream to be...be experts in your children! Sure, instruct and reinforce when you can, but focus on modeling and encouragement above all else.<br />
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<b>Why bother with parental involvement...we need immediate results!</b><br />
Standardized testing and measurements dot the horizon. The irony is that if ALL parents ever did was model and encourage, research suggest that students would experience a great deal of academic success. Yet, many teachers do not view that as a viable option. We are laser focused on academic knowledge and skills. This is what the test will measure and we can't seem to wrap our minds around HOW modeling and encouragement would reflect positively on test scores. We instead desperately desire the tangible forms of involvement from our parents. We want instruction and reinforcement at home, please and thank you. Everything else is "okay" but stick to the formula. What we get instead is many parents struggling, losing heart, and then giving up. Teachers react with surprise and bewilderment. Really? Is it fair to judge a fish on climbing a tree? <br />
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<b>The four types of involvement: Instruction, Reinforcement, Modeling, and Encouragement</b><br />
Can there ever be a limit to parental involvement? That will get you some interesting answers depending on who you ask and their perception of what parental involvement looks. I prefer to leapfrog the collaborative and traditional forms and get into the trenches of the parent/teacher/home dynamic. By looking at it this way, there really are just four basic forms of parental involvement: instruction, reinforcement, modeling, and encouragement (as defined in the Hoover-Dempsey & Sandler Model of the Parental Involvement Process...which is awesome IMHO).<br />
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<b>#1 and #2: Instruction and Reinforcement...the traditional expectations</b><br />
The first two are the ones most easily recognized and most often sought. The last two are the ones so easily overlooked, yet they truly carry the same weight and impact and this is how we first start to screw things up. Building parental efficacy is the key. It is not the ability to help your children succeed, but instead the belief that what you do WILL have a positive impact and bring about the desired results. I sincerely believe (and have dedicated my life to this) that parents are far more capable than we all think they are in regards to the academic impact they can have on their children. Anywhere from 13-18% of a child's WAKING HOURS are spent at school! That blows me away and it should blow parents away too. They must be empowered, but in ways that work FOR THEM, not just the school.<br />
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<b>#3 and #4: </b><b>Modeling and Encouragement</b><b>...what parents SHOULD focus on </b><br />
I've worked with thousands of parents and I've seen every type of approach imaginable. Building parental efficacy and getting them to believe that what they do matters (as opposed to filling a role they just can't) is the key. Nothing can accomplish this like modeling and encouragement. Instead of asking parents to fill an unfamiliar role, you are allowing them to work with their greatest strength...the understanding they have of their children.<br />
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For all my educational experience, I still remember my son asking me about the types of clouds when he was in 4th grade. I blankly stared at the sky and thought...well, that one looks like a bunny, and that other one sort of looks like Abraham Lincoln. Here I am with a wall full of degrees and I went blank. If this can happen to me, no wonder the average parent can feel overwhelmed.<br />
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When this scenario is repeated over and over, many parents end up surrendering if they think their own mastery of the curriculum is the recipe for success. But that does not have to be so. Big deal if you don’t know the curriculum, use that as an opportunity to model problem solving. “Where is your science book? How about we look this up online? Next time you need to be better prepared with your notes son. Don’t let that hard work you’ve done in class go to waste. Let’s try this again and see what clouds we can find now! I wonder what Abraham looks like now?”<br />
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<b>Don't make it harder than it has to be</b><br />
When our attempts at instruction and reinforcement fail, the strategies of modeling and encouragement are still available. If anything, they shouldn’t be #3 and #4, but rather share the spotlight with the others equally. The research by Hoover-Dempsey and Sandler state unequivocally that these four components ALL lead to increased student achievement. They ALL work so what is our hangup with focusing on the ones that are hardest to pull off as parents?<br />
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Why set ourselves up to fail. Do you REALLY want to stem the tide of apathy among parents? Do you want to get the most out of this critical partnership between the school and home? Why am I the only one to figure this out? The answer is so easy (except for that last question...it still puzzles me). Build their parental efficacy and watch them soar!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06205765724654551605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180374222698658828.post-88562921192467179682013-07-04T10:58:00.000-04:002013-07-04T14:26:36.844-04:003 Superpowers Your Kids Can Possess<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Superheroes are cool!</b><br />
Wouldn't it be great if we had super powers? I love superheroes, in fact my kids are pretty darned convinced that I may be one (and who am I to dissuade them). I think this is where my fascination with learning and the brain first started. Here you have these larger than life characters that are just beyond extraordinary! Some had superpowers that you just can't ever dream of duplicating, but others LEARNED how to become awesome! In fact, it is their brain that makes them truly standout! That's within OUR reach!<br />
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The most obvious example (geek moment incoming) is Tony Stark, AKA Ironman. Now Stark has this awesome suit of powered armor (actually he has a closet full). He's got blasters of all types, rocket propelled flight, super enhanced strength, and all the accompanying gadgets you can imagine including Jarvis his computerized assistant! So what is his superpower? Well nothing really. He's just a regular human. No magic hammer like Thor, no mutation like Wolverine, or super strength like The Hulk. But with his armor, it's obvious how Ironman has come to the rescue. A punch here, a blast there, and next thing you know he's battled the most powerful villains imaginable (and trust me...us geeks can IMAGINE) and won!<br />
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Still, I used to wonder what made Ironman the cat's pajamas in a comic book world filled with tons of villians (and heroes) in armored suits similar to his. What set him apart was his brain! In his case, his TRUE superpower was his intellect. That is what allowed Stark to create his armored inventions in the first place (well that and a huge fortune, but let's not nitpick). That made him standout! Stark's brain brought him to the dance. Don't even get me started on Doctor Who (albeit not a comic book character). All he had was his intellect, a time machine that constantly left him stranded, and a really high tech screwdriver.<br />
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This concept is what I latched onto as a kid. I could do this! I could read, I could learn, I could investigate, I could discover! The best part is that all kids can do this as well since they just happen to have three amazing superpowers they can develop in order to become smarter. The brain, just like any muscle, becomes stronger through its use. Have fun with this and your kids will too. Here are three powers they may not have even realized they had:<br />
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<b>Superpowers we all possess (without the need to be bitten by radioactive spiders)</b><br />
<i><b>1. Laser Focus</b></i><br />
It is a biological fact that we cannot learn if we do not give something our attention. We input the vast majority of information into our brains visually. Kids need to be mindful and constantly reminded that their line of sight guides their attention. If they want to study a flower or a bug, they must develop a laser focus and aim their vision at what they want to learn. If you get distracted by the dust bunny fluttering across the floor, then that is visual information you are inputting. It boils down to choice, and kids need to be aware of what they are choosing to focus on.<br />
