Getting to the Heart of Education



In our busy day-to-day lives, we sometimes forget to get in touch with what is in our hearts -- our feelings. Children need to learn how to feel what is in their hearts and be able to express this responsibly so that they will grow up to be adults who know how to connect with others and the world around them in a meaningful way. We often need to be reminded that education is a holistic process that involves not only the mind and body but also the heart.

“Students of all ages come to school with their souls alive and seeking connection. Howard Gardner (1993) and Daniel Goleman (1994) documented that ‘emotional intelligence’ is a greater predictor of academic and life success than is IQ. Robert Sylvester’ s work, A CELEBRATION OF NEURONS (1995), tells us, ‘Emotion is very important to the educative process because it drives attention, which drives learning and memory.' ” ( Kessler, The Soul of Education)

Nurturing the Heart. . .
How do we nurture what is in our children’s hearts? One way is by setting up simple rituals that allow ample space and time for sharing. Set a time limit, maybe a half hour, to be totally present with your child (no housework, appointments, reading the paper, or watching TV, etc.). In her book, CHERISH YOUR CHILD, Ilana Fernandez offers questions that could open a “window of sharing” with your child, perhaps as a bedtime or dinner time ritual.
“What do you like about yourself?”
“What did you do today that you feel good about?”
“What are you looking forward to tomorrow?”

Or you could try the flip side to these questions and help them get a lot off their chest. A word of CAUTION: Be open and non-judgmental when asking these and listen with your heart.
“What don’t you like about yourself?”
“What did you do today that you don’t feel good about?”
“What are you not looking forward to tomorrow?”

These following questions can be also used with a friend, a spouse, or partner.
“Tell me one thing about your day that was important to you.”
“Is there anything I can do to support you?”
“Is there anything we need to discuss or that you’d like to share with me?”

Allowing our children, as well as ourselves, time to connect with our hearts can help strengthen our emotional intelligence and help us connect with our family, friends, and our environment in a more caring and meaningful way.

Shirley Rivera (Counseling PS - Gr. 5/ CE. Gr. 3-5)
*Phone: 441- 3839 *Email: srivera@midpac.edu

Posted at 10:50 AM| Permalink

Meeting the Needs of Students



In meeting the social, emotional, and spiritual needs of students, the elementary school offers students personal counseling to ensure that their concerns are heard and that appropriate intervention strategies are implemented. Every child should feel safe and respected.
(MPI Elementary School Handbook 2006-2007)

Feelings...
Sometimes, not having someone to talk to or someone to listen to you can be upsetting... maybe even cause worries and stomach aches. Many children, as well as adults, are not able to make friends or adjust to new situations easily. For some, these interpersonal skills need to be learned and practiced. Interpersonal skills are part of the eight multiple intelligences. Some of us are stronger in one or more of these areas. In fact, that is the beauty of having different learning styles. For those children having trouble adjusting, develop routines and PRACTICE with them. Feeling safe on the outside as well as the “inside” is important. Imagine what YOU need to feel safe inside you. Then imagine and provide this for a child who may be having difficulty adjusting or settling in.

VALIDATING their smallest accomplishments in remembering routines or completing a task that they had difficulty with, does wonders for a child’s spirit. Examples of phrases to use are, “Look what you did today all by yourself!” “That was difficult but you did it!” “I noticed you were having a hard time with this but you kept trying.” “Tell me how you did it!” This technique is called “witnessing.” The key is to witness without judgment in words, feelings, and actions. Be on the lookout for the quiet ones. Remember to acknowledge and validate their smallest accomplishments as well.
Children have many feelings and, generally express them openly. Feelings are a part of us. Sometimes when a child experiences an uncomfortable feeling and is unable to express this, the energy caused from this can block learning. Our counseling program can help with releasing this energy through play, puppets, sand stories, art, music, or gardening.
For more information about our “Heart-to-Heart” counseling program please see our elementary school handbook or feel free to contact me.
Shirley Rivera (Counseling PS- Gr. 5 / CE, gr. 3-5)
*Phone: 441-3839 *Email: srivera@midpac.edu

Posted at 9:08 AM| Permalink