Feburary 2021
Happy February!
Welcome to a new edition of the SoWashCo Young Scholar Newsletter.
I am so happy that you are a part of the Young Scholar's community!
For the past couple of months, we have spent time learning more about each of the four foundational thinking skills that are at the center of all Young Scholars lessons: Divergent, Convergent, Visual/Spatial and Evaluative thinking.
In addition to building these four thinking skills, Young Scholars is committed to seeing children reach their full potential through increasing access, affirmation, and advocates for both families and students.
In the coming months, this newsletter will focus on each of these important goals while sharing strategies and resources for supporting your Young Scholar.
Hopefully, as each month goes by, you will find you have a better understanding of what Young Scholars is all about while gaining useful idea to encourage and grow your Young Scholar.
Building Affirmation
Amazing things can happen when students are supported and encouraged to recognize and develop their own potential, self-confidence and natural love of learning.
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.
Too often, mistakes are seen 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 out some of the growth mindset language below. Positive self-talk can go a long way in building your Young Scholar's confidence and affirmation of their potential.
Sometimes being a kid is not easy. There are so many new things to learn and mistakes to be made. Building affirmation for your Young Scholar through a growth mindset and positive self-image takes time, and lots of support and encouragement.
Luckily, there are plenty of resources out there to help. Here are just a few ideas to support your Young Scholar in recognizing, developing and affirming their potential.
Affirmation Through Books
Books are a great place to start to help your child see mistakes as part of learning.
Here is a list of 17 Books that Promote a Growth Mindset. Most are available through the Washington County Library. Others, like the book Salt in His Shoes linked here and above, can be found as Youtube read-alouds.
Affirmation Through Music
Here are three great songs to encourage, empower, and remind your Young Scholar of how wonderful they really are:
Affirmation Through Stories
Affirmation Through Film
Each movie listed is linked to a review on the site Common Sense Media. After three reviews, Common Sense Media asks for a donation to continue. However, the site offers a year's free membership if requested by choosing "Can't make a donation right now but still want Plus? Let us know " on the membership page.
SoWashCo Young Scholar Monthly Parent Support Group
- This month, our time together focuses on recognizing, affirming, and supporting your Young Scholar's strengths. We will be taking a look at various Young Scholar traits as well as resources to build on those traits and support your Young Scholar's potential.
- Click below to download your invitation for our next meeting on February 9th, 2021 from 6:00-6:45pm.
Contact Information
Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions, thoughts, or needs!
Colleen Redmond
651-425-6212