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I've often asked my students what they want to accomplish during class. Their answers tend to be great! I want to learn <insert topic> or be able to <insert skill> well. So during instruction, when I see them drift off, I ask them to consider which will help them accomplish their goal...that loose piece of thread on their sock or the whatever it is we are getting done in class. When really pondering the choice, you'd be surprised how often they choose the right course. It is just a matter of getting them to use and develop their superpower of Laser Focus!<br />
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<b><i>2. Super Sonic Hearing</i></b><br />
It's not a secret that the vast majority of school instruction is delivered in a lecture format. I have such a love hate relationship with this! On one hand I love it because it suits me so well! I could literally close my eyes and just let the information feed right into my brain. On the other hand I feel so BLAH because I know that despite my ease, other learners are different and what works for me will not always work for them. The reality is however, that it still happens (put on your listening ears), therefore we need to develop our Super Sonic Hearing!<br />
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For this, their is a simple strategy to follow (the H.E.A.R. strategy):<br />
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<li>H: Halt! I can use a chainsaw, but you're not going to catch me juggling three! Same premise. Purposely choose to focus on ONE thing. You'll do a better job guaranteed and you're less likely to lose a limb.</li>
<li>E: Engage! 1. The left hemisphere of our brain controls the right side of our body, while the right hemisphere controls the left side of our body. 2. The left side of our brain processes language. Taking those facts into account, we do our best "listening" with our right ear, so a slight tilt of the head actually goes a long way! Give them your best ear.</li>
<li>A: Anticipate (or Attitude): You must get in the habit of having a good attitude about what you are listening to. You've got to believe that it is going to be of worth. If someone is about to share all the intricacies of the tax code, chance are your brain is going to press the snooze button and shut down. Avoid sabotaging yourself and instead have a good attitude about what you are going to hear.</li>
<li>R: Reflect (or Replay/Recall...any of those good R words): Simply going over what you've just heard has the effect of aiding your brain in retention. If someone tells you a phone number, what do you do? Repeat it as your frantically look for a pen or try to save it on your own phone right? It's the same concept. Taking a second to process what you just heard and connect it to previous knowledge works wonders!</li>
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<b><i>3. Booming Voice</i></b><br />
As a teacher I've had countless parent/teacher conferences in which the parent states timidly that they know their kid talks a LOT and that they've tried to get them to stop. I immediately say "NO!!! PLEASE DON'T!!!" If your kid talks a lot, consider yourself blessed! This is transfer of knowledge and it is an imperative step in learning and it is often at odds with the culture of school (be quiet, stop talking, etc.). Just think of how many adults are afraid of public speaking? Think of how many cannot communicate well and share what are often great ideas and thoughts! Talking is a gift. They must develop their Booming Voice. I don't want a child to EVER stop talking, rather I want them to just develop the self-control and judgement necessary to do it at the appropriate time (if I can just get one person to be quiet at the movie theater, then I will have accomplished a great thing).<br />
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<b>The next big adventure</b><br />
I encourage parents and educators to develop these three superpowers in children. It will not happen overnight, but effort and persistence will help them become better at the most basic of things necessary for them to succeed! This is the great part about learning. Learners have a choice in defining what they want to do and what they want to accomplish, and this choice is incredibly powerful (even more powerful that what I illustrated above). The biggest stumbling block is always thinking that you can't get it done. When that is removed and enough hard work is applied, everything can end up being in reach.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06205765724654551605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180374222698658828.post-69780974995849093362013-06-26T20:39:00.000-04:002013-06-26T20:39:54.656-04:00Mindfulness: How children can develop self-discipline!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This summer I've been teaching summer school. It's been a really great experience so far. They gave me specific standards to cover, but all the freedom in the world to get this accomplished! That was a huge win-win in my estimation! To make things even better, I've had the opportunity to also share some brain-based learning strategies with this great group of kids over the last three weeks. Hrmmm, so I guess it's a win-win-win (and here I thought it couldn't get any better).</div>
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Now I didn't want to overwhelm this group with strategy after strategy that they would have difficulty remembering. I wanted this to be meaningful and applicable. I share many of my standard fare, especially the attitude they should develop toward hard work and how their brains get smarter under those conditions. My favorite thing to ask (both young and old alike) is "what is 1+1?" They always seem confused, as if it is a trick question, before finally (and always timidly) answering "two." I then offer them an OVER THE TOP congratulations, quickly followed by the proclamation that they have learned absolutely nothing. If it is easy, you're not learning. However, if it is HARD, then be happy because it means you really are learning something. Kids get this and it is an important thing for them to understand.<br />
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Yet, the one point I kept hammering over and over is mindfulness. I repeated over and over that I was just going to be with them for a few short weeks. My goal was to help them get a head start on the upcoming year. I was very frank when I explained that we didn't have the time to set up a complex discipline plan, etc., etc. blah, blah, blah (I think that was what I said verbatim too). Instead I told them, over and over, that they had to be <b>mindful </b>of what they were doing. "You all know what you should be doing, right? I've got a lot of teaching I need to do with you. We just don't have the time to go over things that you already know." I didn't say should know. These are things they know, period.<br />
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I was blunt, I was honest, and I was sincere when I told them that there are two types of people in this world...those that tell themselves what they need to do and those that wait to be told what to do. I truly enjoy a lively and talkative classroom (totally another subject, but if your kid is a talker, that is a GOOD thing), but during transitions between activities and walking down the hall, I do not tolerate error. They must walk with military precision! Well...within reason. During these times, rather than give them an endless loop of commands stating what they should do (get back in line, stop talking, turn around, get off the wall, pay attention, rinse, repeat), I just consistently kept asking them to be mindful of where they were, and what they should be doing, along with the occasional refresher of why this really should matter to them. Hey, you won't be in my class next year...I'm just trying to do you a solid.<br />
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It really clicked with these kids. After 2 1/2 weeks, all I had to do today was say "where are you?" or "be mindful" and it worked wonders. The crowning achievement was a wiggly and talkative boy, who reminded me quite a bit of a kid I once fostered. He was trying hard and doing his best until today. Today was different. Today...I said nothing to him and instead he told himself what to do. THAT is golden! One of the biggest obstacles for teachers and parents is the whole "out of sight, out of mind" attitude kids naturally have. When the cat (that's you) is away, the mice will play! But this was different. I experimented on a small group trying to get them to be the boss of themselves. I asked one girl "why do you want other people to be the boss of you and tell you what to do?" This isn't just about school I told her. I know a lot of adults that have to be told what to do before they act. What will you choose to do?<br />
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Do you always want people telling you what to do because you can't make the right choice yourself? Be your own boss! Do what you know is right, before someone needs to tell you, and as a SUPER AWESOME BONUS, I told them parents go gaga when kids do this! It's a wondrous event that scores many points with us parental figures and that is always a good thing (hey, I had to tailor my presentation to my audience). The most successful people in the world all universally share the same trait...self-discipline. They do what needs to be done, because they know it needs to be done, not because they are told to do it. They are intrinsically motivated! They are awesome! Do you want to be awesome? Be your own boss then, and I'll help by reminding you along the way until you learn to do it yourself.<br />
