Paw Print

Have your children told you about Ready, Set, Grow? To make sure that we're all on the same page, what you may like to know is that Ready, Set, Grow is how we begin and end our days. On the daily! Somewhere before 9:00am and after 3:30pm, all classrooms participate in community building activities that guide us as a school through our Second Step Social/Emotional Learning Curriculum all mixed up with our school-wide positive expectations and the important executive functioning skills you see represented below. In less than ten minutes, we are able to set the tone, provide common language around a common goal, help our students regulate before they begin and end their days while having a good bit of fun getting to know each other a little better each day.

What I would love to do, is use this space over the next several weeks to highlight the executive functioning skills that are so important for each of us to gain in order to be our most successful selves. Yep. Adults, too. After all, we're constantly modeling for our kids. If we aren't using well-developed executive functioning skills, how will the children ever learn them? Yes. Yes, I have heard the adage, "That's just who they are." I'll see you there, but raise you one. Is that just who they have to be forever or could they feel less frustrated, more confident and happy and have more friends with just a few more strategies in their toolbox? How about you? Could you use a strategy or two? Great! Let's learn together.

Planning

In the simplest form, having the ability to plan means that a person can pretty much predict, or know, how something is going to go before it actually goes down because they thought it through before taking action.

Whether you're planning a huge trip with lots of transportation details, or turning in a paper on the other side of the classroom, planning is a needed skill. When a child who is able to plan turns in a paper, they make sure that it is complete and their name is on it, they look around them before they push out their chair and stand up to make sure that they won't ram into anyone, they take the path of least resistance directly toward the turn-in basket, they keep their eyes on the prize and make sure that the paper is fully in the basket, then return to their seat without delay.

Now let's glance into another POV- that of the child who hasn't practiced planning skills quite enough just yet. This child completes most of their paper and might get their name on it, they fly out of their chair that then flies into the stomach of another child walking by, when they turn to apologize they notice that another friend has a cool new pencil so they stop to check it out, then the teacher gives the transition signal and they collect their chair, sit back down, notice a paper in their hand and shove it inside their desk.

Ruh, roh.

The ability to visualize the end of a task allows a person to make it to the goal line. That's why we make lists. That's why we use calendars and planners. Good strategies. That's also why before we begin something, it's a great strategy to stop, think, visualize a plan, and then do it.

Specialists say that adding something as simple as looking and pointing can vastly increase the likelihood of successful task completion. Try this: Think of a task you'd like your child to do (or maybe it's for you to do) and instead of having to repeat the directions multiple times, let your child know that you're going to ask them to tell you their plan before they begin.

Here's an example: "Sweet child of mine, please get the table cleaned off and set while I finish dinner." They might give you a blank stare. Wait a beat, then say, "Okay, what's your plan?" If they say something like, "I'm going to hang up my backpack (while pointing from the table to the hook) then get the plates (while pointing to that cabinet) then get the forks (while pointing toward that drawer) and set the table (while pointing toward the table)," then YOU have a PLANNER! That's the goal!

If, after the blank stare your kiddo grabs the dishes and forks and then notices that the backpack is still on the table, they'll need to learn to become a planner. Help them to stop, think, visualize a plan, and then do the thing. They should be less frustrated, more confident and happy to have truly been able to helpful.

We can all help our Bulldogs improve their ability to BE a PLANNER. We practice regularly at school Practicing at home, at ANY age, is beneficial. So how about it? What's your plan?

We are blessed to have such an amazing team here at Belmont! Would you love an opportunity to formally show appreciation...without spending a dime? Through the generosity of the Great American Bank and the USD 232 Education Foundation, we have the opportunity to recognize staff members who go above and beyond in their daily interactions with students. All you need to do is click on the link below and fill out some general information about the deserving nominee. Thank you for helping our team know that their dedication is appreciated. I appreciate your time and gift of gratitude if you've recently nominated, or plan to nominate a Belmont team member for their service.

Making a Difference Nomination Link

October 14 🌻 PTO Meeting, Cafeteria (enter on west side), 6:30pm

October 17 🌻 End of 1st Quarter; 1st Quarter Celebration of Learning, Gym, 9:00am

October 18 and 21 🌻 Professional Development Day

• No School for Students

October 24 🌻 3rd Grade Music Program, 9:00am and 6:30pm

November 7 🌻 4th Grade Music Program, 9:00am and 6:30pm

November 8 🌻 Picture Retake Day

November 18 🌻 PTO Meeting, Cafeteria (enter on west side), 6:30pm

November 25-29 🌻 Thanksgiving Break

• No School for Students

Visit the BE Online Calendar of Events (by clicking on the button below) for a more complete list of activities!

It's a WatchDOGS revival in the Belmont DogHouse! With at least a week's notice, we'll welcome a DAD (gotta be a significant adult guardian or relation) each Wednesday to work a day at BE. There will be a schedule provided that will include a variety of tasks including building safety, academic assistance in classrooms, and logistical support during lunch, and the reward...RECESS! We guarantee you'll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch and recess with your own child(ren) and around that, we'll put you to work in the classrooms where your extra hands will be the most helpful! Do YOU have the opportunity to take a day off to hang out with about 370 beautiful children and the adults who love learning with them?

Access the WatchDOGS Sign Up HERE.

11:00-11:30 1st Grade

11:20-11:50 Kindergarten

11:40-12:10 5th Grade

12:00-12:30 4th Grade

12:20-12:50 3rd Grade

12:40-1:10 2nd Grade

Reservations are required to join your child for lunch- when we are ready, you'll be able to CLICK HERE to reserve your family table!

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Community partner Country Club Bank is providing support to ensure this service is available in USD 232.

Email: phargrove@usd232.org
Website: be.usd232.org
Location: 5805 Belmont Drive, Shawnee, KS 66226, United States
Phone: (913)667-1810
Facebook: Belmont Elementary Bulldogs
Twitter: @BEBulldogs