Helene Goldnadel Suggests What to Do If Your Child Doesn't Like School

Growing up in older time, there really was no choice as to whether you liked school or not. It simply was not an option. School was mandatory and you simply went without complaining about it. No questions asked. Today's generation is far more sensitive, or perhaps today's parents are far more attentive to their children. When you really think about it, there is no reason for a child not to like school. The purpose of school is to educate children, teach them proper values and create a safe and comfortable environment that allows them to be themselves and thrive as an individual. This should be both fun and entertaining. So when your child complains to you that they don't like school, you should have a little red flag coming up in your mind. The first thing to do is to get the real story from your child. You will then need to communicate openly with the child's teacher and finally find a solution that is suitable for everyone. Helene Goldnadel explains the broader concept here.

Firstly, when your child begins to complain that he does not like school or would rather not go to school, you should never dismiss their statement as nonsense. It is imperative that you look deeper into what situation may be triggering such a bold statement. It is of the utmost importance that you set time aside to talk to your child and truly listen to what he has to say. This exercise is not about convincing him that school is important and that there really is no reason for him not to like school. Nor is it about telling him that there really isn't any choice involved when it comes to school and education. The key here is to ask as many questions as possible in a non offensive and comprehensive way in order to get your child to tell you what is really bothering them about going to school.

Next, you will need to start speaking with your child's teacher. Again, your mission is to get to the real reason your child suddenly does not like school, so don't go in accusing the teacher of not paying enough attention to your child. You really need to get the teacher's help. Keep in mind that teachers might have up to 25 or even 30 children they need to be watching out for and they cannot possibly concentrate on teaching your child the appropriate curriculum if they are busy acting as the behavior police. The teacher may however have noticed a particular event taking place or a change in your child's behavior that can give you clues as to what may be bothering your child. It's also very possible that the teacher may not have noticed anything and if this is the case, you want to make the teacher aware of your child's complaint about school and what he has told you so far. This will allow the teacher to keep a closer eye on your child and be able to report any changes or events.

Finally, when you have a good idea of what may be going on that is bothering your child or preventing him from enjoying school the way it should be enjoyed by any child, it is time to get your hamster wheel turning and find a solution to the issue. This may be a simple adjustment or it may involve more work and cooperation from many people. Whatever the solution, it must be suitable for the situation and everyone that is involved. You must be flexible in finding your solution. It is by cooperating with the people who are involved with your child on a daily basis that you will be able to achieve a positive outcome to the situation.

School is a pleasant environment that every child deserves to have the opportunity of enjoying to the fullest. However, life is not perfect and often times certain situations may arise that will make your child dislike being at school. As a parent it is your job to get the whole story from your child and then speak to his teacher in order to find a good solution that will allow for a better outlook for your child. As a parent this is a small investment of time and effort that will bring you the peace of mind of knowing your child is comfortable at school and is performing to his greatest potential.

Also read: A Parent and Teacher Challenge for Educating Children

Advantages of Children Being Properly Educated by Helene Goldnadel

Education is very important with little children because that it the first step they take towards living a correct life, one that starts from common sense principles and one that can help them build a good life afterwards and solve their problems appropriately.

If a child is well-educated, they can gain their self-confidence, they get to feel safe in the world that surrounds them and they know that their parents are always there for them and always support them, even if their parents are sometimes wrong about different situations. The effective methods to be used when it comes to children being educated include certain things, such as the following by Helene Goldnadel.

First of all, you have the separation, which represents the time you give your child to calm down if they are angry about something. Then, you have the administration of their behavior or the negotiations you have to carry with your child, regarding different situations, which is followed by the re-direct of the child's behavior.

Then, you have to make sure you set a good behavioral example for your child, so that they get to act nicely afterwards. Whenever you have problem, you should involve your child in your solving process. When your child has an inappropriate behavior, you should simply ignore it and they will understand they can stop because they aren't getting anywhere with it. In fact, you should always have a firm stand towards your child and the things they do, so that they understand who the boss is. You should always be in control and you should always keep your head clear.

Last but not least, when your child does something good, you should reward them, but be careful with the rewards you give them because you might end up bribing them and that is definitely something you don't want to do.