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Studying is hard, listening is hard, paying attention is hard, behaving in class is hard...but you make it harder on yourself if you wait around till someone reminds you to do it, not to mention, it does nothing for your self-confidence. Self-confidence comes from doing, not delusion. These are all things we must practice. I've often said that perseverance trumps education and intelligence, but how to develop the ability to persevere? You must develop self-discipline, and a simple way to help our kids is mindfulness. Remind them, guide them, and model it for them. It won't happen overnight, but there are few things you can teach your children more valuable than to be mindful and develop self-discipline. Be your own boss or someone WILL do it for you! It's one or the other.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06205765724654551605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180374222698658828.post-20950306456212436782013-06-24T20:52:00.000-04:002013-07-04T11:42:57.071-04:00The Three Phases of Genius<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I find it amazing just how big computers used to be. Considering all the advances that have occurred, it is even more fascinating to consider just how complex the human brain is. The process by which our brains operate is so elegantly described in the Three Phases of Genius. I just love the way that sounds. In a nutshell, these phases are a simple way for us to look at the needs of our students (and ourselves) in order to help develop the cognitive assets needed to succeed. The best part is that this applies to ALL learners. It doesn't matter if they struggle coping with their special needs (like my littles ones with FASD) or if they are tackling advanced academic challenges...it all works this way.<br />
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I learned about this principal during my study of brain based learning in the BrainSMART program of study created by Dr. Marcus Conyers and Dr. Donna Wilson (two of the most brilliant people in the field of applied neuroscience in education). The flow of information, whether through a computer the size of a factory or through our own amazing brain, is broken down into three segments. Having worked with such a variety of children, I have found this principle to be a simple yet insightful way to look at each of the children I serve individually, especially my own children with special needs.<br />
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1. Input – Gathering Necessary Information<br />
Just think of the variety of ways that we take in information. There is an old saying about computers and their limitations. Basically it's garbage in, garbage out. If the information we are taking in is flawed, every other domino is unable to fall the way we intend. This goes beyond just our five senses. Consider the following:<br />
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<li>When directions are given through verbal, audio, or print</li>
<li>When you are interacting with someone and it is necessary for you to be able to receive accurate information, stay attentive, and remain engaged</li>
<li>When a task has many parts and seems overwhelming, instead of “doable” and we literally feel as if we are overloaded</li>
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2. Processing – Understanding Information<br />
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So the info got into your noggin...now what? It's not enough to think that once the information is in your head, the hard work is over. Many things come into play. One aspect that I constantly repeat to anyone willing to listen is meaning. The brain works on a save and delete system. If it is important to you, you're far more likely to remember and be able to apply it. If you could care less...well, your brain will flush that away for you momentarily without a second thought...literally! Just think back to when you've been reading something you were very interested in. How enthralled were you? Your brain soaked it up like a sponge! Okay, now try that same trick with a 2,000 page book on the intricacies of the IRS tax code and let me know how you enjoy it. Think about these questions that define processing:<br />
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<li>Why should I bother learning this?</li>
<li>How does what I am learning relate to me and my life?</li>
<li>How in the world will I ever be able to use this information?</li>
<li>Is this similar in any way to something I already know?</li>
<li>How could I explain this to someone else if I had to?</li>
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3. Output – Communicating Learned Information<br />
This is where my daughter often struggles. I can see the light in her eyes...she's got a thought that she desperately wants to share, but due to her brain damage the words take such a frustratingly long time for her to form. Communication is a word that seems simple to define, but is actually quite complex. It's not just a matter of talking, writing, singing, dancing (That's right! I tell a STORY with my dance moves...at least I think I do). Some many things go into communication. Consider these facets:<br />
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<li>Who am I communicating with?</li>
<li>Am I communicating with a single individual or a group?</li>
<li>How should I explain what I want to share so that they can understand me best?</li>
<li>Who has been the role model that I pattern my methods of communication on and has shown me how to best communicate when the situation can be difficult?</li>
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There is nothing better, in my estimation as an educator, than to provide others with insight and information that gets them thinking...looking at the same picture in a different way. I hope this simple summary of the Three Phases of Genius will do just that for you, the way it has for me. </div>
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PS: If you ever get the chance to grab pretty much ANY book by Dr. Marcus Conyers or Dr. Donna Wilson, I HIGHLY recommend it! I've had the pleasure of meeting Donna once and hope to someday meet Marcus. They truly are amazing folks with amazing knowledge to share. They have inspired me to do the same in my work with parents.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06205765724654551605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180374222698658828.post-16214024193281804412013-06-10T23:37:00.001-04:002013-06-11T14:30:06.536-04:00No Need to Sugarcoat: Keep it Real<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh my Aniah! How I love this girl! She (using her own words) "owns my heart" and I could not agree more with that statement. Since she was a baby and I first held her in my hand (yes my hand...she weighed 2lbs when she was born), she has had me wrapped around her finger. My daughter is nine years old now and she battles daily with the effects of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. To put it simply, it is brain damage caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol, an incredibly potent neurotoxin. I only mention this because of a simple exchange we had today that I want to share with anyone that has children, especially those with special needs.<br />
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There are three basic steps to thinking; input, processing, and output. At any one of these points, learning can break down. Maybe the child inputs the wrong information. They may have low reading comprehension, visual or auditory processing issues, or maybe just difficulty paying attention. In the same way, processing the information could be the issue, but in my daughter's case, her main area of struggle comes to output. I can often see in her face that light bulb flash and I know she's got it! Then she tries to explain (output is an EXTREMELY important part of learning) and the words jumble out. It's okay. We are patient and we just give her the time she needs to answer. Such an easy accommodation...until HE shows up!!!<br />
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Enter the younger brother...Tristan (who also has FASD)! Now I don't want to paint T-Rex as a villain (don't let the villainous mustache fool you...he really does LOVE his sister), but being that he's a sharp kid and incredibly competitive, he takes constant delight in answering questions posed to Aniah before she is able to formulate an answer. Now, we've always been open in regards to talking with our kids about their disability. We don't want them to use it as a crutch or an excuse for behavior, but we do want them to understand the obstacles they need to contend with. </div>
