Principal’s Message
Self regulation is a term that we hear a great deal in schools today. Self regulation is the ability to tolerate sensations, situations, and distress and form appropriate responses. Simply stated, it is the ability to control emotions, thinking, behaviour, and motor actions in different situations. In children, self regulation matures just like other developmental processes. Children get older and learn to think before they act. Being aware of our own physical well-being and changes in how we are feeling is one of the reasons behind introducing yoga to students in the classroom, and our schoolwide emphasis on music education.
It makes sense that children who are able to respond appropriately in different situations tend to have more success in many areas of life, both academically and socially. Where our thinking has shifted over the last few years is in understanding that self regulation can be explicitly taught and fostered in children, helping them to feel better equipped and capable when faced with everyday challenges.
How can you help your child develop self regulation? Here are some suggested activities, mostly taken from an article written by Ida Rose Florez.
- Start early—children develop the foundation skills for self regulation from birth to 5 years old
- Model proper behaviours—this allows children to observe how to choose an appropriate response in different situations
- Provide hints and cues by verbally and/or physically pointing out important aspects of an academic or physical activity
- Provide verbal or physical cues to help children such as “let’s stay calm” or allowing a child to go to a quiet area to relax
- Look for times when adult support can be withdrawn so that children can learn to be independent in their responses
- Play games that require start and stop skills such as: Red Light-Green Light, Freeze Dance, Simon Says, etc.
- Dance activities where the child needs to move to the rhythm
- Play any games that require turn-taking. Children learn that it’s OK to lose
- When involved in an activity, talk with your child about how they feel doing that activity, and praise your child’s development of a skill, not just an award
For the full article, see:
https://www.naeyc.org/files/yc/file/201107/Self-Regulation_Florez_OnlineJuly2011.pdf
For other resources on self-regulation:
http://www.cea-ace.ca/education-canada/article/self-regulation-calm-alert-and-learning
http://www.education.com/reference/article/self-regulation-development-skill/
Barbara Alken
PS: Next month we’ll look at perseverance!
VON Program at Spruce Lodge
Our Grade 6 students have begun their visits to Spruce Lodge to meet with Alzheimer’s patients there for the Day Away program. Thanks to Mrs. Jamison and Mrs. Hacking for taking them over to Spruce Lodge and participating in the program every week!
Safety First!
With the cooler weather, we may have an increased volume of cars. Please remember to keep circling around the parking lot until your child is waiting for you outside behind the yellow lines at dismissal, and if you would like to walk your child into the school, park on the side streets and walk in with them. Remember students should never be walking across the parking lot unescorted or crossing a line of parked cars.
Inclement Weather
As the weather begins to shift, we may begin facing some inclement weather conditions. Keep in mind that while Avon PS closes only in extreme conditions, our buses may not be running when the snowy weather hits. Look for transportation updates through the following media:
- Visit: www.ourschoolbuses.ca or email [email protected].
- Check Avon’s website—read the Twitter message on snowy days and listen to CJCS Stratford (1240) or CFPL London (980).
- This QReader image will take you directly to the HPSTS website, if you would like to include it on your phone or mobile device
Avon School Council
“The Purpose of a School Council is to help improve student achievement and to enhance the accountability of the education system to parents.“
We have had an excellent turnout at all our School Council meetings so far this year. Thank you for all your support! Minutes from all meetings can be found on our school website www.avonmaitlandschools.ca/avon
Next Meeting: Mon, Nov. 16, 2015
6:15-7:30 in the library
All parents/guardians welcome to attend!
Calling All Three Year-Olds!
Our registration date for all children eligible for Kindergarten in September, 2016 is November 23rd. This is an important step in the registration process; if you know of children in your community who may be eligible for Kindergarten next year, please encourage them to contact the school and set up an appointment with BettyAnne!
Caribou Math
The Caribou Math Contest is an extremely challenging online math contest that students volunteer to write outside of class time. One test was written in October and there are five more tests this school year. There is usually one practice session after school, prior to writing the test. The next test will be written on Thursday, November 19th. Please ask your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns.
You can check out the contest to try some of the questions at https://cariboutests.com/
Birdseed Needed!
Grade 2’s are always looking for birdseed (nut free) for our feathered friends and feeders in the butterfly garden. Please see Ms. Smith if you are bringing some into school.
| November’s Character Trait is Courage: Facing the challenge |
Natural Learning News
During the summer, the labyrinth sprang to life as many of the wildflowers that were planted last June bloomed. These flowers will attract pollinators. Ms. Taylor’s Grade 3 class now wants to provide a place for monarch butterflies to lay their eggs and to provide a food source for the monarch caterpillars. Last week they planted milkweed seeds at the labyrinth. As these plants grow next spring and in the years to come, our young environmentalists are doing their part in helping to increase the monarch population in our area.
YMCA Update
Hello, it’s November already. The first PA Day for the children is coming up on November 6th. For details and how to register you can contact Alenka Watson at the YMCA by phone, 519-271-0480 or through her e-mail, Alenka_Watson @ymca.ca. November 6th is also Random Act of Kindness Day, so don`t forget to help out those around you and Pay it Forward! For information and availability of space in our Before and After School Program please contact Ashley Rose at 519-271-0480 or through e-mail [email protected].
Thank you
Ashley Rose RECE,
YMCA Child Care Supervisor
Information is going home with this newsletter about Hot Lunch Orders of pizza and subs for December to the end of February. Be sure to follow the directions for ordering online, and remember that no late orders will be accepted!