Helene Goldnadel on Educational Path for Children with Cerebral Palsy

How a child receives his education is one of the most important choices a parent faces. For the parent of a child with cerebral palsy, the choices are no less important and can be very difficult. Like all parents, you want to place your child in an educational environment that will allow him to thrive and reach his or her greatest potential. Every child with cerebral palsy has different needs and abilities and deciding whether to place them in a special education environment, with specially trained instructors or a mainstream education program, where they might find more opportunities to learn how to function in mainstream culture. Either choice has its advantages and disadvantages.

MAINSTREAM

Mainstream doesn't automatically mean "public school." Private schools also offer mainstream education and environment.

If a child's cerebral palsy is deemed "mild," he or she will probably benefit from a mainstream environment. It can provide them with certain social skills and emotional growth they might not get elsewhere. So much of early education is about socialization and learning to interact with others. Proponents of placing children with mild cerebral palsy into mainstream educational systems suggest it benefits both the afflicted child (by giving them a stronger sense of daily routine and boasting their self-esteem) and the non-disabled child (who gains a stronger sense of empathy and inclusivity).

As mandated by law (IDEA - Individual with Disabilities Education Act), children who meet the requirements of "special needs" can and should develop an IEP (individualized education program) to ensure a child's educational needs are met. IEP's may include additional or alternative physical or speech therapy or other special considerations during certain classes. This can help keep them in the mainstream environment while seeing that they get the special attention they require. IEP's can address both physical limitations as well as cognitive.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Children with more severe manifestations of cerebral palsy may not be able to thrive in a mainstream environment and may benefit from attending a special education school. Here they will work with a staff of education specialists trained to educate children with a variety of disabilities, not just cerebral palsy. In a special school program, each needs of each child is independently addressed and monitored, thus eliminating the fear that a mainstream school might move too fast for your child.

The lines between mainstream education and special education are not as harshly defined as they once were. Children who attend special schools often attend classes (such as art and music) at mainstream schools or attend mainstream school for the bulk of their courses and only attend special school classes in subjects they are struggling with.

In choosing an educational path that best fits the needs and abilities of your child, there are ample resources. Teachers, doctors and therapists are all available to work with you in bringing together the right components of the education your child needs and deserves.

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The Reciprocal Relationship of Reading and Writing Explained by Helene Goldnadel

Early literacy instruction is a complex process. There is no question that this process is a valuable part of a student's learning and helps create a solid foundation for future growth. There are countless strategies and methods to helping children to read and write. As such, every teacher will approach literacy instruction differently. Many people believe that a student must learn to read first and learn to write second. From this perspective, reading is a stepping stone to writing. This assumes that literacy develops in a very linear progression.

An alternate understanding of helping children to read and write is based on an understanding of reading and writing as reciprocal. The reciprocal perspective maintains that learning to read and learning to write are processes that complement one another. Marie Clay has championed this concept, producing research to support the benefits of identifying reading and writing as reciprocal. Teachers who subscribe to this methodology teach reading and writing at the same time, eliminating any boundaries that separate these skills. This path to literacy instruction requires a fluid school schedule instead of one that separates reading and online writing courses into different blocks in the school day.

Once you've done your research, you can present the information to your child in a variety of ways. You could approach the task as you would 'reading time' with your child, and read from your sources. Alternatively, you could set up a study space in your house where you can sit and learn with your children. Regardless of how you present or share the information with your children, it is important that you provide them with an opportunity to do a bit of creating on their own.

Based on this viewpoint, young children will recall text they have encountered as they begin to write. Likewise, they evaluate their spelling skills as they read. Here's an example: imagine that a teacher asks a young boy to spell the word "bone". Sounding it out, he writes "b-o-n". At this point, the teacher adds the "e" at the end. The child then exclaims, "Oh yeah! That's how I remember seeing it at the science centre!"

In sum by Helene Goldnadel, helping children to read and writing go hand in hand. Hence, it is valuable to treat reading and writing as complementary, rather than separate skills. Early literacy instructors see great gains when employing reciprocal instruction.