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So when confronted with quick-fire Tristan and his super speedy answers (this kid would be the ideal gameshow contestant), we decided to tell him "Give Aniah time since she is choosing her words carefully." Parental high-five (I love these moments)! It's the perfect mix of still explaining that she needs more time to process and output information because of her special needs without shining a 100,000 watt spotlight on her disability. Did this come to us immediately? No...but that's the thing. Always be mindful during all situations and reflect on what YOU could have done or said differently. We always have room to improve and our kids deserve no less.<br />
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No matter what difficulty your child is having, be frank and loving. If your kid has trouble with behavior for example, tell them how proud you are of their effort (you're being truthful) even when they struggle and how you'll always continue to help them make better decisions. Praise their effort, but don't pretend it never happened. My daughter will always struggle academically, but I want her to face her struggle head on and be a fighter! </div>
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If I pretend like her difficulty doesn't exist or go to the other extreme of insulating/excusing/allowing everything due to her disability, I'm doing her a disservice. I'm never going to be a fan of sugar coating life, but I know I can help her and my other children by being honest, working through their problems (modeling problem solving too) and choosing my words carefully throughout the whole process. Choosing my words carefully was a good strategy for her and a good strategy for us as well.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06205765724654551605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180374222698658828.post-87020020325742397702013-05-27T22:59:00.004-04:002013-05-27T23:08:54.706-04:00Upcoming Workshop for Foster Parents at Georgia AGAPE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm really looking forward to the next presentation I'll be doing this summer for AGAPE of GA, a private foster and adoption agency that is full of love. My wife and I worked with this amazing organization for over 8 years as foster parents, and even though we've "retired" now, I'm so pleased to still have an opportunity to contribute in some way. Because of AGAPE, our lives will be changed forever. Aniah and Tristan...my treasures...my heart transformed forever....thank you to the special folks at AGAPE (past, present, and future). I hope this workshop ends up being a blessing for the foster parents in attendance. You will always have my very best effort.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06205765724654551605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180374222698658828.post-56692370680569353182013-05-23T22:58:00.002-04:002013-05-23T23:09:02.473-04:00Parent Outreach: What a GREAT Discussion of Parent Involvement on LaRaza 102.3 FM in Atlanta <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well my interview on the radio went absolutely great! When I stepped in the studio, I was feeling more excited than nervous. I've rarely gotten spooked by speaking to a large audience, but I still had concerns. Those concerns evaporated quickly because....quite frankly....I was talking to a few folks in a tiny square room. There was no huge crowd (that I could see), or any faces that I felt I had to "read" in order to change my message to suit them (I have rushed the occasional workshop at the hint of a tired face). Nope, none of that. It was just a few folks and the Director of Media Relations for the largest school system in Georgia!!! No worries tho. =)<br />
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There were no butterflies and I just got right into it, especially since the first thing they told me is that I look just like Venustiano Carranza! Who is that you say? I dunno. I had no clue. So they told me he was the Mexican revolutionary from the 1900s that was pivotal in their independence and became president. He's that guy and I look just like him. Ahhhh, THAT guy....I still had no clue. Then they showed me a picture....<br />
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HOLY GUACAMOLE!!! I do look like this guy!!! I decided then and there that I needed a jacket with medals...lots of medals!!!<br />
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After this, I was completely at ease. Not that I ever mind embarrassing myself (or my wife...or my kids....it's so much fun). I really don't care if I embarrass myself, since I'm so willing to share in the laugh, but not on this time around...not on the air! I did not want to embarrass my school or county, so I put the pro in professional. Normally, the occasional embarrassment is a great way to break the ice in a workshop or training, but not this time. So while I was being prepped for my appearance I started thinking about my most infamous and comical embarrassment with a group of parents EVER...all because of one word. Ironically it was my attempt to use the work "embarrassed" in Spanish.<br />
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Normally I speak Spanish very fluently, but sometimes my vocabulary fails me...and when it does, it can be EPIC! On this particular occasion, my brain decided to tell me the Spanish word for "embarrassed" was "embarazada." So similar sounding right? They look alike too! So with this mental go ahead (thanks brain) to use the word, I began telling my parent involvement workshop participants that they should never be shy about making contact with the school. Whether it is because of a language barrier or any other reason, don't be shy about reaching out! To put them at ease, I decided to share my own challenges with feeling embarrassed, since I do have the occasional stumble speaking Spanish<br />
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Oh boy, did I put them at ease! I began recounting my own experience with speaking Spanish. I boldly and confidently gave them the following advice....<br />
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<i>"Don't be shy! You won't get embarrassed talking to us. I personally never worry about getting embarrassed at school from speaking Spanish. We want your involvement. I promise you that we will welcome you with open arms! Anyways, even if you do get embarrassed, how bad can being "embarrassed" be? Being embarrassed is not that big a deal. It has never really bothered me and I'm glad since it happens all the time to me. Don't let it bother you...whenever you feel a little embarrassed, just </i><i>shrug it off.</i><i>" </i><br />
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That sounded encouraging right? Uplifting yes? Well kinda. Unfortunately "embarazada" doesn't mean "embarrassed." Oh no...it means something COMPLETELY different...it means pregnant! Yes, preggers! So the advice that I boldly and confidently gave them was that they would not get pregnant by just talking to us and that I "personally" never worry about getting pregnant at school (what a powerful testimonial). But it gets better! Have no fear folks, even if you do get pregnant from contacting the school. But I didn't stop there!! Oh no!! I told them that getting pregnant wasn't so bad and that I got pregnant all the time!!! And hey, if you do feel a little pregnant, just "shrug it off." </div>
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Sadly, the link to my interview below is just packed with only good advice and is void of any epic word substitutions. If your Spanish is even half-reasonable, try giving it a listen. Give it a shot, if only to just hear me rattle off some Spanish for a few minutes. =)</div>
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<a href="https://soundcloud.com/angel-rodriguez-186/angel-rodriguez-interview" target="_blank">Parent Involvement interview with Angel Rodriguez on LaRaza 102.3 FM in Atlanta</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06205765724654551605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180374222698658828.post-50237664053494179222013-05-18T20:22:00.002-04:002013-05-18T23:13:14.310-04:00Learning to Appreciate What Is Difficult To Appreciate<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Christopher Chan</td></tr>
