Starting school each year brings on many decisions to be made. Preparing for school is exciting as we choose new clothes, shoes, backpacks, and school supplies. Then, we begin the first days of school.
We often don't realize how many choices a child has to make each day. They have to decide what clothes to put on in the morning, what to bring in their backpacks, what they want to play at recess and with whom, and what to eat for lunch.
They also make many, many critical learning decisions throughout the day. They decide whether or not to actively participate in each activity presented by the teacher. They decide when to listen attentively to learn and when to tune out. They decide to show respect for themselves, others and property with their choices. They decide to say thank you, good job, or I appreciate. . . when someone does something to help them learn. They decide to be nice to others and not to bully, make fun of someone, or put others down. They decide to perservere and never give up even when something is difficult. They decide to develop their talents, skills, intellect, and strengths. They decide at each turn whether or not to make great decisions.
During the first days of school, before the routine has been established, children have to actively make many decisions. As the year progresses, many of these decisions become habit and require little thought. But in the beginning, children need to consciously think, and be reminded, to make great decisions so that they can Do Their Best to Be Their Best!
As children choose to do their best, each decision actually does affect the rest of their lives as they develop their character, skills, talents, intellect, and strengths as each child determines how they will positively contribute to our world.
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Marla Martin Joined: Sep-15-2009 |
Family and reading are very important to me! Quality time with family members, doing fun activities and/or traveling to the beach or mountains, is my highest priority. My dream is to become a writer of fiction novels and children's books. Someday, I might be a circuit speaker promoting my books and ideas. I have taught high school for 17 years + 3 weeks and 9 months + 6 weeks at the middle school level. I have been in many preschool, elementary, and high school classes over the years in my work as an ROP Child Care and Education Instructor. I have had over 2,700 students. No wonder I have trouble remembering all of my former students' names. I have been married to Michael for 6 years; we have a 5 year old daughter, Alexia; and I have two sons, Dustin (19) and Houston (14). We also have many good friends who are our support network. We have a nice life and I appreciate all of our blessings.
