We all know that too much screen time is not a good substitute for play and interaction with our children. The majority of us though have been guilty from time to time of using screens – tv, ipad, computer – as a babysitter. So what is the right thing to do? How much screen time should our youngest children, under 2, be exposed to? You may be surprised by the recommendations of the the American Academy of Pediatrics makes. One of my favorite resources for media advice is Common Sense Media. Here is a great article on How Much Screen Time Should Young Children Have?
Life Skills: The Results of Practicing Diligence
This month we have talked about diligence and all of the positive outcomes when we practice taking our time, not rushing but doing our work carefully. This is good advice for the school work of children, chores at home, and for adults. With adults taking our time when we have conversations with our children – really listening, doing our work at our job and at home with care and mindfully will set a good example for our children.
In the end though practicing diligence has such a good effect on us as individuals. I know that I feel so much better about the work that is accomplished when I am totally present for that work, taking my time, thinking the process out and finding ways to be sure that the job is complete and well done. The same is true of our children. Helping them to appreciate the effort that they put into being diligent, and how it paid off in a job well done will encourage them to continue to practice good effort, careful planning and preparation, and willing to double check for quality. It will also make them proud of the work and results of doing their task with diligence.
What Matters Now – Generosity
Seth Godin has written a book, “What Matters Now” that he has allowed us to share with everyone. The very first entry was on our word of the month Generosity. If you are interested in the entire book you can check it out here. What Matters Now
Life Skills: Generosity The Definition
Each month we define and discuss a word of character development and life skill with all of our students.
This month the word is Generosity and will be defined this way.
Young students: Generosity means: “I give to others!”
Older students: Generosity means: Giving freely of one’s time, talents and treasures without expecting anything in return.
Here are the worksheets for our students:
Generosity project teens/adult
If you would like to see how we will talk about this subject with our students please follow our discussions here during the month of November or come in and TRY A CLASS.
Bacon Ridge Natural Area Open House
Last weekend our school took a short hike at SERC. This weekend coming up though is a great opportunity to see a beautiful area in our County that is still being prepared for opening to the public. You will have the opportunity to have a guided walk through some pristine woods and see some of our best marsh and water for natural habitat, as well as learn why this is so important to our county. Here is the official announcement:
Join Anne Arundel County & SRLT this Saturday for a fall colors hike! There will be one guided, strenuous 4-mile off-trail hike to the mill site, led by Barry Boyd at 10:30 a.m. Those who would like to explore the cemetery or beaver dam loop trail on their own can come anytime. Trails will be open for hiking from 10-2, please arrive no later than 1 pm to enjoy the day.
If you have any questions, or to RSVP, email alyssa@SRLT.org. For day-of questions, call 248.860.7635. Directions: Take Generals Highway to Crownsville Road, turn right on Marbury Road (within 1/4 mile of Generals Highway). Continue onto Farm Road (unmarked). Parking area is to the left after the overpass (different than Walk for the Woods — you can drive over the overpass onto the grass). Please note that this entrance is only open to the public for special occasions.
For more information on the Scenic Rivers Land Trust follow the link.
BLS Students Go to SERC
BLS Students went to SERC this weekend and took a hike. The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center is a real jewel in our county.