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I've always promoted a strength-based approach to the development of any learner, and it is ABSOLUTELY ideal when working with a child. Focus on developing their strengths and go from good to great....from great to extraordinary! In contrast, if all you do is work on your weaknesses, you are basically shooting for mediocre. That is just not my style, and when it comes to learning it shouldn't be yours. It is flat out inefficient. You put a heck of a lot of effort into very poor results that way.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">I came across something very similar recently when reading a short article on how to "like" the "hard to like" kids in your classroom. I was kind of wary when reading the title. I've often seen this scenario play out in real life and it breaks my heart, so I was very curious regarding the advice this article would give teachers. Imagine my delight to</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> see that they were simply promoting identifying the strengths of the individual. I've always felt that we should focus on what is right rather than focus on everything that is wrong. It just makes sense.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">We all come across some unsavory types that are really hard to like. It is kinda unavoidable really...just part of life. It is something we all deal with. We are all emotional creatures and some people really make it hard to get along. Think about it. Have you gotten along with every single person you've ever come across? Yet as adults, we can always fall back on our choice to disassociate. If you're not a very nice person, don't expect a card from me during the holidays....in fact I'll probably avoid you at ALL cost. Easy right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We do this all the time in real life and we REALLY do it in regards to social media (I was unfriended?...wait...what?). But what if this ray o'sunshine in your life has you cornered? What if you are a captive audience? GASP!!! Maybe it is someone at work, or other location, and you see them day in AND day out. Maybe it's a relative. I personally love my mother-in-law, but in-laws in general sure do have a reputation. So what do you do? You just grin and bear it...and move along (preferrably away). But wait...what if it is a kid? What if it is a teacher's student? Even worse, what about those brief moments with your OWN children? There is no walking away from that situation. Think about this one for a while.......</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love my kids...hugs and kisses can be very endearing, but there have been moments....oh boy, have there have been MOMENTS! Love is hard work. It's not always unicorns and rainbows. In my lifetime, I've seen a wide array of destructive and dangerous behavior from children, both willful and impulsive, for a multitude of reasons. I've seen kids hit, bite, scream, smash, swear, run, and shut down...you name it. Imagine a child defiantly playing with matches and setting their house on fire (this tragically happened to folks in our neighborhood). As a foster parent, we cared for children that wanted to test our limits over and over again. Thinking about this really sent my head spinning into the myriad of possibilities. It can be truly difficult to just like someone...much less love those that NEED it most.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So let me dial back the scale a bit. Not every case is this extreme, but the basic foundation is the same. How do we appreciate ANYTHING that is hard to appreciate? If you focus only on what is wrong, every negative feeling will be reinforced. The answer to this problem is simple. Focus on what is right! Get the OTHER person to also focus on what is right. Don't fake the feeling...appreciate everything there actually IS to truly appreciate! You should literally count every quality and list them one by one. You might think this is easier said than done. "Oh, so all I gotta do is look at what is good and ignore everything making my hair either turn gray or turn loose? Sure buddy! That is impossible!" My answer to you is just do it...why not? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Don't think it is possible? Then consider this extreme example...</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">junk food. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Junk food tastes great. It tastes that way for a reason and that is why we eat it. Much of it is engineered to draw you in at a neurological level. Certain foods are literally designed to addict! Yet if you even begin to consider what you are eating (take a look at that ingredient list), you quickly realize it isn't really food. Dig deeper and you'll find compelling evidence linking it to a laundry list of physical, mental, and behavioral ailments/illnesses (many deadly). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">Those</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"> purrrty</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"> colors you find in drinks and snacks (</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">"Yellow No. 5," "Red 40," etc.)</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">, are made from petroleum. Yes, you are not just consuming a petroleum byproduct...you are licking it off your fingers! This is an example of being manipulated to ignore the negative and hypnotized to focus only on the positive, but this can be a choice for you...a positive choice on your part if we look at true strengths. When it comes to food, the main focus for our family now is nutrition, after many years of doing just the opposite. We decided to focus on what was truly good for us (and it tastes pretty awesome to boot).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So whether its people, places, or things (basically all nouns), focus on what is right. Focus on strengths! You can do this, and it will allow you to appreciate so much more. Discover your own strengths and discover those of the people engage with. It will make it a great deal easier to genuinely appreciate everyone and everything around you. And if that doesn't work, just sprinkle some petroleum on them and try again.</span><br />
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NEXT POST PREVIEW:<br />
In line with talking about strengths, I've been inspired to talk a bit about the VIA® Classification of Character Strengths. Just as with the J<a href="http://wiselearners.blogspot.com/2013/04/discover-your-personality-type-get-to.html" target="_blank">ung Personality Types I discussed in a previous post,</a> I think this will be helpful in regards to helping us discover and appreciate the strengths of the learners we deeply love and care for...stay tuned!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06205765724654551605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180374222698658828.post-22066801949768311832013-05-13T12:40:00.001-04:002013-05-14T08:59:06.032-04:00What if Students Could Ask Vince Lombardi How To Succeed!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Is time travel possible? I had a go at it myself recently with some great results! The following is a script that I wrote for our Student Council to present during a parent assembly. They had asked if I could have the students share any good "brain-based" tips or solid practices from positive psychology. To increase the degree of difficulty, they allotted me about 3-5 minutes. Hrmm...share awesome nuggets of information, convey the value and worth of those "nuggets", and do it all fast!!! CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What I ended up doing is creating a fun little imaginary conversation that spans across the decades. What if kids in our school could ask Vince Lombardi for advice about school? The guy really knew what he was talking about and has inspired countless people to exceed their own expectations as athletes...why not as learners too? I decided to use many of his most famous quotes and couple them with common questions that many students have. What I ended up with is the following. In the end, the kids LOVED IT and the parents did too! I hope you do as well! =)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>INTRO: </b>Vince Lombardi was the head coach of the Green Bay Packers during the 1960s and won the first two Super Bowls ever. His team won five total league championships in seven years, which included winning three in a row! The NFL's Super Bowl trophy is named after him. It is called the Vince Lombardi Trophy in honor of this amazing coach. His words were legendary, and we are going to use many of his most famous quotes to answer some of our own questions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Question #1: </b>Coach, how can I become successful like you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Coach Lombardi:</b> “Easy! The dictionary is the only place where “success” comes before “work”. Hard work is the key to success. You can accomplish anything if you're willing to work hard.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Question #2: </b>Is being successful the most important thing?</span></div>
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<b>Coach Lombardi</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>: </b>“Winning isn't everything--but WANTING to win is. The desire to succeed makes you a winner.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Question #3: </b>When you say “winning”, what do you mean?</span></div>
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<b>Coach Lombardi</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>: </b>“Wanting to succeed is not a sometime thing; it's an all the time thing. You don't try once in a while, you don't do things right once in a while, you do them right all the time. Winning is habit.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Question #4: </b>Do I need to always be perfect to be a winner like you?</span></div>
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<b>Coach Lombardi</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>: </b>“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Question #5: </b>I try to do my best to be successful, but it is so hard. I feel like I’ve been knocked down. What should I do?</span></div>
