Tip of the month
What Is Executive Functioning?
Tip of the month
Say the word. Use it in a sentence and use a kid-friendly definition.
Fantastic. We’re going to write the word ‘fantastic’. ‘Fantastic’ means extraordinary or wonderful.
Have student repeat the word.
Say ‘fantastic.’
Identify Syllables. Have student identify how many syllables they hear in the word by either clapping them out or putting a hand under their chin to count how many times their jaw drops.
Let’s count. How many syllables are in the word fantastic?
Draw lines to represent each of the syllables in the word.
Here are 3 syllables: _______ _______ _______
Write each syllable on the corresponding line. Saying each sound slowly.
Say the word to yourself, one syllable at a time. Then, write a syllable on each line by listening for all of the sounds. Remember each syllable has a vowel sound.
fan tas tic
Check the vowels. Each of your syllables should have at least one vowel spelling per syllable.
Write the whole word underneath.
fantastic
Touch each syllable as you read the word fluently.
Tip: Use syllable sound boxes if students have difficulty hearing or representing the sounds in a particular syllable.
Ex. hesitant
hes i | t | a | n | t |
hes i tat
hes i ______
Writing BiG Words
Tip of the month
Comprehension & Memory
Tip of the month
I love you no matter what
How do you feel about that?
What's your plan?
Let's take 5 deep breaths together
What can I help with?
Do you need to take a break?
Is there a different way to think about this?
That looks tricky but I believe in you
Do what you can and I'm right here if you get stuck
Can you help me with this?
That was a challenge for you, and you did it!
I feel really frustrated right now, so I’m going to…
Try saying, “I will find a way to do it” vs. “I hope I can do it”
Phrases to build resilience in Children
Tip of the month
How to respond to Unkind Words from Others
A student was called dumb by a "friend." Here are some helpful phrases to share the important truth…
Refrain from joining the chaos by getting angry at the other child.
Stay calm and give the child a chance to share their experience.
"Tell me more about what happened..."
After listening to the story, ask what the student believes about themself.
Do they believe they are "dumb"?
What does it mean to be called this?
Share The important truth...
“People tend to act the way they are treated by the people they love.
If a kid is calling you dumb, it's likely because someone they love has called them dumb."
"A kid being mean to you probably means someone was mean to them first.
Acknowledge “this does not make their behavior ok, BUT it helps us understand that their unkind behavior has nothing to do with you."
“Here’s what I want you to remember:
We can understand why someone is being mean, we can care for them... AND you don't have to play with someone who is unkind to you."
Teach the phrase:
"I won't play with you if you are being unkind."
Encourage a strong voice and standing up for oneself.
If the student worries The Friend will no Longer be a friend to them…
Remind the student: "It's not your job to make someone like you. Your job is to be you. You're loveable and worthy just the way you are."
In Summary…
Children learn what to expect in their friendships and the type of behavior they should tolerate based on their relationship with us.
If we are kind, loving, respectful, and have boundaries with children, they learn that they should expect their friends to treat them the same way.
