Communities In Schools at MJHS
January 2016 Issue
Resolutions That Stick!
The holiday season marked the end of the calendar year but your child has half the year left to improve academically, especially if they didn't hit the ground running in the fall. Here are some ideas from education.com to help you and your child make resolutions that stick.
1. Choose Something Measureable
Goals cannot be indefinite and overambitious. Instead of resolving to "read more" which can be vague, how about making a point of visiting the library weekly to borrow a book to read?
Rather than vowing to win first place at the Essay Writing Contest, a promise to start researching and exploring topics in January to get a head start, is something one can better control.
2. Speak To the Teachers
Teachers can offer valuable feedback on the areas that need focus and suggest realistic goals. Once the goals have been set, share them with the teacher so that they can support and motivate progress. Knowing that people are rooting for you can be a very powerful motivator.
3. Incentives
Resolutions are better kept when there are incentives. However, rather than material incentives, consider rewards that they may enjoy, such as having a friend sleepover, reading for fun, backyard camping, a lesson on decorating cupcakes, etc.
4. Set An Example
Remember, kids aren't just listening but also watching. It is is important to set your own resolutions for change and share them with your child. Discuss any challenges or roadblocks you may experience along the way and how you plan to overcome them. This teaches children persistence, communication and decision-making skills.
5. Think Beyond Academics
There are plenty of areas for self-improvement besides academics. It is always a good idea to mix academic goals with non-academic ones to keep things from getting too serious. Some ideas would be to learn to cook, grow a garden, volunteer at the animal shelter, learn a new skill or language, start a blog, and so on.
6. Set The Stage For Success
Create a home environment that is conducive to better study habits. Designate homework and study areas away from distractions. Keep healthy, nutritious snacks at hand. Encourage your child to get school work out of the way so that they are not burning the midnight oil, losing precious sleep.
Banana Oatmeal Soft-Baked Cookie
Mash together 4 very ripe bananas with 2 cups plain oatmeal. Add 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon (optional). Scoop dough by the spoonful on a cookie tray and bake at 350F for 25 minutes. Cool slightly and enjoy!
National Vision Board Day
National Vision Board Day is observed annually on the second Saturday in January.
Set goals, cast a vision and dream out loud by creating tangible vision boards that can be mounted on your walls. Daily reminders of your hopes and dreams will help keep you focused on your goals and objectives.
OBSERVE
Host a vision party for your friends or family. Set goals for the coming year and put them where you can see them. Post photos on social media using #VisionBoardDay
Tomato, Chickpea and Spinach Soup
1 cup onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 15 oz. can tomatoes, crushed
1 15 oz. can chickpeas
4 cups, stock or water
1 tsp. cumin seeds
1 tsp. crushed red chili (optional)
3/4 cup, spinach
1 Tbsp. oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Heat the oil in a soup pot, add the cumin, onions and bell pepper and sauté until soft. Add the garlic and cook for a minute. Pour in the tomatoes and stock and bring to a boil and cook for about 10 minutes.
Add the chickpeas and spinach and cook until the leaves are wilted. Season with salt, pepper. Serve hot.
Communities In Schools
Email: kala.ganapathy@ciset.org
Website: ciset.org
Location: Moorhead Jr High School, Farm to Market 1485, Conroe, TX, United States
Phone: 936-709-2449
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Communities-In-Schools-of-East-Texas-218349138193265/