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<b>Coach Lombardi</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>: </b>“It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up that matters. Great students are made, they are not born. They are made by hard effort, which is the price everyone must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Question #6: </b>What if I don’t do well on a test like the Benchmark or standardized testing? What if I try something new and don’t succeed?</span></div>
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<b>Coach Lombardi</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>:</b> “Success is never final. Failure is never fatal. It’s the courage to keep going that counts.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Question #7: </b>Do you really think I can do better? It seems impossible to me sometimes?</span></div>
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<b>Coach Lombardi</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>: </b>“You can ALL accomplish many more things if you do not think of them as impossible. Sooner or later, the person who wins is always the person who first BELIEVED they could.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Question #8: I want to win and I want to succeed! What one thing should I remember to help me?</b></span></div>
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<b>Coach Lombardi</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">: “Winners never quit and quitters never win!”</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06205765724654551605noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180374222698658828.post-74081480608707513502013-05-09T15:06:00.002-04:002013-05-14T09:01:35.130-04:00Job, Career, or Vocation: Which do you want for your kid?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”</div>
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The brain can be hyper efficient, especially when we pursue our passions. We want our kids to learn this way as they progress through school, but what about their profession? Where is all this hard work in school leading them? What will they spend the next 40 years of their life doing? Will they have a job, a career, or a vocation? Which should you as a parent hope for? Follow along and I'll explain each and let you make up your own mind.<br />
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<b>JOB</b><br />
I've had jobs. When you have a job, you're basically working for a paycheck. That is your motivation. My first job was as a busboy for a restaurant in Miami. I was so glad when my buddy, the assistant manager, got me the job. I was 16 and I was going to be paid with actual CURRENCY!!! Fast forward two weeks later and I was hating life. I dreaded coming in to work, and every minute was torture I spent there was torture. I just wasn't good at it. When my buddy pull me aside for that "I'm sorry but we are going to have to let you go" conversation, I HUGGED him and ran out the door! Without that paycheck (and even with it), you do only what you must. You don't go in early, or stay late. You just punch a clock, suffer through the misery, waste away the hours, and collect your pay...which often isn't much.<br />
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<b>CAREER</b><br />
I've also had careers. Careers offer money and security as well. The best part of a career is advancement. You are no longer just working for an hourly wage. You eyes are on the horizon of advancement. Regardless of the postition you hold, there is always a better and higher paying opportunity ahead of you. Those that are motivated "climb the ladder" and seek advancement. You work harder than the next guy, you outpeform those around you, some even take short cuts and earn positions that they shouldn't. Hey, but at least it's better than a job. Your working for a living, earning better money, and moving on up...until you hit the ceiling. Once you hit that ceiling, you now have a job and your back to working for a paycheck or just to keep your job in a competitive market. Either way, neither one of these was ever for me, and not what I would ever want for my kids.<br />
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<b>VOCATION</b><br />
Ahh, but I found my vocation. I am a fortunate man. Early on in life, I discovered my passion, and this passion lead many of the choices I made in life I wanted to do something honorable. I wanted to help others...I wanted to teach. That encouraged me to become an educator. It lead me to do foster care. It compelled my soul to adopt children with special needs. It guided me to help others using the gifts that I worked hard to develop. Yet through this all...hard work, sacrifice, whatever...I loved every minute! Even though times were often tough (tougher than a $2 dollar steak), I couldn't imagine doing it any other way. I was meant to be a teacher.<br />
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<b>Pursuing your passion</b><br />
I'm not motivated by just a paycheck. My desire to excel is not driven by advancement. I do what I do because I love doing it. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not going to turn down my paycheck (I still have that pesky mortgage...I'm fond of shelter), and advancement would be great if the right opportunity came along. All of that aside though, I work because at this so hard...with reckless abandon....because it bring me joy! I derive a great deal of satisfaction from helping kids and helping families. I get to help shape lives...HOW COOL IS THAT?!?!?! I experience a level of fulfillment that I desperately want my kids to experience. Sure, I work long hours and it can be exhausting, but I'm always smiling. I've a teacher for nearly 17 years and I can't imagine doing anything else. I come into every year with the same excitement that I felt during my first! There is always so much more to learn. If anything, I worry about not having enough years to teach before someone forces me to retire. I found my vocation. I do what I love.<br />
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<b>Your dream is just that...YOUR dream!</b><br />
A friend of mine recently got his dream job...trash collector. Yeah you heard me, trash collector. I'd never seen him so happy. Our of curiosity, I respectfully asked him why. He said he'd wanted to work as one for the longest time. He said he loved the physicality, lifting heavy stuff, tossing it around, and being out in the elements without a boss staring over his shoulder. Rain or shine, hot or cold, he's loved his new job since the day he started. Now that is not MY dream job, but it sure is his and THAT is what I want for my kids. I don't want my kids to have just jobs, or slave away chasing a carrot in a career. My 13 year old son Lawson loves cooking and is a Paleo nutrition buff. My 8 year old daughter Aniah is a natural born teacher, just like her pops. My 6 year old son Tristan? I'm terrified of what he is going to want to do, but considering his love of science and danger, I am thoroughly TERRIFIED! No matter what, I want them to find to find their calling, discover their passion, and pursue a fulfilling vocation! I want them to do what makes them happy, so they'll never have to "work" a day in their life. =)<br />
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Just for fun, I've included this very interesting video. What this young kid is talking about is pursuing his passion and discovering his vocation. I think you will enjoy this video.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06205765724654551605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180374222698658828.post-29885033074941514832013-05-04T13:50:00.000-04:002013-05-05T19:48:54.819-04:00Parenting Battle Royale!!! Tag-Team Champions (totally a dad blog title)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RIP Razor Headphones</td></tr>
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Well, my kids just tore up my favorite set of headphones...sigh. Kids got up at the crack of dawn, while I was trying to get up at the crack of 10 (and nothing good comes of this combination). Although the "headphone incident" did result in the loss of property, some REALLY GREAT things came out of it! We've had a string of unfortunate events happen with things "breaking" because of carelessness, so this time I had to turn it up a notch.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>You see, I'm a pretty loving and even keeled parent. I can keep my parental poker face going while disaster erupts around me. I really do prefer to talk through a lot of things with my kids, trying my best to serve as their "external" brain. On a serious learning note,"Modeling" is one of the powerful tools in the arsenal of parents and teachers. A lecture can often go in one ear and straight out the other (with BLINDING speed), especially when you're trying to get kids to keep their act together. But modeling some problem solving can really go a long way, and thinking out loud about what they could have done right should never be underestimated.<br />
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But this was not a time for talk...it was a time for ACTION!!! Sometimes talking, like any strategy, can fall on deaf ears, so this time I decided to be theatrical! It was a split second decision. If their path of destruction is not halted, summer was going to leave our house devastated! It was time...time for me to put on my CRAZY FACE! Being so calm and patient 95% of the time really punctuates those occasions when you decide to "go bananas" in order to send a message.<br />
