Caronavirus Spring Break Ideas

Most of us will continue to be at home over Spring Break.  For me, I appreciate the assignments teachers send out- as it helps to fill the day for my boys.   But with no school work to fill a portion of each day next week, I am left to figure out how to keep my kids busy, creative, and productive (and from annoying each other).  I will still keep a schedule/To Do list in place, but will need to fill the time that was set aside for school work. Here are some ideas for next week:

Greenway Fun: There are 52 miles of greenways in Mecklenburg County and a few paths scattered around Union County too (Twelve Mile Creek, and Mineral Springs).  If the weather holds up, we will load up our bikes and hit the trails. If you don't want the hassle of bikes, the greenways are great for walking and some are even paved and good for skates. My family's personal favorites are Four-Mile Creek, McAlpine, and Toby Creek. Try to stay as local as possible, keep your social distance, and enjoy the fresh air!

Treasure Hunt:  We have often participated in Geocaching, so my plan is to do something similar: plant clues at GPS coordinates around my neighborhood and send the boys on their way. This will definitely take some planning on my part, so if it seems like too much- these clues for a hunt inside or outside of your house may be just the thing you are looking for: https://kidactivities.net/40-scavenger-hunt-riddles-for-kids/

Home Field Day: There are many options for putting together a family field day: sack races, a water balloon toss, obstacle course, balloon tennis, water relays, etc.  Maybe let each member of the family choose and create an activity or two?

So what are your plans for Spring Break at Home?  Feel free to share your ideas in the comments below.  You can also check out these websites that Mrs. Mitchell shared that have a list of stay-at-home activities:

• 250+ Creative Ways to Keep Your Family Sane During the COVID-19 Crisis
• https://parade.com/1009774/stephanieosmanski/things-to-do-with-kids-during-coronavirus-quarantine/

Additional County Resources

     On March 20th we posted resources for food help during the COVID-19 crisis. If you would like to see that list again click here. If your family needs help during the COVID-19 state of emergency, please let us know by using this form.  The Union Academy Foundation has stepped up to help out our Cardinal families in need. If you wish to assist the foundation with this endeavor, please make a donation by clicking here or contact Jenna Westbrook at jenna.westbrook@weareua.org.

     Many people are finding themselves in uncharted territory as they have always been able to work and sustain themselves. The current climate is changing this stability for some and I want to assure you that you are not alone. The resources the county has in place, have been designed to provide temporary support in situations just as what we are experiencing now.

If you find yourself in need, please reach out for assistance. 

• There is a comprehensive list of resources that includes clothing help, financial and food assistance, legal aid, medical and mental health care, housing help, power assistance and more. 
• Union County NCWorks
• Anson County NCWorks 
• Mecklenburg County NCWorks
• Stanly County NCWorks
• CharMeck311 is another resource many people are not aware of. If you live in Mecklenburg county this is a great way to safely get answers to many questions including directory assistance to City and County offices and information about various City and County services. (Mecklenburg is the only county currently offering a 311 service).

     Your school counselor is here to help as well. We may not have the answer, but we will do our best to help you find it. Our contact information is to the right of this blog.

I Can/Cannot Control Poster

As we care for others amidst COVID-19, let's be sure to first care for ourselves. Simple, but wonderful tips.

Source: NCDPI School Counseling Newsletter, April 2020

Managing Screen Time During the Pandemic

netclipart.com

I'll admit it.  I've slipped and with all the time now spent at home, I have let my boys play video games and watch TV more than normal.  That is until Friday when I received an email from Melanie Hempe and Screen Strong.  Remember her?  Union Academy invited her at the beginning of the school year to speak about the danger of video games and technology on the developing child and teenage brain. She shared with us the science of brain development:
As your child's brain develops into an adult brain, unused connections (or neuropathways) are pruned away and frequently used connections are strengthened. Therefore how your child uses his or her brain is crucial during this time of development.  The activities your child participates in (music, sports, reading, technology, languages) will shape the brain they take into adult hood. 

Mrs. Hempe also shared with us the danger of technology on brain development:
Video games and social media platforms are specifically designed to be addictive  and to keep the user watching/playing. By spending hours on technology, our kids are being robbed of time for building the neuro-pathways needed for in-person social skills, physical development, and creativity.

