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Book Review: The Essential Moving Guide for Families

4/7/2015

7 Comments

 
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My school district has a very transient population - students move between our schools, to other local districts, out of state, and back again. For some children and families, they find a way to make the moves part of their routine. For others, every relocation evokes feelings of fear and resentment.

Regardless of your school district, you will always have students who move in and out of your building. This transition can be difficult, but hey, that's what school counselors are for, right? The problem is, it can be hard to cram every strategy into a phone call with the parent or in a session with the student. Sometimes, we need to offer extra resources for the family that they can absorb in their own time.
The Essential Moving Guide for Families: Practical Advice to Ease Your Transition and Create a Sense of Belonging is a wonderful resource to share with families. The book is divided into three main sections: Before the Move, Preparation and Moving Day, and Settling in After the Move. Each part provides insight and practical advice to help your family every step of the way.

Moving is a huge change - you are truly uprooting your life and trying to grow in new soil. If not tended properly, parts of your life may begin to wilt. There may be unexpected hurdles, weeds that threaten to grab hold of you, but with the right support and a little sunlight, you can bloom and flourish again. This book is that sunlight.
7 Comments

Book Review: Chocolate Milk, Por Favor!

4/6/2015

2 Comments

 
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Another great book from Maria Dismondy!

Chocolate Milk, Por Favor! is a story about a boy named Johnny who is angry when a new student, Gabe, arrives. Gabe comes to school in tears and doesn't speak English. Johnny doesn't understand why anyone would want to play with Gabe, especially since he can't talk to them, but slowly Johnny learns that actions speak much louder than words.

What makes this story even more special is that it's based on a real student in Maria Dismondy's class who moved to the United States just days before the start of 1st grade. As Maria Dismondy says in her book, "I believe acts of kindness are worth more than a thousand kind words. It's true; I witnessed it."
I was also impressed with a section in the back of the book called "Tips to Assist English Language Learners." This provides the readers with 10 easy ideas to help students feel welcome and supported in the classroom, such as pronouncing his/her name correctly or keeping your language short and simple.

Often, adults and children want to help, but need opportunities to discuss and practice these skills. Chocolate Milk, Por Favor! is a wonderful way to open a dialogue about helping English Language Learners feel comfortable in their new environment. I highly recommend this book for all classrooms!
2 Comments
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    My name is Marissa Rex and I am a 1st Grade teacher and an elementary school counselor from Ohio. I hope you enjoy my site!

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