Neural Connections

I was recently talking to a dyslexia specialist who corrected me and said that she's technically a "therapist" because she rewires the brain.

We laughed at how fancy she sounded.

But that brief conversation reminded me of this video.  (Although-- to be clear-- I am in no way supporting or endorsing the company or website affiliated with it.  I know nothing about them.)

Our brain is constantly being wired and rewired. That is neuroplasticity. Anytime our kids make an academic connection or finally have an understanding of a concept, their brains have been rewired. Oprah calls them "light bulb moments".

Thoughts about ourselves wire our brains to believe certain things and react in certain ways. If those thoughts are negative, it's our job as teachers, counselors, and parents to change the message our kids are sending themselves. In essence, we are charged with rewiring the brain.

It takes time. It is by no means immediate. But the encouraging thing is that it is possible. Biologically and physiologically within the realm of reason that we can teach kids to think differently about themselves... their potential... their future.

Uh... HOW EXCITING IS THAT????!!!!

It can be done! We CAN change the future. We CAN impact lives.

Unfortunately, kids' brains don't send us an update that they are in the process of being rewired. Or that they are slowly disconnecting bad thoughts and connecting good ones.

So we may never see the difference we've made.

But we really are changing kids' brains-- for better or worse--- all the time.

I guess that means we're all "therapists".

Hmmm... I need a raise. :)

PACE deadline-- QUICKLY approaching

If you would like to have your child assessed for PACE, Plano ISD’s Gifted and Talented program, please complete and return a referral packet to Mrs. Jones by 3:00 PM on Wednesday, December 7.  Packets and additional information can be found at the following website: http://www.pisd.edu/parents/advanced.academics/gifted.pace/index.shtmlFeel free to either email the completed packet to Mrs. Jones or return a hard copy.  Questions?  Please contact Kaya Jones, Christie PACE teacher, at kaya.jones@pisd.edu

Game changers

I very rarely know if I'm making a difference with my kids -- but these are the things I KNOW are impactful---


1. "Good morning" with a smile. The most difficult child can't help but respond.

2. A pat on the back with a "How'd you sleep?" I always get a smile, an answer, and a hug.

3. Notice-- the new glasses, haircut, braces, headband, shoes. The kids are so thrilled and will tell the story behind the change.

4. Tell stories about yourself. They will be vulnerable if I will. Stories about failures are big hits!

5. Be approachable. Nothing is too small for me to stop and discuss. If it's important to them it's important to me.

Science and Engineering Fair Announcement

It is time once again to prepare for the Elementary Science and Engineering Fair.  The fair is open to students in grades K-5. Though participation in this annual event is voluntary, we want to encourage interested students to take advantage of this opportunity to exhibit their knowledge. 

If your child is interested in participating please return the Science and Engineering Fair letter to your child’s teacher so you may have a handbook. Our campus fair will be January 9^th this year! We look forward to some great entries to represent Christie Elementary!

If you have any questions feel free to email the Science Fair Coordinator at Jessica.Malloy@pisd.edu

A great read!

I highly recommend this book to ALL parents and educators!  Full of practical ways to build empathy in children and a solid argument for why empathy is necessary for success.  LOVE!

To the whole child...

"Why do you do what you do?"

That's a question I've been asked more in the last 6 months than I've ever been asked before.

When I was a teacher, I was commended but not questioned.  When I was a stay-at-home mom, I was envied *by those who had no idea how tough it is to stay home with 3 young kids when you're fully engaged* but not questioned. When I was a preschool director pursuing my Master's degree, it was a question of "how" but not "why" am I doing what I'm doing.

As a counselor who sees and hears and experiences tough things, I get a lot of "why".

My answer: Because I love kids.

I am honored to have been called to this profession.  I prioritize children because Jesus does. I want to reflect grace, love, forgiveness, redemption, kindness, etc to EVERY child.

And I fully believe that encapsulates teaching the WHOLE child.

We MUST recognize that some kids have been taken to school just after being smacked across the face.  Or watching Dad or Boyfriend hit Mom.  Sometimes Caregiver is passed out and Seven-Year-Old has to get the "little kids" up and ready for school.  Sometimes there's molestation or abandonment that dominate a child's narrative.

These children walk through our doors and are held accountable for academic and behavioral performance.

But what if?

What if we prioritized relationships over learning?  What if educators sought connections with the students, understanding of history, and a sense of belonging for each of their kids over anything else?  Would improved test scores and academic achievement/appropriate behaviors follow?

Research says "YES!"

I firmly believe that we were created for relationship.  If we miss relationship and prioritize performance, we've become legalistic and unfeeling in our approach with each other.... adults and children alike.

We must recognize children as people who have histories that they may not be able to verbalize or make sense of.... and parents as people who may be unequipped and in need of compassion... and teachers as people who may be overwhelmed and lacking in certain soft skill sets... and administrators as people who bear the weight of them all.

We must teach to the whole child.
We must love each other without judgment.
We must seek forgiveness when needed.
And we must act with a spirit of kindness and compassion.

Then we are free to learn from each other and our students can learn from us.

Mistakes Happen-- and that's OK

This week and next, in First Grade, we're talking about mistakes.  Everyone makes them, and we can fix them.  Sometimes we can't fix them all by ourselves and need to get some help.  But no mistake is beyond help.

I went to Ms. Albracht's and Ms. Stanford's classes this morning and read Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg.  It's a really fun story about turning mistakes into something amazing!

Then I showed the students this "very important" (albeit out-of-date) paperwork from my daughter's school---

I explained that I accidentally spilled my coffee all over the papers.

We talked about the lesson I learned from my mistake: Don't drink coffee near important papers.

And we talked about my reaction to my mistake:  I didn't throw the paper down and stomp away.  I didn't cry or call myself "the worst mom EVER" just because I made a mistake.

In fact, I decided I would use it as a learning opportunity for the kids.

I outlined the stain in marker so that it would show up if I made copies, and I made 125 copies of my mistake.  My spill.

I challenged the kids to turn my mistake into something amazing.  And-- WOW-- am I impressed!!

Kids made people and jellyfish.  Magic wands and asteroids. Birds, parking meters, robots, and Sonic the Hedgehog. Fossils and bones.  An island under attack. There was no limit to their imagination!!

I thanked them so much for helping me turn my mistake into a "beautiful oops".  Now I can't wait to hang them on the bulletin board in the hallway!!