So, this past week, when I received her email, I was reminded of my responsibility to keep my kids safe and to create the best environment for developing a healthy and productive adult brain.  Mrs. Hempe shared on her website tips for avoiding a "screen crisis" during the coronavirus.  Here are a few ideas that really hit home for me, but check out her full article for more:

• Choose educational TV shows over interactive games and social media. All screens are not created equal.  Remember that social media and video games are designed to be addictive and make you want to keep watching/playing.  They are scientifically designed to grab and hold attention.  Also be careful with Youtube, as there are no set start and stop to the videos which can keep kids watching for hours.
• Schedule Purposeful Activities. Kids turn to games, social media, or TV when they are bored. As the parent, it is up to you to fill the time with activities that prevent boredom.  Reading, exercise, games, cooking, and crafts are easy activities that can help remedy boredom and also strengthen brain connections that lead to overall better mental health. This is a great time to teach life skills (laundry, yard work) and new hobbies (music, chess, art, sports).
•  Check your parental controls. Every device is different (TVs, phones, tablets) and usually larger screens (TVs) are safer than smaller devices. Only allow use of technology in "public" places in your home- not in bedrooms or places with closed doors.

So this week, I've cut back on my boys's video game and youtube time.  We've played Crazy 8s, Left-Right-Center, Skip-Bo, and soccer.  We've continued cooking lessons and have started baking for neighbors.  We've laughed and "played" together more in the past five days than since school was called off back in March. Maybe this article and the one from Mrs. Hempe will encourage you to do the same. When our kids look back at this time in their lives, hopefully they will remember time spent together and it won't be a blur of scrolling social media or the fog of gaming.

How Parents Can Instill a Growth Mindset at Home

Research shows that parents can have a powerful impact on their children's mindsets. The language you use and the actions you take show your children about what you expect. Giving process praise, talking about the brain, accepting mistakes as learning opportunities, and understanding the role of emotions in learning are all practices you can begin today.

Say This, Not That

The way we praise our children can have a profound impact on their mindset. Research on praise and mindsets shows that when we praise children for being smart, it promotes a fixed mindset. It sends a message that their accomplishments are trait-based, and tied to something innate. In contrast, praising kids for working hard promotes a growth mindset. It sends a message that the child’s effort is what led them to success. Want more tips on what to say, and what not to say, when praising your kids? Say This, Not That!

Please click on the article below for sample dialogue.

Talk About the Brain

The brain is far more malleable than we once thought. Teaching our kids that they actually have control over growing their brains through the actions they take is empowering! Tell your children that when they work hard, that’s the feeling of their neurons connecting. The dendrites are reaching out to other dendrites, trying to connect to make a stronger brain. What strengthens those connections is practice, asking questions, and actively participating in learning. When children learn that their brains physically change with effort, it leads to increased motivation and achievement. Show your kids this Brain Animation video to explain! 

Accept Mistakes as Learning Opportunities

One of the best ways you can model a growth mindset is to speak candidly about the mistakes you’ve made, and what you’ve learned from them. Speak positively about your mistakes and struggles, and this will show your children that taking risks and making mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. Explain to your children that trying hard things is what helps us grow, and you can’t be perfect when you try something hard!

Understand the Role of Emotions in Learning

When we get angry, scared, or feel threatened, our fight or flight response is activated. This can happen anytime, whether we’re scared of a spider or scared of math! Our brains are wired to protect us when we feel threatened, and stress symptoms such as sweating, stomach cramps, and your mind going blank are completely normal. There are strategies we can use when the fight or flight response tries to take over, to help us learn. One of those strategies is called Square Breathing and it helps to break down the adrenaline that is flooding the bloodstream and preventing learning from occurring.

Please click here to read the complete article.

7 Things You Can Try to Build Emotional Resilience

Students,

We miss you! Our thoughts are with you!

Emotional resilience is not only important during this time, but it's an important life skill.

7 Things You Can Try to Build Emotional Resilience

Research has shown that people with 3 times more positive emotions than negative ones are more resilient and have a relatively higher rate of successful reintegration. Emotional resilience equips people with the much-needed psychological strength to cope with stress and hardships, preventing them from falling apart or getting overwhelmed.

1.     Practice mindful meditation on a regular basis

2.     Be ready to confront the truth fearlessly

3.     Self-care is indispensable

4.     Avoid negative thoughts, people, or emotions

5.     Exercise

6.     Learn as you live

7.     Have a purpose in life

Please click here to read the full article.

Reading with Mrs. Beare

     I read a book called The Invisible String by Patrice Karst with kids who are struggling with being separated from a parent, friend, loved one or a pet. When I went to campus this week I saw it on my shelf and decided I needed to read it myself as much as I wanted to share it with you.
     I have created a Private YouTube channel (MrsBeare) and have posted an unlisted read-aloud of the book there. Click Reading with Mrs. Beare to see it.

     I want my kiddos to know that I think of them often and pull that heartstring right back when I feel it being pulled~

Mrs. Beare