Here are four of our students who have raised money for and shaved their heads in support of finding cures for childhood cancer. We are very proud of them for finding ways to make a difference their community.
Life Skills: Courage to Get Uncomfortable
Courage is all about facing our fears and challenges with determination. One of the biggest challenges we all face is going outside our comfort zone, trying something new or pushing past what we believe we are able to do. It is very easy for us, especially adults, to get comfortable with what we are doing, and when faced with the opportunity to try something new – we may be intrigued – but not enough to give it full effort.
I love this quote – “The important thing is this: To be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become.” When we challenge ourselves we will find ourselves becoming better, more informed and more accomplished than we can even imagine. Setting this example for our children and students is part of our responsibility to them. We certainly do not want to see them going through life practicing mediocrity.
Black Belt Test 2012
On April 22nd at Camp Letts in Edgewater MD – Balanced Life Skills will hold a black belt test for 8 candidates. See all the candidates and soon we will be publishing their projects. Black Belt Test 2012
Life Skills: Teaching Courage and Empathy to Children
When we are scared all kinds of things happen to our body and mind. Our teeth may get clinched, shoulders raised, wobbly voice or a very quiet one. The look on our face changes and our heart begins to beat in a pattern that we feel it every time. If we are scared by something startling us it may feel like all the blood is rushing out of our bodies. Being scared affects everyone a little different, but I am sure you can identify what happens to you.
So when we have a child, what scares them may not seems so scary for us, but this is an opportunity to teach a couple of things. First recognize the feelings that the child is having and help them to see you empathize with them, without validating that they should be afraid in this situation, unless it is an unsafe situation. When they see us empathize, later they will be able to use this skill with others.
Then if the situation or the ‘scary thing’ really is safe, we want to reassure them that we are there for them and that that this is safe and it would be OK for them to try. You may want to demonstrate for them, or be with them as they try. The child needs to know that you believe it is safe and it is OK to try. Once they have given it a try, praise them for their courage and explain that with courage we will accomplish things that we may otherwise pass by and miss the experience.
Evan W. Takes Part in Jump Rope For Heart
All of our 5/6 Lil’ Dragons learn to jump rope as a part of our coordination drills. This is a great story as told by Evan’s mom about jumping rope and service to our community.
Evan participated in Jump Rope for Heart this year at school. Last year he went and was very frustrated that he could not jump rope well. This year, he was incredibly excited about the event, ready to show off his advanced jump roping skills (thanks you balanced life!). It was a wonderful experience for him and increased his self esteem. Because he was so excited for the event, he wanted to participate in the fundraising aspect of it, raising money for the American Heart Association. (Btw, I told him that I did not want to request donations from anyone at BLS because it was the same time as his cereal box drive and I explained how important it was to not ask for too much.) We went online and talked to friends and family about what he was doing. Evan raised $445, more than anyone else at his school. His sister even contributed $5 of her money to support the fundraising efforts! Overall, it was an incredible opportunity for him to shine in many aspects. I believe that most of what he gained from this experience grew as an extension of what you teach at BLS and I wanted to thank you for that.
Evan W. jumps rope Here’s a video of some of the more complicated jump roping he was doing that day.
948 Homeless Students in AA County Schools – What you can do?
Thursday morning I attended the weekly South Anne Arundel County Rotary Club meeting. Each week there is a speaker and this week the speaker was from the AA County School System, Lynne Weise. She is with Student Support Services and works with and for those students who are homeless. Did you you know that in Anne Arundel County we have as of yesterday, 948 students who are homeless?
Here are some facts on children and youth who are homeless from the University of Maryland:
- one in 50 children in the United States experience homelessness each year
- less that 16% of elegible pre-school children are enrolled in school.
- 42% of homeless children transfer schools at least once a year and 51% of these students will transfer twice or more.
- Every time any student transfers schools their GPA will drop 10%.
- Less than 25% of homeless children will graduate from high school
In AA County about 98% of the funds Student Support Services has is spent on busing and trying to keep students in a single school. There are many groups that work on being sure that they have food with breakfast programs and weekend food programs like Bountiful Backpacks. Still there are so many other events and possibilities that are not available for children and students who are without homes.
As an individual or a group anyone can sponsor a student for a particular need. There are some students in South County that would like to take drivers ed – but cannot – due to funds. There are many needs and opportunities. Want to learn more or learn how you can help? Call 410-222-5326 and speak to Lynne Weise, who is the Homeless Education Liaison – Student Support Services. You can email her also at tweise@aacps.org