833 Young Scholars

Happy February everyone! I have to say I love our four very different seasons in Minnesota, and the snow outside is beautiful. Still, I am ready for a little green grass, buds on the trees, and warmer days!

I would like to welcome any new parents to our monthly Young Scholars newsletter. If your child has just recently been referred as a Young Scholar, this parent newsletter is a place to learn more about Young Scholars and discover information, resources, and opportunities to help your Young Scholar grow.

All past Young Scholars newsletters are located on the District 833 Gifted Education website using the following link:

http://www.sowashco.org/academics/gifted-education/833-young-scholars/833-young-scholars-newsletters

We have recently shifted the focus for our newsletter from learning about divergent, convergent, visual and evaluative thinking to understanding the three foundational goals of Young Scholars shown in the image below.

Looking closely, we can see that each goal has a common theme. This theme reflects the commitment seen at the beginning of every newsletter:

Nurturing Potential, Sustaining Support

For Young Scholars, this means supporting and increasing access to resources, affirmation of self, and advocates in and out of school to help students reach their academic potential.

Once again, my hope is that as each month goes by, you will find you have a better understanding of what Young Scholars is all about and have also gained useful resources to encourage and grow your Young Scholar!

Affirmation is Young Scholar's second foundational goal.

833 Young Scholars believes that amazing things can happen when students are supported and encouraged to recognize and develop their own potential, self-confidence and natural love of learning.

This natural love of learning can be seen especially clearly in young children by their almost relentless need to know "why", the fearless ability to try something for the first time, and the wonder found in seemingly common events like a fresh snowfall or watching an ant building its home.

The world is a place of constant learning and amazement to a child. The challenge is continuing to nurture and support that love of learning over time.

One of the best ways to foster a love of learning and build affirmation is by encouraging your Young Scholar to try out something new or challenging, supporting their efforts, and showing it's ok when mistakes happen.

Mistakes are often see as something to avoid when really we couldn't learn without them. Children are better able to see mistakes as a natural part of learning, and they are more likely to keep going when things get tough, when they hear and see that being modeled in others around them.

Next time your Young Scholar is struggling with something new, try one of these phrases to affirm and encourage their efforts:

"Great job! I saw you worked really hard at this."

"I like how you tried all kinds of strategies on that problem until you finally got it."

"I noticed that you didn't give up even though it wasn't easy."

Below are even more ideas to help your Young Scholar to increase their own affirmation and self-confidence and recognize their amazing potential!

Trying something new can be scary, but with strong support and encouragement, it can also be one of the best ways to foster a love of learning.

Below are several examples of books, experiences and videos that can help your Young Scholar recognize, develop and affirm their potential:

One great place to start to help your child see mistakes as part of learning is with a book.

Here is a list of 14 Books that Promote a Growth Mindset. Most can be found at your local library.

Camp Invention, through 833 Community Education, is a summer enrichment opportunity to inspire your Young Scholar to question, brainstorm, collaborate with others, and build amazing inventions.

Bruno Mars and Janelle Monae remind kids in these Sesame Street videos to keep trying and always believe in themselves.

The video Famous Failures shows that being successful doesn't mean never having failed.

The Florida Virtual School put together this short video called GRIT that illustrates the importance of persistence and resilience in learning.

Hi All!

My name is Colleen Redmond, and I am thrilled to work as the 833 Young Scholars advocate and lead teacher.

I'm a mom of two teenagers, a wife, small business owner, avid biker (the pedal kind), book enthusiast, and beekeeper. Plus, on top of all of that, I have the happy job of implementing and growing the Young Scholars program here in 833!

I've been lucky enough to teach in South Washington County Schools for the past twenty-five years and have had the incredible opportunity to be a part of the lives of students and families in my classroom.

Now, as we launch Young Scholars, my path in education is taking on a whole new and wonderful life. I am so very excited to work with and support you and your Young Scholar. I can't wait to see where the journey takes us!

Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions, thoughts, or needs!

Colleen Redmond

651-425-6212

credmond@sowashco.org