Bullying is on the national radar these days. Personally, I think it is long overdue. My caution is, take care to understand the difference between bullying and kid play.
Bullying is an act of intended intimidation. Girls, boys, young adults all need to 'tool' their way through the development of friendships and self-awareness. Awkward responses and behaviors are often part of this growth period. Bullying however, is a malicious act geared at minimizing others in order to elevate one's self worth.
I see an increasing number of children and young people who are working hard to find their place. We can be a part of making the journey smoother with understanding hearts and encouraging words.
However, if you see a form of intimidation designed to hurt and conquer, take a stand on behalf of the victim. Watch for signs of distress, tell the key people in their lives, and find ways to give value.
One of the most dangerous forms of bullying takes place in cyberspace. Words have become lethal weapons. Please look over your child's shoulder. Protect them from others as well as themselves.
I hope you will link arms with me on this very important issue. The culprit isn't found in developmental growth, it is found in the heart. Lets be heart smart and help our students value themselves as Kingdom people not worldly warriors.
Preparing Kids for L.I.F.E. ... Influence with purpose
Deb Blanker
Monday, October 18, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Learning Isn't Neat
Learning can be unpredictable and full of challenges. It is a little like putting a model plane together. Some of us need to read every instruction while others will use the trial and error method and of course there are learners like me - very visual. Learners are NOT created equal ....
Learning can be messy; messy papers, neglected pieces, forgotten problems, tears, attitudes, and shut down. We need to help students embrace struggle as a necessary part of growth. Did you know it wasn't until Tom Edison's 2001st try he succeeded in inventing the light bulb? How about Michael Jordan's missed shot record of over 9000?
Some students will enter into the world of learning with a smile. But more of them will question the value of the work they are asked to do. Through collaboration (teacher, parent, student), we conquer the challenges. Preparing them for L.I.F.E. requires us to embrace and guide them through the sometimes bumpy terrain of learning.
Dedicated to valuing your child as an individual learner,
Deb Blanker
Learning can be messy; messy papers, neglected pieces, forgotten problems, tears, attitudes, and shut down. We need to help students embrace struggle as a necessary part of growth. Did you know it wasn't until Tom Edison's 2001st try he succeeded in inventing the light bulb? How about Michael Jordan's missed shot record of over 9000?
Some students will enter into the world of learning with a smile. But more of them will question the value of the work they are asked to do. Through collaboration (teacher, parent, student), we conquer the challenges. Preparing them for L.I.F.E. requires us to embrace and guide them through the sometimes bumpy terrain of learning.
Dedicated to valuing your child as an individual learner,
Deb Blanker
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