Ms John's blog

Hello everyone! As I look out of my window onto this cold and snowy day, it makes me realize that during this time of year it always helps to have something "positive" to look forward to. I think that Todd Hall's Positive School Climate Committee (PSCC) does a wonderful job of creating all-school assemblies that our entire school can look forward to and enjoy!

My goodness, it's cold outside! This time of year can bring about cabin fever as we all get bored with being stuck inside. If you are looking for a fun activity for your children, check out www.makebeliefscomix.com. It is a fantastic (and free!) website that allows children to make their own comic strips. Children can choose their characters and write out their words and thoughts.

Not only is this website fun for children, but it can also be educational as well. Children can create comics around certain social skills, such as sharing or joining in with others. If you notice your child having a hard time with a certain social skill, you can create a comic together that illustrates the correct way to handle situations. Using www.makebeliefscomix.com can make social skill discussions both entertaining and educational!

 Winter Time is officially here! Along with all of the winter gear: coats, snowpants, boots, gloves, hats and mittens. Our Todd Hall children look like little snowmen as they make their way down the halls each morning!

As you go through your child's winter gear from last year, you may realize that you have extra clothing that is too small for your child but still in good condition. Please consider donating it to SOCKs: Skokie Organization to Clothe our Kids. This resource offers new and gently used clothing to school-age children in need. Children receive clothing at no cost to their families. It is a wonderful way to recycle your child's winter clothing.

Or, your child or a child you know may benefit from receiving clothing from SOCKs. Families need a written referral from a social worker or principal. I would be happy to write a referral for any family in need; please email me or contact me at 847-745-3737.

My goodness it's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is nearly here! The school is filled with turkey-inspired art- it's quite a sight to behold!

 Children love to be included in holiday traditions, including preparing for Thanksgiving. I found this website article to have some interesting ideas on how you can include your child in holiday preparations:

Cooking With Your Child

 One of my favorite ideas is asking your child to decorate the place settings for all guests. How adorable! Not only will you appreciate the extra help, but your child will have wonderful memories of how they were an important part of a lovely holiday. Working with your child may also provide a great opportunity to talk about the things for which you are both thankful.

Hello Everyone!

 I will be visiting each building in District 74 to give a brief presentation on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). I will be reviewing the characteristics of ADHD and how symptoms can manifest in the classroom setting. A list of teaching recommendations will be presented.

 There is a vast amount of research and information regarding the topic of ADHD. Not surprisingly, the internet is a great resource. Please be careful to gather information from trustworthy websites that back their information with research. I have found the following websites to be helpful for parents and teachers:

 AddInSchool.com

 RussellBarkley.org

National Institute of Mental Health

 Have a fun and safe Halloween!

So, just what is NTDSE?

NTDSE stands for "Niles Township District for Special Education". NTDSE is a special education cooperative that works with nine districts in Niles Township. Lincolnwood District #74 is a member of this cooperative.

 Not only does NTDSE provide support and guidance for teaching professionals, but it also provides parent support. Through the year, NTDSE will be hosting seminars and discussions around a variety of topics, including parent rights, positive behavior strategies to use at home, and ADHD. There are also support groups for parents with children within the NTDSE special education system.

 To learn more about NTDSE parent programs, please click here!

             

Hello to everyone!

I recently found a fantastic website entitled Building Blocks for a Healthy Future. This website is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and it is devoted to the promotion of safe and healthy habits for young children. There are areas for both parents and children, along with suggested activities.

 Here at Todd Hall we have prekindergarten classes through second grade- I feel it is such a privilege to work with younger children! It is the perfect time to help them develop healthy and effective skills that will last a lifetime. The Building Blocks for a Healthy Future offers great strategies to help support our children as they learn important social skills and decision-making strategies. Please click here to learn more!

Hello everyone! I wanted to tell you about one of my favorite games: The Ungame! Many children ask, "Why is it called 'The Ungame'?" The Ungame does not have winners or losers; instead, all players move around the board and answer questions about their feelings, preferences, and past experiences. Players might be asked to "Tell about a time when you felt scared/playful/proud" or "Tell about your favorite movie."

 I have found that most children love to have the opportunity to talk about their life experiences, and listen to the life experiences of others. The Ungame is a great way to connect with family members of all ages. If you are interested in purchasing an Ungame, they can be found by clicking here.

 Please find below a picture from our first week of school- it's always such an exciting time!

Hello Everyone, and Welcome Back to School!

It was such a pleasure to see so many smiling faces on the first day of school. Old friends greeted one another after a lovely summer and new friends were made. The beginning of the school year is such an exciting time for all!

 I am happy to announce that the Second Step social skill lessons will continue in every kindergarten classroom. Lessons will be presented once per week. This is a wonderful opportunity for our newest members of Todd Hall School to learn school rules and important social skills in a fun and dynamic format.

 Todd Hall also had its first all-school assembly on Tuesday September 4th. Students sang the Todd Hall school song and were introduced to all members of the Todd Hall staff. We also reviewed our school rules:

• Be Safe
• Be Caring
• Be Responsible
• Be Respectful

It was a great way to start our year together!

Hello everyone! I'd love to tell you a little bit about the social skills program called Second Step. Second Step is a program that uses pictures, discussion, role play, and puppets to help our kindergartners learn important social skills. The program is divided into three units: Empathy Training, Emotion Management, and Problem Solving.

We begin with Empathy Training, where kindergartners learn how to identify their own feelings as well as the feelings of others. Lessons focus on how to show care and concern for others. It is no surprise that our Todd Hall children show care for one another in many different and wonderful ways!

The second unit is Emotion Management. Children learn how to recognize when they are having strong feelings, and choose strategies to help themselves calm down (such as taking deep breaths, counting, and thinking "Calm Down"). These strategies are practiced in lessons which address such topics as Dealing with Waiting and Dealing with Not Getting What You Want.