I have been training teachers to understand and be able to practice the LiiNK procedures over four years now. During each training day, I always make sure we get LiiNK breaks just as we expect the students and teachers to get every day in the schools. What is a LiiNK break? Going outside unplugged for 15 minutes at least four times daily during a 7 hour period. Try not to let more than 60 minutes go by at a time before you go outside again. I make sure the teachers get four of these 15 minute breaks during training days, but I haven’t asked them to be active during those times. I’ve always said they can do what they want as long as they are without a cell phone or other technology and they remain outside for the full 15 minutes. I began to realize a couple of weeks ago during one of the trainings that the teachers were much less active during the LiiNK breaks than usual. As a result, by the end of the day, they were acting more tired than usual compared to other groups on other training days that had been more active. This past week, I told a different training group of teachers that I wanted them to focus on being active for each of the four 15 minute breaks that day. By the end of the day, they were as energized as they were when we began that morning. I have two tips from this message. One, try to get outside at least two times daily for 15 minutes each unplugged. You will feel better. Two, sitting or standing outside doesn’t seem to be near as energizing as walking around the block a time or two. Hope you begin to focus on these two tips. As you begin to execute these two tips into your lives, you will begin to feel much more connected to life and your kids.

Dr. Rhea

One little girl in kindergarten could barely walk when she started school. She was very unbalanced and wobbly when she moved. Now (Spring semester) she just goes! She walks quickly and loves to move around. She is so much more coordinated and strong.

One teacher loves the Positive Action lessons on worry and anger. A teacher watched one of her students, a little boy, get worked up at his seat because friends at his table were doing something that irritated him. The teacher watched the little boy close his eyes, put his hand in front of him in a “stop” motion, and count to 10. When he opened his eyes again he was calm and able to keep working. Amazing!

Week 22) Respect - To show special care for people

Week 23) Kindness - To care for others and take thoughtful action; Fairness - To treat others with justice

Week 24) Cooperation - To work with others for a common purpose

Week 25) Self-Honesty - To tell yourself the truth

Week 26) Truth - Something you can count on

Week 27) Integrity - To do what you say you will do

Week 28) Self-Responsibility - To answer for your actions

Week 29) Trust - To have confidence or faith

Telling Yourself the Truth Using Emotional Positive Actions

Other positive behaviors are only possible when people learn to be honest with themselves.

Kindergarten: What are the four rules for self-honesty? Why is it important to keep your promise? What happened when Miska forgot to keep her promise to check the rope for the anchor?

First Grade: What did you learn about making excuses? Is it OK to change your mind about a promise? What do you need to do if you do change your mind? What should you do when your friends want you to do something you do not feel good about?

Second Grade: What does it mean to have self-pity? What do you see are your strengths and weaknesses? What is Integrity and why is it important?

Third Grade: Why is self-honesty important? Why should you admit your mistakes? What is peer pressure?