Two Often Overlooked, Causes of Misbehavior

Ask anyone who has been teaching for a long time, and they will tell you two times that children often behave differently: 1) when there is a full moon; and 2) right before a change in the weather. I have said often in seminars that children are like a barometer for the weather. You can tell ahead without listening to a weather report that the weather is getting ready to change by the way they behave.

There is something you can do for those times. Have lots of rainy day activities ready…all incorporating movement and fun. It’s your “arsenal” of activities that can transform the classroom.

Maryln

Is alcohol and drug use growing?

A close friend who is writing a book told me that he read that some children are starting to abuse alcohol as early as nine years old, and by the time they are thirteen, they are addicts. It made me think about all kinds of addiction. Early in my career, I was a counselor at a drug and alcohol addiction center. Children and youth were experimenting with all kinds of drugs. I remember a horror story of a young child trying to inject peanut butter into his body! I am launching a new survey today to see if you think that alcohol and drug addiction is increasing in youth? Go to our ATi website, www.atiseminars.org and make your voice heard. You can also write your comments on my blog at www.marylnandmore.org.

The research shows that there are risk periods for drug and alcohol abuse in children’s lives. These occur any time there is a major change. For example, when children leave elementary school and go to middle school, they often experience new academic and social pressures—all at a time when they are likely to see and hear about drug and alcohol usage. There are still other changes that can take place in children’s lives including a move to another city, a new school, illness, or death of a family member.

You can do your part to help children. Start early. Teach them to make positive choices in their lives. Set an example of being a role model. Talk about people whose lives have been negatively impacted by addiction. Talk about people who have gone through adversity and stayed strong. Foster self-esteem in youth. Teach children they can overcome negative situations, and there are always choices. Some children have family members that are addicts. They have grown up seeing this way of life. Teach them that they can be different. They can choose to live a sober lifestyle.

Have a great day. You are a difference maker.

Maryln

Ducks are great teachers for diversity.

I live in an area by a lake. There are ducks both in the lake and all around. Some ducks travel in pairs, some are alone, and some are in larger flocks. Some ducks follow a leader, and some do their own thing. Some are tiny, and some are huge. Some have a beautiful pattern of feathers, and others are plainer. Some like to come close to neighbors, and some stay as far away as they can. When the ducks are all in the water at the same time, it is a beautiful sight to see them all splashing and playing. It is much like a classroom with children all being different, yet each one bringing special characteristics to make the classroom so much more special.

Have a great day. You are a difference maker.

Maryln

A Great Tool for Strong-Willed Children

Students who are strong-willed can be argumentative when you give instructions. One effective strategy is to use is to say, “Regardless.” When students are argumentative, do not get into an argument with them. Instead say, “Regardless, I need you to _____________________.” Tell them what you need them to do. Say it calmly and firmly.

Have a great day. You are a difference maker.

Maryln

Watch out for angry students.

The research shows that angry students “hang out” together. Their anger and defiance feed off of each other. Break up these groups of students. Assign peer partners for lessons. Have group projects in which you separate children.

Groups of a feather may flock together, but it does not have to be in your classroom.

Have a great day and a great week. You are a difference maker.

Maryln