October/ November Newsletter
Making Connections
Learning Lab Activities
- Teaching responsibility at home
- How much time is TOO much screen time
- Information and an RSVP for the upcoming Family Night, Thursday December 1st.
Thank you for all you do for your children. We appreciate all of your hard work and commitment.
Proud to Teach,
Lisa Esse and Megan Steidle
Teaching Responsibility at Home
When asked what traits parents would like their children to have now and as adults, one of the most common responses is “to be responsible.” This is a broad term which means many different things, including:
- Being dependable so people know they can count on you,
- Keeping one’s word and agreements,
- Meeting one’s commitments,
- Doing something to the best of one’s ability,
- Being accountable for one’s behavior,
- Accepting credit when you do things right and acknowledging mistakes,
- Being a contributing member of one’s family, community and society.
Children learn to be responsible by having responsibilities and seeing them through. Brainstorm with your child about tasks that your child is ready to handle alone. Here is a starter list you can adapt:
- Get up on time.
- Pick up toys and tidy bedroom.
- Read for 20 minutes.
- Maintain personal hygiene.
- Treat family members kindly.
Together, make a checklist of tasks your child will be responsible for. Write down specific instructions and what will happen if your child does not complete a responsibility. Then don’t forget to offer praise for a job well done!
How much time is TOO much screen time
Children and adolescents spend a lot of time watching screens, including smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, TVs, and computers. On average, children ages 8-12 in the United States spend 4-6 hours a day watching or using screens, and teens spend up to 9 hours. While screens can entertain, teach, and keep children occupied, too much use may lead to problems.
Parents may not always know what their children are viewing, or how much time they are spending with screens. Children may be exposed to:
- Violence and risk-taking behaviors
- Videos of stunts or challenges that may inspire unsafe behavior
- Sexual content
- Negative stereotypes
- Substance use
- Cyberbullies and predators
- Advertising aimed at your child
- Misleading or inaccurate information
Too much screen time may lead to:
- Sleep problems
- Lower grades in school
- Reading fewer books
- Less time with family and friends
- Not enough outdoor or physical activity
- Weight problems
- Mood problems
- Poor self-image and body image issues
- Less time learning other ways to relax and have fun
Managing a child’s screen time is challenging for families. Your child is never too young for a screen-time plan. Consider the following as a guideline:
- Until 18 months of age limit screen use to video chatting along with an adult (for example, with a parent who is out of town).
- Between 18 and 24 months screen time should be limited to watching educational programming with a caregiver for minimal amount of time.
- For children 2-5, limit non-educational screen time to about 1 hour per weekday and 3 hours on the weekend days.
- For ages 6 and older, encourage healthy habits and limit activities that include screens.
- Turn off all screens during family meals and outings.
- Learn about and use parental controls.
- Avoid using screens as pacifiers, babysitters, or to stop tantrums.
- Turn off screens and remove them from bedrooms 30-60 minutes before bedtime.
From the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Family Literacy Night- Cookie Themed Reading Fun
Family Fun Literacy Night!
This year CJ Morris is excited to invite you to attend our Family Literacy Night on Thursday, December 1st from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm! Our theme is holiday cookie fun! Come in your pajamas and bring your family to learn how to have fun with reading at home. , while staying in that class for the full 15 minute period.
Agenda for CJ Morris Family Night:
5:15 Gates near the lunch area will open for sign in and book fair visits
5:30 Meet in the MPR for short performance and directions for the evening
6:00-6:15 Rotation 1
6:20-6:35 Rotation 2
6:40-6:55 Rotation 3
ALL ROTATIONS are a 15 minute class, parents and students will work on an activity or learning experience together during that time.
This year will look different than the past. We are requesting that you stay at each rotation for the full 15 minute activity period. You will be able to attend 3 different sessions during the evening. Any session you were not able to attend, but were still interested in accessing the materials will be provided to you through a google drive link at Family Night.
**Dinner not provided.
In the RSVP below please add how many from your family will be attending next to your last name-
EXAMPLE: Esse, 5
Thursday, Dec 1, 2022, 05:30 PM
C J Morris Elementary School, East Calle Baja Drive, Walnut, CA, USA
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Upcoming Important Dates
November 11- No school, Veteran's Day
November 18- Report cards available
November 21-25 Thanksgiving break, no school
December 1- Family Literacy night- see invite above
December 15- Minimum Day whole school
December 16- January 3- winter break, return to school January 4th.