Helene Goldnadel on Writing Camps for Children

Children are very creative, but unfortunately there are very few avenues where they can express their creativity. Most of their time is spent in school where they have to learn about topics that they might or might not like and whatever precious little time is left at the end of the day is spent in playing games, which essentially leaves them with hardly any energy. They end up going to sleep the minute their head hits the pillow.

Even when they are sent to camps, the focus is more on developing their physical skills, which is quite good. They love to appreciate the outdoors, learn new skills such as horse riding or trekking and also learn to respect nature. However, while they are enjoying themselves physically, hardly anything is done to massage the creative side of their brains. If you are one such parent that has a child with good reading and writing skills or even has a child that lacks the confidence to read, write or speak clearly on any topic then you should definitely consider sending your child to writing camps or workshops so that their creativity can be brought out in a structured manner.

Often children have excellent creative thoughts but get all muddled up while putting it on paper or even while speaking in front of an audience. Children writing camps can help them put their thoughts in perspective first, which would be followed by writing and going through those penned thoughts again to seek out any errors. This will help the child to turn his or her creativity into a well-worded and perfectly-written essay, article or even a poem. Once a child achieves this level of writing clearly then confidence levels will receive a boost and the child will also be able to speak with confidence. Even an unwilling or unenthusiastic child can quickly turn into a writer bursting with ideas and energy at such writing camps due to the presence of experienced teachers that lovingly bring the best out of your child with gentle persuasion. The camps combine writing with pleasure in the form of writing games, solving word puzzles, designing posters, and writing on varied topics including adventure.

Your child will be kept happily busy throughout the period spent at the workshop and this relaxed state of mind will enable creativity to burst out in many wonderful colors. Your child will be able to express his or her thoughts in an expressive and planned manner and you too will notice a positive difference in your child after just a few sessions. These camps have great flexibility and you can send your child on an hourly basis after school, on weekends or during their summer or winter holidays. The Internet has also ushered in online writing camps where your child can send his or her assignments through email and get guidance from the teacher by return mail.

In addition to the physical development of your child, it is also important to ensure that your child develops mentally. Children writing camps help children to open up their minds and express their creativity by turning a blank sheet of paper into a well-thought and well-written collection of words instead of a verbal collage of confusion. You can use the Internet and choose a writing camp that best suits the interests of your child so as to help him or her grow into a confident and informed adult.

Also read: Ways by Helene Goldnadel to Get Your Kids to Write

How to Raise a Child With High Self-Esteem? Helene Goldnadel Explains

Parents' words and behaviour have an enormous impact on child's self-esteem (SE) and self-confidence (SC). Carefully chose your words and watch what your behaviour communicates to your child. Kids require a healthy SE in order to have high SC. Only when kids think positively of themselves can they accept their achievements for what they are.

So what can you do to start raising your child's SE right away? It's simple!

Here are a few ideas by Helene Goldnadel to get you started. Grab a pen and paper and think about how you typically relate to your child as you read each point. Draw a line down the middle of the paper. On one side write down the typical wording you use (call it typical column) and on the other write down better, more encouraging words you can use instead (call it positive column) when communicating with your child. Write them down and study them!!! This way you will be able to recall the right words when you need them (even when you are tired, running on a short fuse, or caught off guard).

1) Encouraging comments: Even if your child didn't succeed, always provide encouraging comments first (e.g., "That was a really good try, I liked your initiative and novel approach."). It can be difficult to provide positive feedback, however when she obviously didn't put in the effort required but regular comments like "You could have done better," "That wasn't done that well" can and will lead to feelings of 'nothing I do is ever good enough.' This belief (and others like it) is conditioned once she continues to receive these types of feedback. Start off on a positive note and relate the good stuff first.

2) Connect the dots: Discuss the reasons for failure. If your child didn't put enough effort into the activity in question, it is important she understands failure was due to lack of preparation or not enough practice. This is different from believing it is her personal inability to be awesome. As such, your child is more likely to conclude "If I practice hard enough, I will be able to succeed," instead of "Doesn't matter how hard I try, I don't have the ability to learn." Let her know that not doing well was due to a poor choice and choices can always be changed. Comments like "You've got some natural talent. With extra practice you'll 'ace it' or "Some things really do require more effort to be done well, what can you do differently next time?" connect the dots for your kids. What is obvious to you may not be obvious to them.

