Children’s Resources

Presented by:  Shannon O’Brien

Join us for a “FREE” Parent Program Here at Baldy View

Fridays: 1/20/12, 2/17/12, 3/16/12, 4/20/12 & 5/18/12

8:00 - 10:00 AM

Child Care & Refreshments Provided

(Call Baldy View Office for Details)

Improving your Child's Self-Image for Better Academic Achievement

Participants learn about the conflicts that are presented when the influences of peer culture and social achievement outweigh the classroom experiences. Topics discussed include the role of race and popular culture's impacts on student self-image, strategies for improving parental-child relationships, and ideas for identifying and acknowledging the diverse talents and contributions of all children.

Understanding How Race and Culture Affect Classroom Learning

Many parents and teachers are unaware of the significant impact that a student's race and culture have on learning style, classroom dynamics, and student-teacher interactions. For many African-American and Hispanic students, their feelings of low self-esteem and poor academic self-image are the result of their ongoing struggle to adapt to the mainstream, dominant, or Eurocentric cultural ideals and educational models, while maintaining a sense of pride and richness in their own cultures.  This workshop will reveal how parents and teachers of all ethnicities and backgrounds may effectively utilize more culturally relevant teaching methods, while promoting the self-esteem and academic achievement of students.

Bridging the Gap between Home and School

Parents and teachers sometimes reach an impasse when attempting to discuss issues surrounding student achievement. At times a parent may feel misunderstood or judged by teachers and administrators when trying to communicate about a child's performance and school officials can feel that their efforts are unappreciated. This seminar will help parents to become empowered and confident in their interactions with school officials, while effectively communicating on behalf of their children.  Parents will acquire a greater understanding of the teacher's role and will learn ways to further involve themselves in educational processes.

Identifying and Appreciating Your Child's Learning Style

Parents learn to identify their children's preferred style of learning and how to play upon their children's academic strengths during homework and study time. This seminar also includes a fun and engaging activity for participants, as they will learn a creative, yet simple way to encourage their children and increase confidence.

Strategies to Encourage Your Child's Love of Learning

This final seminar, which concludes the five sessions, delves further into the mind styles and cognition, as parents become familiar with the different types of motivators that influence children. Issues covered during this presentation include strategies for making homework activities more appealing and ways to increase student interest and participation.  Certificates are also awarded to parents who complete this seminar after having completed the previous four in the series.

Instilling Confidence in Your Child

In this seminar parents learn about the importance of Emotional Intelligence (E.I.) and the need for children to excel socially as well as academically.  Participants explore the elements of high E.I., such as empathy, social awareness, self regulation, initiative, and self-confidence.  An EI test is also given thereby enabling participants to understand their own EI levels.  By the end of class, participants are equipped with essential knowledge that will help them guide their children to better social interactions with both peers and teachers.

Leading Students to Higher Grades

The achievement gap in the United States persists, despite efforts to ensure equal education and opportunity for all students.  In understanding the causes of the achievement gap, parents will explore cultural, environmental, and institutional factors that have been attributed to the problem.  Parents will also become familiar with the customs of those minority groups that have overcome socioeconomic barriers for high academic achievement.  Upon completion of this session, parents will be able to assess their own beliefs about higher education and promote a realistic plan for their children.

Raising an Independent Thinker

Parents will learn the about the social masks that many children wear around their families and peers in an effort to “fit in” and gain the approval of others.  These masks make it difficult for children to develop their self-identities, and inevitably promote behaviors that lead to poor moral choices.   Participants will come to understand the dangers of teaching children to be image oriented and externally directed as opposed to internally directed and morally responsible.

Developing a Future Entrepreneur

Students who have natural leadership skills, creativity, and a desire to control their own paths may feel limited by the traditional classroom experience.  In this seminar, parents learn how to encourage their children to create opportunities for themselves, as they plan for the future.  Non-traditional career tracks are explored, as parents learn the pros and cons of becoming an entrepreneur.    

Helping Your Child Succeed in School

Parents learn study skills and test taking strategies that they can share with their children at home.  Included are coaching tips for parents, so that children are able to learn from their mistakes and make corrections with parental guidance and patience. Upon completion of the seminar, parents feel empowered to create a home environment that supports good study habits, and are able to use test taking tips to help students prepare for exams.