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<b>1st great thing that happened:</b><br />
My wife IMMEDIATELY picked up on it...and we were in complete harmony!! I'd stop a rant, and she'd tag in and start cleaning house with hers. She'd take a breath, and I'd come flying off the top rope with a parental elbow! We had the whole telepathic communication down pat! During this exchange, I even causally thought we should have pancakes and sausage for breakfast...guess what we are having for breakfast? Seriously...no joke....THAT HAPPENED!!! This lady has my back! I love this woman! She is my parental tag-team partner (and breakfast was delish)!!!<br />
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<b>2nd great thing that happened:</b><br />
Once hurricane Papi and tropical storm Mom rolled out to sea, my kids took some time to reflect and survey the wreckage (my awesome headphones...) and then quietly went up stairs <u>on their own own</u> . My wife and I using our telepathic communication confirmed with each other that they really were sorry for what happened. NOW it was time to talk, and a private moment with each of them drove the lesson home. =) Will something similar likely happen again? Sure, but at this moment, we wanted a small victory because these can add up to big things.<br />
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I can always find other headphones. Sure, they won't be as comfy (gosh I'll miss those...), but I am sure I've got something in a closet (circa 1980s) that I can use until Christmas rolls around. But that sincere apology meant the world to me. Our kids (due to their FASD disability) have trouble connecting some of the dots others take for granted. FASD doesn't excuse behavior, it just helps us understand the cause. My kiddos knew they did something wrong (after the fact), but I also wanted them to realize that their actions affected others and understand the responsibility of setting things right again. FASD and impulse control issues go hand in hand. Every lesson won't be a homerun, but that doesn't matter. As parents, Tracy and I never want to let opportunities like this slip by without trying to get something positive out of it. Watching and listening to them each, in their own way, practice empathy...to consider the feelings (and property) of others...this was a great thing.<br />
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No matter what breaks, every moment is an opportunity to learn, and it was neat noting how we immediately got our parental mojo working. This wasn't a post about strategies (I do plenty of those), rather instead it was about my better half and I forming a whole. We celebrate the growth and development of our kids, but we should also take note of our growth and development as parents. It is just cool knowing that during those moments, I've got a KICK ASS tag-team partner backing me up!!!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06205765724654551605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180374222698658828.post-67885586893125038832013-04-29T18:49:00.000-04:002013-05-05T19:51:17.532-04:005 Survival Habits for Parents of Kids with Special Needs<br />
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Parenting a child with special needs is hard, it is demanding, and it is often thankless. We often feel as if we are surviving from day to day. Yet, without you, where would your child be? Your child needs you. More than that, your child needs you at your very best. Below are five habits that I sincerely believe we must always keep our eyes fixed on developing as we fight to do our best for our children. I know that sense of exhaustion first hand and I hope this can help you refocus, renew, and revitalize all of your efforts.<br />
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<b>1. Always Bring Your "A” Game!</b><br />
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I know this may seem as if we are asking a lot, but parenting our kids requires that we bring our parenting “A” game! Those momentary lapses that we all experience as parents are always going to be there, but taken as a whole, our kiddos NEED us to be nothing less than extraordinary (and trust me, you are)! That weight can feel like it is going to crush you, but don’t let it. You’re not going to be perfect, but perfection should not be your objective. As Vincent Lombardi famously said, "Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence." He also said (and this one is one of my favorites) "The only place 'success' comes before 'work' is in the dictionary."<br />
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In this grand attempt, you must be courageous and persevere. You’ve got to be as brave as David (as in vs. Goliath), you’ve got to be tougher than Rocky, and more determined than an ant trying to rob a picnic singlehandedly (those ants are bananas!!!). Remember, you are their superhero! I know you must be thinking…this is easier said than done, but if anyone can do it, it is YOU! In my nearly two decades serving as an educator, our special needs parents have always been the roughest, toughest, hardest working group of parents I’ve ever come across. You truly are special. This is a fact!<br />
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So what is the best way to accomplish this? First off, you must work smarter (not just harder) and realize your amazing worth! The difference between being great, good, and even mediocre at anything you attempt is not always how much time and effort you invest. Just as an example, I’ve known many mediocre teachers that put in countless hours, yet their results were…well…mediocre. What is the secret of greatness? How do the great ones squeeze so many hours out of the day? How do they achieve the impossible? They DON’T! Instead they are successful by focusing on what matters most and doing what works best. They get the biggest bang for the buck. They are the coupon clippers of parenting/teaching. Learning to do this is imperative, and who on this earth is better positioned to do this than you?<br />
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I’ve often mentioned to folks that regardless of whom you compare them to, parents have an immeasurable level of understanding regarding their kids, but they often underestimate themselves. The most gifted, talented, and dedicated teacher/doctor/specialist cannot hope to match this. If you are trying to duplicate the strength of others, then yes you will have difficulty. That is what a lot of us actually feel. However, if you capitalize and exploit your strength as the undisputed expert on your child, then your chance of success becomes exponential! As you learn new things, remember that it is all being built on the foundation of your understanding. You may not be a neuroscientist, but just some simple brain-based learning strategies combined with your unmatched knowledge can become an incredibly potent mixture (very superhero like)!<br />
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The last part of your “A” game is consistency! When it comes to being a parent, you can’t be streaky. Our kiddos need you to be their rock…their lighthouse in the storm. You will not always be able to do the sailing for them, but you can guide them, and always provide them with safe harbor. Be that solid wall that they can ALWAYS lean on for support. It is not always the single “big” thing that we do that matters. More often than not, it is all the wee little bitty things that we do consistently, day after day without fail, that end up having the greatest impact. Do everything you can so that you don’t burn out. Take care of your kids AND yourself. This isn’t a sprint…slow and steady will help you, and your child, win the race.<br />
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<b>2. Be Willing to Explore Interventions Firsthand</b><br />
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We have learned more about the brain in the last decade than we have in the last two centuries. Yet I still always marvel at the “new” interventions because there really isn’t anything new under the sun. What neuroscience has done is validated the best of the best through the latest technological innovation. This really is invaluable. I could care less how you figured out that it works, just tell me what works! If it is tried and true turned into neuro-new, then it’s fine by me. I recommend that you NEVER stop learning. You are the primary advocate for your child and you’ll always be. Become an expert in them and what affects them.<br />
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You’re unlikely to meet many people that know more about whatever your child is dealing with than you. I heard Brian Tracy say once that reading, approximately an hour every day in your chosen area, over the course of a year, will provide the knowledge equivalent to that of a doctoral degree (not the pay raise unfortunately…but oh well). The opposite is also true. Trust me when I say that there are plenty of people out there with doctoral degrees that are just for show. In contrast, they’ve got a magazine article’s worth of knowledge at most since all they wanted was the title. Don’t be that guy/gal. Constantly seek to learn new things that can and will help your child. You never know, you could end up being a blessing to others with what you learn.<br />