3) Encourage independence: Independence produces feelings of mastery which increases SE. It is important, however to recognize when a task is too hard for your child. Not all activities are age appropriate. By providing a mix of independence and a helping hand you teach her to stretch her abilities but to also know when to get help. It also sends a message that it is OK to get help. Comments such as "Look how far you have gotten on your own. What did you learn? How did you ever think of that!?!? That is awesome! You know I have some ideas too. Can I share?" If your child asks to be left to it alone, let her continue on her own. Pushing unwanted help onto your child can lead her to conclude that you don't have faith in her abilities. Over time this can translate into feelings of inferiority. Leaving your kids to complete a task means you trust them enough to work it out on their own. Let them know you have fresh ideas when they are ready for them.

4) False beliefs: False beliefs are highly responsible for low SE and SC. Watch your kid's verbal and behavioural patterns (they are a clue to what is going on in the mind) and ask questions. Get to the bottom of things so you can understand your child's insecurity. Let's say you notice your child speak badly about herself when she receives a low grade, your conversation with her can go something like this: "Why do you speak so meanly to yourself when you get a low grade? What does this grade mean about you? Are grades the only way of measuring how smart you are (or good enough)? Is it fair for you to be mean to yourself based on your performance on this test? Why is it so important that I am happy with your grade? Would I love you more if you got a better grade? What makes you think that? Did I ever imply by accident that I would love you less if your grades were lower? Tell me so I don't make the mistake again.). The more you understand the root cause of the belief, the more you can help her.

5) Famous people and role models: Role models are always great inspiration. Having a role model (AKA hero) works even better when the person is from the same field as the child's interests (e.g., musician, visual artist, scientist, etc.,). If your child gives up before giving things a fair chance or tends to avoid things she thinks she can't do, provide examples of the struggles her hero went through and how she had to try many times before the hero achieved her goal (e.g., Thomas Edison tried 10 000 times before he got the electric lamp to work; Einstein was considered to have a learning disability (some even speculate autism) and was told he would never amount to much). The great thing about all these wonderful people is they all faced adversity but believed in themselves the entire way. This belief lead them to success.

When Your Child Needs You, Stand Up and Be Counted?

Many of us know that children whose parents are actively involved in their school and other activities tend to more well-adjusted, happy and healthy than those whose parents are not. They also tend to excel in school, in play and other extracurricular activities.

Helene Goldnadel believes that parents who get themselves involved motivate their children to do well in school. Such involvement enhances the child's cognitive development. It also fortifies the bond between parents and child. Parents in turn feel fulfilled from their parenting chores. The enhanced personal and academic progress of the child raises the parents' self-worth. The whole process is therefore mutually beneficial for both parent and child.

So it comes to a point where parents need to ask how they may be able to productively help and get involved in their children's activities. Parents are hard pressed finding time for activities away from domestic chores, school, and work. Making quality time for extra involvement in children's activities is therefore a challenge. You need commitment and careful planning to be able to provide your child with whatever amount of support--given your availability--you can give him.

There are lots of entry points where you can be of help to your child. Begin by knowing what interests him. You might, for example, think of joining a fundraising drive at your child's school, only to find out later that your child is more passionate about his scouting activities. When this happens, try to relate to and network with other Boy Scout parents for scouting-related activities.

You may also think of skills, abilities and talents which you can contribute to the parent-child partnership. Do not force yourself to volunteer for an environmental advocacy campaign in your child's school for the sake of getting involved if this is not your cup of tea. You will not be happy with this work and your child will notice it. He will not be happy with it either. Instead ask around where your abilities might be of help to the school. The point is to make your involvement a truly positive experience for you and your child.

Your getting involved can go a long way for your child. It gives him self-confidence, keeps him away from misbehaving or running into problems. The wonder of it is you also derive satisfaction and other emotional benefits from seeing your child in great shape.

Also read: Stimulating Your Child's Brain For the Future