Dealing with the Friendship Stress of Middle School

To a young teen, school is life. And frankly life (school) is not always pleasant. Children can be very cruel about what they say and do. It can be also be very hard for a child to understand why they are being labeled as an outcast among their once crowd of friends. It can be even harder for the parents to deal with the child’s stress and sadness. In middle school, girls are likely to make groups and change groups often. They hold grudges and try to build themselves up by putting others down. While it is a normal part … Continue reading

What Can Teachers Do About Other Lacking Teachers?

It is a sad fact of teaching that there are bad teachers. There are burnt-out teachers. There are teachers that need to leave the profession. For a teacher that really cares about the best interest of the children, it can be very hard to work with one of the teachers described above. So what can teachers do when they work with others that give the profession a bad name? First, mentor. Be a good example for the lacking coworker. Share and offer ideas. Perhaps the teacher just needs a push to get started. If the teacher is a veteran, perhaps … Continue reading

Middle School Students: Advice for Teachers

In my previous blog, I began discussing the trials of middle school age children. I offered advice to parents who are dealing with a child entering middle school. In this article, I would like to address the persons who will be teaching middle school age children. Teaching middle school age students is an art. Most teachers either love it or hate and few are in between. Advice for Teachers: The most important part of being a middle school teacher is wanting to be one and being qualified for what you teach. Too often teachers are thrown into middle school without … Continue reading

Teachers Dealing with Stress

Teaching can be a very stressful job. Unlike some other professions, teachers form emotional relationships with many people. Teachers must connect with children, parents, co-workers, and the community. Unlike dealing with products, teachers build human beings. Children can often be on emotional roller coasters. The success of a teacher can depend greatly on the success of others. Teachers are given strict guidelines and standards. Teachers have very little control over the regulations of their classrooms. Teachers are also closely observed and many times placed under a microscope by the community. All of these factors can lead to stress and burnout. … Continue reading

How Good Are You at Communicating Under Pressure and Stress?

Yesterday, I wrote about the benefits of being able to stay calm, neutral, and collected during moments when disciplining our children is order. As I wandered through my day of work, parenting, and dealing with friends and acquaintances, I couldn’t help thinking about communicating AS A WHOLE–particularly, just what it takes to be able to communicate with others when we’re feeling under stress, pressure, annoyed or aggravated. How often are we expected to be able to cope and communicate with our children when we are NOT feeling calm and collected?! I am of the opinion that communicating under stress and … Continue reading

Taking a Break from Difficult Students

As parents we love our children. It comes very natural and easy for most of us. Through our anger, our frustration, and our stress we still manage to find a deep special feeling for our child. As any of you who are parents know, some children can be very trying. Some children have special needs. Some children are unruly no matter how much you discipline them. These are the children that are often dreaded by teachers. These are the children who control the mood and atmosphere of the class. These are the children that teachers often need a “break” from. … Continue reading

“My Son Has Juvenile Diabetes and Autism.” A Mother’s Interview

The following interview is with Ammey, a mother whose children have multiple medical and cognitive conditions. Of particular interest to me is her situation with her oldest son, Khy, who has both juvenile diabetes and autism. Ammey responded to my blog, Do You Have BOTH Juvenile Diabetes and Autism in Your Family? Here is her story. 1. Tell us a little about your family. My name is Ammey, and I’ve been married for thirteen years to my husband Mikel. We have three children: Our son Khy is 14, Kaine is 11, and Lilli is four. Khy has autism, asthma, type … Continue reading

Education Week in Review: March 3 – March 9

Education is a hot topic among our society. Most people have developed some form of opinion about at least one educational issue. I want to thank the ones of you reading my articles and sharing your opinions with me. I hope that you enjoyed this week’s articles. Saturday, March 3 B.E.A.R. Books The primary classes in my school use organizational books to communicate with parents. The books are a great way for teachers and parents to stay in touch. I outline the set-up of the books and describe the benefits of having an organizational tool. Monday, March 5 Homework Parents, … Continue reading

Ten Ways to Help Your Child with Aspergers Syndrome Succeed in School

Children with high-functioning autism or Aspergers Syndrome have many similarities to their peers. They want to be liked, accepted, and fit in with their classmates. It was once assumed that these children preferred isolation, but this is not usually the case. Instead, many have described that it is their difficulty with social skills and pragmatic language, sensory differences, and restricted interests that make relating to others a challenge. Whenever possible, children with high-functioning autism or Aspergers Syndrome should be mainstreamed into a regular classroom with age-level peers. This is important for their social growth, intellectual stimulation, and the ability to … Continue reading

“Why I Homeschool My Son with Asperger’s Syndrome.” One Mother’s Story

The following is an interview I had with Lorri, a mother of three from Texas. (I’m not using her last name for privacy reasons.) Her son Steven (pictured), age 9, has Asperger’s Syndrome. See my blog entry, “Asperger’s Disorder: Basic Diagnostic Criteria” for more information about this condition. 1. How did you first find out your son has Asperger’s? What were his early symptoms? “Language frustrated him, and I noticed OCD-type behaviors, like needing to travel the same route home, eat from the same bowl, and line up toys. There were sensory issues where his clothing had to be cotton … Continue reading