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Preschool or Kindergarten healthykids


Summer Assignment: How to Pick the Best


way that matches your child’s current needs. You want your child to learn self-discipline skills, how to negotiate, communicate and cooperate with others. You expect the school to be organized with a basic structure, yet fl exible enough to accommodate unexpected learning opportunities. You would be happy if your child is allowed to let individuality blossom, is stimulated and challenged to take risks, but also taught to be responsible for one’s own outcomes. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT NEITHER ONE OF THESE TWO PARENTING STYLES IS RIGHT OR WRONG. Regardless of the style you choose, that is the right one for you and your family. If you would like to learn more about


to switch schools because you were unhappy with the last one, or you are a new parent just beginning your search for the fi rst time. Besides the usual items to check (such as cleanliness, how many children to a class, what type of food is being served), knowing what type of curriculum is being taught is usually very high on the list of considerations. It may surprise you to hear that the fi rst thing to consider is your own parenting style. Once you know this, you will be able to choose the best school for your little pride and joy. Honestly answer the following four questions:


I


1. What is the goal you wish for your child when he/she enters grade 1? A) to be obedient, at the top of the class academically, and conforming to society as it currently exists . B) to be a caring, compassionate, creative and responsible child.


2. What strategies are you currently using in your home to teach the goals in question #1? A) authoritative: using rewards and punishment such as stickers on a behavior chart, special treats and/


t’s July and you are already wondering what to do about the school year. You are either looking


or extra time playing video games. B) democratic: learning consequences and how to resolve problems fairly.


3. How do you currently view society? A) two unequal classes: one powerful with privileges and the other powerless and exploited. B) only as one class based on equality.


4. What is your philosophy regarding feelings and morals? A) based on fear, guilt, shame, blaming others, seeking praise and approval from others. B) based on connectedness, love, acceptance and self-worth.


If you mostly answered A, you are seeking a school that teaches children reading, writing and arithmetic. You want your child to learn to respect authority, walk quietly in a straight line and raise a hand to speak. You expect the school to fi rmly implement rules throughout your child’s day with no exceptions. You would not be happy in a play-based curriculum because you value obedience and conformity over creativity and independence. If you mostly answered B, then you are seeking a school that still teaches children to read, write and do math, but in a developmentally appropriate


28 Central Florida natural awakenings


your own parenting style, read books by Dr. Becky Bailey and the Conscious Discipline program she created. One of her fi rst books written over 20 years ago, which is still accurate today, is called, There’s Gotta Be A Better Way: Discipline That Works! She supplied the majority of information in this article. Dr. Bailey goes into much more detail and will eloquently describe three different parenting styles in the third chapter of the book. There is no need to wait until the


traditional school year to have your 3, 4 or 5 year-old child begin learning and practicing these valuable personal development skills. Find a school that supports a social, emotional and character curriculum—and start now during the summer to prepare your child for the Fall. These skills are the foundation for your child’s future academic success.


Birgitta Jorgenson is the Owner and Director of Irblich Schools Holistic Preschool in Winter Springs, FL. Each student is given the opportunity to explore, grow and strengthen his/ her innate talents and gifts. The school advocates character, social and emotional intelligence. To further boost the student’s developing brain, great care has been put into the foods served. RSVP for free classes each July Saturday (excluding 7/4). See NA Daily Calendar (pp. 34-36) for details. For more information go to: www.irblichschools.com or email: admin@irblichschools.com


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