Leading & Learning in Leadership
Cherokee Students Leading & Learning Resources
Session 2: Mastery - "Work on Mind"
As we continue to embark on this new, uncharted journey, we just want you to know - we are in this together. Your Cherokee family will continue to support and love your children and we will continue to share "tools of the trade" to help you navigate this new normal.
We honor the fact that every family is unique and has its own set of needs, structures and expectations. As we work to provide academic resources, we also want to support social and emotional learning as well.
Dr. Sue Varma says that during a time of high stress, it's important to focus on the "4 Ms of Mental Health" - mindfulness, movement, mastery and meaningful engagement. Dr. Covey says "the greater the change, the more difficult the challenges, the more relevant the habits become."
Session 2 information is found below and focuses on Mastery: Working on Mind. The intent is to share information regarding schedules/routines and clarify expectations and how to utilize the resources available to families.
Using the 4Ms and 7 Habits together as a guide, we hope to help support your family in leading and learning:
- A Moment with Mair is focused on adult learning and developing a better understanding of the 4Ms and 7 Habits.
- Learning with Lewis is meant to be shared with students. These are short videos of activities that children can try at home.
- Getting in the Groove with Gilbert is a collection of additional resources to further support your family's needs.
We hope you find these resources helpful!
Take care of each other,
~ Mrs. Mair & Mr. Lewis
Mastery - "Work on Mind"
Mastery & the 7 Habits
Setting Your Personal/Family's Mastery Goal
Click to Access Level 1 Editable Schedule
Click to Access Editable Level 2 Schedule
Click to Access Level 3 Editable Schedule
Suggested Time Commitments
Mastery & Developing a Schedule
Keep a routine
Since changes in routine can be stressful, it will be helpful to talk with your kids about why they are staying home and what your daily structure will be during this time. Let them help create a daily schedule that can hang on the refrigerator or somewhere they can see it each day. Be sure to include breaks from tele-work or schoolwork to relax and connect with each other.
Here are some ideas to help you create a daily schedule:
Wake up, get dressed and have breakfast at the normal time.
Decide where everyone can do their work most effectively and without distractions.
List the times for learning, exercise and breaks.
For younger children, 20 minutes of class assignments followed by 10 minutes of physical activity might work well.
Older children and teens may be able to focus on assignments for longer stretches, taking breaks between subjects.
Include your hours as well, so your children know when the work day is done.
Schedule time for nutritious lunches and snacks. Many schools are providing take-home school meal packages for students who need them.
Don't forget afternoon breaks as well!
Have dinner together as a family and discuss the day.
Enjoy more family time in the evenings, playing, reading, watching a movie or exercising together.
Stick with normal bedtime routines as much as possible during the week to make sure everyone gets enough sleep.
Should I worry about extra screen time right now?
While limits are still important, it's understandable that under these stressful circumstances, kids' screen media use will likely increase. Here are some ways to help keep media use positive and helpful:
Contact teachers about educational online and offline activities your children should do. Preschool teachers may not have an online curriculum to share, but good options include PBS Kids, which is sending out a daily newsletter with show and activity ideas.
Use social media for good. Check in with your neighbors, friends and loved ones. If schools are closed, find out if there are ways to help students who need meals or internet access for at-home learning.
Use media for social connection. Social distancing can be isolating. If your kids are missing their school friends or other family, try video chats or social media to stay in touch.
Choose quality content and use trusted sources to find it. Common Sense Media, for example, suggests 25 dance games and other active apps, websites, and video games for families hunkering down right now.
Use media together. This is a great opportunity to monitor what your older children are seeing online and follow what your children are learning. Even watching a family movie together can help everyone relax while you appreciate the storytelling and meaning that movies can bring.
Take your child (virtually) to work. Working from home? Use this time as a chance to show your kids a part of your world. Encouraging imaginative “work" play may be a way to apply “take your child to work day" without ever leaving home!
Limits are still important. As always, technology use should not push out time needed for needed sleep, physical activity, reading, or family connection. Make a plan about how much time kids can play video games online with friends, and where their devices will charge at night.