In my previous post, I stressed the importance of teaching empathy to children in school and at home in an effort to prevent bullying. Empathy, as opposed to sympathy or compassion, is a starting point for understanding both ourselves and other people from the inside out. In that vein, here are some wonderful books that can help teach your child about empathy. Wonder by R.J. Palacio. August Pullman was born with a facial difference that,…
Bullying is such a prevalent part of life that almost everyone can say that at some point in their lives, they have either been bullied, bullied someone else, or witnessed bullying. According to our government, bullying is defined as “unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time.” One out of every five children report being…
It’s hard enough to be a kid these days, but English language learning students get an extra level of challenge. Research shows that reading comprehension in English Language Learners gets a boost when students have access to culturally relevant books, however. Candis Grover, director of literacy and Spanish development at educational website ReadyRosie, says, “Story is both individual and collective. Students need more than just a few scattered stories; we need to give them a large…
In school, students learn about many complex subjects that will help them, whether they decide to pursue a career or a college degree. But oftentimes, the day-to-day life skills that kids need to become independent young adults are completely overlooked. Teachers will try to incorporate life skills into their classes, but with today’s more test-heavy curriculum, these skills end up falling by the wayside. Parents, your children will learn a lot in school, but there…
Since books are such a great way to help those affected with mental illness to feel like they are not alone, here are some more examples of young adult novels that deal with issues of mental health especially well. To view our previous post on this topic, click here. Wintergirls Author: Laurie Halse Anderson Reading level: ages 14 and up Issues discussed: depression, eating disorders, self-harm Laurie Halse Anderson is known for writing powerfully moving books…
Mental illness among teenagers and young adults has become an increasingly prevalent problem in recent years, and 1 in 5 American youth ages 13-18 are currently living with a mental health condition. Since these types of illnesses can feel incredibly isolating, it’s especially important for those affected to feel like they are not alone. Books are a great way to do this, so here are some examples of young adult novels that deal with issues…
If you spend any amount of time on social media, you have probably seen posts about bullet journaling, which has become something of a viral stationary trend. Stripping away all the hype, however, will leave behind an excellent method of planning and organizing for students. Today, I’ll tell you all the tips and tricks for getting organized for school using this approach. First off, what is bullet journaling? A bullet journal is essentially a notebook…
Are you thinking about studying abroad? Make sure you weigh the pros and cons before you buy your plane ticket! Pros: 1. Experience culture—Wherever you go, you’ll be experiencing a different way of living and a culture that is likely radically different from your own, which is great. You can try new foods, listen to new music, and get life experience you simply can’t get any other way. 2. Make new friends—You will meet lots…
Studies show that anxiety disorders among children are on the rise, and they are quickly becoming some of the most common child psychiatric conditions. As many as 10% of children suffer from them and require medical treatment. Experts believe that school anxiety in particular is becoming more prevalent among younger kids, including preschoolers, perhaps because of societal expectations and changes in standards of education. Our society expects more and more from children at increasingly younger ages,…
For some teenagers, winter means wanting to hole up at home and never leave. In severe cases, some people may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder – a form of depression thought to be triggered by a lack of sunlight in the winter, which can wreak havoc on your biological clock. Whether it’s our changing habits or changing light, winter can take a toll on students’ motivation with classes and other obligations. However, it’s important…