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The next step is for you to integrate what you learn and build upon what you already know. I’ve read through a ton of research scanning for what would work in conjunction with what I already know. I’m a cherry picking FOOL! I’m looking for the ripest and sweetest fruit. Always search out the cream of the crop. This is the 80/20 principal. 20% of what you do is responsible for 80% of the results. 20% of people at work are responsible for 80% of the work. 20% of folks driving are responsible for 80% of the traffic…etc. etc. With kids, I explain this using a pizza analogy. Ever notice there is always that one slice of pizza that’s where the greatest amount of toppings seem to hang out and party? It’s the slice every kid wants to go for first (well, me too). Learning is just like that. Look for the loaded slice of pizza…leave the scrawny one with the single piece of pepperoni in the pizza box where it belongs (I kinda feel sad for that slice now).<br />
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Don’t reinvent the wheel. Imitate success! Kobe Bryant never innovated a single thing on the basketball court. All he did was study the greats and copy their moves. Do your research and seek the advice of those that have had success. Sometimes we get too wrapped up in finding others that are suffering like us. This is not a bad thing. Sometimes these folks are the only ones that can truly understand what we are going through. Just avoid the urge to sit around and have a pity party. Keep your eyes focused on the prize.<br />
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You must constantly be on the search for interventions that will suit your child. Not everything will be a one size fits all approach. Just because someone else has success doesn’t mean you will also, but the reverse is true. Just because it didn’t work for someone else, doesn’t mean it won’t be wildly successful for you and your child. Don’t reinvent the wheel. Ask questions, seek the answers of others, keep on researching, and don’t feel as if you must pioneer a new approach that no one has ever undertaken. I’m not Lewis and Clark. Give me a map. Give me a BUNCH of maps…oh and a compass. This challenging life of yours is hard enough. Don’t make it any harder.<br />
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<b>3. Experiment with Diet and Nutrition</b><br />
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Do you get your car’s oil changed? Does your car use the higher octane gas? What happens if you neglect these simple things? Bad nutrition and its effects can be just as debilitating on your body. The most preventable tragedy of standardized testing I witness is kids literally falling asleep as the test drags on and their sugar fueled morning meal causes them to crash. I’d wager any amount of money, that just changing the way we eat prior to testing would have a positive impact on test scores across the board. There are long lists of food ingredients (oooh future post idea) that impede the functions of the brain (MSG, red dyes, sugar, high fructose corn syrup, etc.). Just attempting to eliminate these can have a positive effect.<br />
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Now consider the opposite. What if nutritional components were supercharged instead? Elite athletes (not the scrubs) rely on elite nutrition. They leave no stone unturned. The brain and body system is connected and the same is true for our learners. Our family has made a shift (primal/paleo diet for the most part) and the changes are EXTREMELY noticeable. My kids, with disabilities, have made great strides this year academically and behaviorally. I feel silly for having neglected this for so long, but we don’t anymore, and it doesn’t have to be as hard as you may think.<br />
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What we do is actually pretty simple. If we can’t pronounce the ingredient, we don’t eat it. I just scratch my head wondering why floor cleaner is made with “real” lemons, while the lemon flavored drink is artificially flavored. We have a generation of kids who are eating what can only be loosely defined as food (with ingredients often banned in other countries). I don’t want to scare you, but I do encourage you to just look at food as fuel, and try to make it the best you can afford for your learner.<br />
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If you do make this leap however, try to be broad in scope with incorporating the good AND eliminating the bad. Keep your expectations realistic, depending on your commitment, and remember that small steps add up (this was not an overnight process for us). For example, if you eat one food for joint health, than eat ten others that cause joint inflammation, don’t be surprised by the results. Just go with the basic premise that your brain and body are connected. Choose your fuel accordingly.<br />
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<b>4. Observe and Reflect Objectively and Often</b><br />
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Each learner is different. Do your best to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of your children. The classic clinical model is to look at what is wrong and try to fix it. When all we do is look at what’s wrong, we overlook everything that’s right. If all you do is work only on weaknesses, you are basically striving for…mediocrity. You are striving for…average. You hang your hopes on ho hum. Forget that! Focus on their strengths and NOW we are talking! You want to go from good to great…from above average to AMAZINGLY AWESOME! Your strengths are where you can distinguish yourself. My daughter with FASD suffers academically in math, but she just loves to read, and her emotional intelligence is ridiculous! I will help her “manage” her weaknesses, and pour everything I can into developing her strengths! Check out this link to help you discover your child’s (and your own) strengths.<br />
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<a href="http://wiselearners.blogspot.com/2013/04/discover-your-personality-type-get-to.html" target="_blank">Wiseleaners.com: Discover Your Personality Type (and your child's as well)</a><br />
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To accomplish this you must give constant attention to detail. Again, no one can do this better than you. You will be constantly observing and reflecting on what you do yourself, and on what works best for your child. You are on the front line and you’ve got the bird’s eye view. Trust your instincts and always do your best to stay objective. Don’t be afraid to make changes. Trust yourself!!! You are your child’s first and most influential teacher. This is not by accident. Reflection is a powerful tool in your toolbox.<br />
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<b>5. Always Keep an Open Mind and Hopeful Heart</b><br />
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You must stay positive. Don’t beat yourself up over any failures. Don’t let grief, guilt, or grudges hold you back. Through our failures we can learn even more than from our successes. These all lead to learning. Learn how to turn failure into success. Understanding the mistakes we make when we struggle can help make you failure proof and make your children failure-proof too! Remember that the true measure of a person is not in how they <b><i>avoid </i></b>adversity, but in how they <b><i>face </i></b>adversity. Your children need you to always model this…always, always, always! Here is another handy link on how to do just that.<br />
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<a href="http://wiselearners.blogspot.com/2013/04/how-to-make-your-child-failure-proof.html" target="_blank">How to FAILURE-PROOF Your Child (and yourself while you're at it)!</a><br />
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Also be open to new ideas. It is easy to dismiss something if you automatically assume there is no hope. You must be constantly growing yourself as a learner. You must gain the experience that you will need to guide you in what you should do. You must then have the confidence in yourself that will allow you to do it.<br />
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Finally, celebrate growth! Observing growth in our kids, especially those with special needs, is often akin to watching water boil or paint dry. It doesn’t seem like it is happening, but trust that it is! Don’t compare their strides to the strides of others. Constantly praise the EFFORT they put forth to accomplish the objectives before them, and not just the outcome. Those outcomes may not appear as often as we like, but we can praise the effort that we want present always. Compare where they are with where they have been and rejoice in every ounce of effort they put in and in every triumph they achieve! And when they do triumph, party like its 1999!!!<br />
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