School Age Network
Next meeting: September 13, 2012
Location:TBA
Time: 6:30 - 8:30
Topic:TBA
Summary of May 2012:
A small group met at MOD ( Monseigneur O'Donahue / Trent CC). There was discussion around challenging behaviour. One suggestion put forward was the use of a journal. For a child who has strong emotions and expresses them hurtfully towards others, the idea is to use a journal to express any feelings/thoughts they wish. For more information, please contact Katherine :
katherine@raisingthebarptbo.ca
We also watched an inspiring video about a young boy and the power of creativity in children given the chance to use their own imagination and talents.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faIFNkdq96U
Summary of March 2012:
A group of 8 came together at Strath and were given a quick tour of their site. One educator brought an activity with a hard boiled egg that she has done in her program. It was new for the rest of the group and very impressive!
We also watched a short video (see the link below) about risk and how we think about it. There was discussion about what the benefits might be of allowing some risk-taking, looking at our different feelings about it and how to balance the needs of the children with the concerns of the parents.
http://realscreen.com/2009/09/29/lostadventures-20090929/
Summary of January 2012:
A small but keen group met with Michelle Erridge from Kinark to learn and discuss some strategies for dealing with challenging behaviour.
We opened with some discussion about bullying and the importance of addressing all 3 of the people involved in bullying:
The importance of talking directly about bullying was mentioned. It can be done in group situations where everyone can discuss what it is and what each person can do. This can be a good time to really open up the discussion.
Some ideas to support stronger, healthier relationships included:
- How Full is Your Bucket? (for kids) by Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer – copies of this book are available from the resource library at the RTB office
- Friendship activities such as group projects that help to build relationships ( may go on over several days)
- Activities from the websites listed below
Resources
www.eyesonbullying.org : check out the tool kit on the upper right (try the quiz on page 17)
http://www.operationrespect.org/pdf/guide.pdf : (check out ‘The Torn Heart’ , pg. 17 and also ‘The Caring Being’ , pg. 31)
http://www.cfchildren.org/programs/str/overview/ This is part of the Second Step program that many centres already use in their programs.
Note: The resource library has just added a copy of Barbara Colorosa’s book:
The Bully, the Bullied and the Bystander
Summary of November 2011:
. Alex Cranfield, Program Manager from 5 Counties, discussed changes in the eligibility criteria
. children no longer automatically discharged at age 6 for speech and fine motor
. the referral process has also changed
. with parental consent, a referral may come from a professional(such as an R.E.C.E.) and does not need to be from a physician
. there is also the school health support network (Kinark, Tri County, 5CCC) which can work with a child on one home or community need at a time(not a school need)
. there was talk around issues that school age programs are dealing with such as bullying, impulse control, power struggles and dealing with children with autism or Asperger’s syndrome
. 2nd Step and Kinark’s Triple P Parenting were mentioned as possible resources
. Alex mentioned an evening workshop planned for November 30 at 5CCC on autism and ABA which could provide help for staff working with these children
. one idea was trying to linking with the schools’ character education to promote social skills and to build a better connection with the schools (Alex offered the input of a principal to help with this)
. one idea for older children who are “aging out” was to introduce skills for coming independence
. ideas for long term goals for the network were asked for: The ELECT document was suggested as a tool to guide discussion. At the next meeting we will talk about the principle:
Play is a means to early learning that capitalizes on children’s natural curiosity and exuberance.
. the idea of sharing activities with the group was suggested. Jocelyn from Trent MOD volunteered to bring an activity to the next one in January
Resources and links from past discussions
Do you have a resource or link to share? Contact RTB to get your information on the website.
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