Giving a child (age appropriate) choices is essential for their optimal growth and development. Allowing the child to make a choice: helps a child learn to be competent at making choices-gives the child a sense of (age appropriate) autonomy and self efficacy conveys the message to the child that they are important to you, that […]
It is vital to optimal development. When a child plays, they reduce their stress reactivity, fine tune sensory motor and processing systems, develop social skills, build relationships with others and learn. As adults, we can help by making sure our kids have time for play and that we are encouraging physical play and guiding them […]
Some years ago I was on a motorcycle ride and found myself having to stop at an intersection where my stop was at the top of a hill. For those of you who don’t ride a motorcycle, think stopping on the top of a hill with a stick shift. As with a car, it doesn’t […]
Hope Academy 3rd grade students use manipulatives from Wilson Fundations to practice their phonics skills. Fundations serves as a prevention program to help reduce reading and spelling failure for students at risk for reading difficulties. Wilson Fundations® provides research-based materials and strategies essential to a comprehensive reading, spelling, and handwriting program. #givehope #wilsonfundationsWilson Language Traininghttps://www.wilsonlanguage.com/programs/fundations/
STEM Education at Hope AcademySpecials classes at Hope Academy include music, art, physical education and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). Our Kindergarten class recently learned all about magnetism as part of their STEM class. Thanks to a grant from the Clorox Company Foundation, Hope Academy has supplies to cover the STEM curriculum for all […]
Despite our best efforts, inappropriate behaviors are going to happen. When they do, our response can be IDEAL! I – Immediate Delayed correction doesn’t change behavior. To effectively change behavior, we need to catch it in the moment before it has a chance to escalate. If we catch it before it spirals out of control […]
Despite our best efforts, challenging behavior is going to happen. When it does, there are some “rules of engagement” to keep in mind as you work through the situation. DO: Stay calm & cool (Thinking brain) Choose/use words wisely Remember, a child who is moving into a primal (stress response) brain is losing access to […]
Mark your calendars for May 8 and enjoy some Panda Express while raising funds for Hope Academy. Share with friends and family because this fundraiser is nationwide! Orders can be placed online at order.pandaexpress.com or via the Panda Express App using our special code. Let Panda Express handle lunch or dinner for your family next […]
Thanks to Walmart Neighborhood Market on Airport Blvd for their donation of hand sanitizer, hand sanitizer wipes, Lysol disinfecting wipes, Pine-sol and crayons for Hope Academy! The items were personally delivered by Erin Evans, a member of the Walmart management team. Thanks for your support of the Hope Highlanders! #givehope#hopehighlanders
When a child experiences trauma, their brain will automatically set itself to high alert status. No longer is there a need for a real life/death situation in order for the primal brain stress response system to be activated. Subconsciously, this brain is ALWAYS scanning for “threat”, and because the stress response system is hyper-vigilant, it […]
Today’s tip is about using the word “No.” Do you have a child who seems to melt down every time they are told no? This is not an uncommon occurrence. The stress response system can be activated by non-life-and-death situation. One of those non-life-and-death triggers is not getting what we want or need (or what […]
