April 2023

Positive Discipline in Early Childhood Education

The principles of Positive Discipline can be applied in many walks of life; in parenting, as a base for good couples communication, in the workplace, and especially in schools.  What if your family and your school both used positive discipline principles and techniques each day?  Imagine how much easier it would be for your children to learn and understand the skills and behaviors you were working on in your family.  Imagine how fast the progress if everyone was on the same page and had the same tools in their toolbox.  Pre-schools and Daycare facilities have continuing education requirements to keep their teachers up to date on new learning styles and educational tools.  Positive Discipline is unique in that it merges with so many of the most popular philosophies of Preschool, such as Montessori and Reggio Emilia.      

 
Positive Discipline is different from conventional discipline.  It has nothing to do with punishment and everything to do with instructing, educating, preparing, training, regulating, skill building and focusing on solutions.  The principles of Positive Discipline help teachers and children feel encouraged and empowered through non-punitive methods which develop valuable social and life skills. These methods are based on:
  • Mutual dignity and respect.
  • Making sure the message of love gets through.
  • Providing a foundation of kindness and firmness at the same time.
  • Seeing mistakes as wonderful opportunities to learn.
  • Getting into the child’s world- understanding that a misbehaving child is a discouraged child, and the importance of dealing with the belief behind the behavior.
  • Helping children explore the consequences of their choices instead of imposing consequences.
  • Class meetings to teach problem-solving and communication skills.

 

Speak to the director of your preschool and daycare and ask them about their school's philosophy and classroom discipline approach.  If they are interested, as them to host a free Introduction Class for Positive Discipline for the parents.  If they are looking for ways for their teachers to earn continuing education credit hours, pass on the information for the new NC DHHS approved Workshop below. 

 

New Workshop from Inspired Parents and Families:

“Integrating Principles and Tools of Positive Discipline into your Classroom: An Introductory Workshop for Early Childhood Educators” 


When you teach or work with young children, you have a priceless—and irreplaceable—opportunity to shape and influence their lives. Building this framework for a child is not complicated; many childcare providers naturally create a sense of belonging and significance for children, simply by being present for them. But nurturing genuine connection and all the skills, developmental tasks, and abilities that depend on it does require intention and commitment, especially in preschool and childcare settings.
Having the right instincts is good; informing these instincts with solid information is even better.

In this workshop, participants will begin to learn to apply the principles and tools of Positive Discipline, an Adlerian research-based model, to working with groups of young children. They will also gain a deeper understanding of how young children learn, the importance of belonging, and social and emotional learning, and how best to teach those skills in a classroom or care setting.  This Interactive workshop is designed for early childhood educators, teachers, and caregivers who work with children from birth to six years of age.  

Learning Objectives:

  1. Create a classroom or care setting where children can develop a sense of belonging and significance based on the importance of contribution and mutual respect.
  2. Understand how young children learn and how to adapt teaching to the needs of this age group.
  3. Foster essential social and emotional skills to support development and school readiness.
  4. Understand children behavior and how to guide it in groups of young children.
  5. Teach the essential skills for developmentally appropriate participation in class meetings.
  6. Learn Positive Discipline and Adlerian concepts for use in the classroom, preschool community, and with parents.
 
This is a beginning level workshop that will introduce the principles and concepts of Positive Discipline as well as practice key tools that can make immediate impact for both students and teachers. These concepts will be introduced through experiential
activities and discussion.  Advanced workshops, teaching additional tools and concepts are available to build on
this base workshop in the future. 
 
 
 

Host a "Integrating Principles and Tools of Positive Discipline into your Classroom" Workshop for your School or Daycare

 
 
This 3 Hour workshop is available via Zoom or in person and is ideally suited for early childhood teacher training throughout the year.  This workshop has been approved as a 3 credit Continuing Education Course for all Early Childhood Educators by the NC DHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE).  
 
 
Contact us to learn more or to schedule a workshop for your school. Info@inspiredparentsandfamilies.com
 
 

 

Spring Break Activities and Ideas for Kids at Home

Stuck at home during spring break? Make the most of the vacation with these fun indoor and outdoor activities for the entire family.

For most students, spring break is a much-needed respite from classes, homework, and daily routines. Don't have a fun vacation scheduled? No problem—you can still give your children a memorable spring break at home!   We've rounded up a list of fun indoor and outdoor spring break activities for kids. There's guaranteed to be something for every child on the list, whether they're in preschool, kindergarten, or elementary school.

 

Outdoor Spring Break Activities

Does your child love spending time outside? Take advantage of the warmer weather with these at-home spring break ideas. But we warned: Some of them may require your kid to get a little muddy!

 
  • Plant an edible garden
  • Learn to fly a kite
  • Sleep underneath the stars by camping in the backyard
  • Plan an outdoor Scavenger Hunt
  • Have a picnic in the park
  • Break out the bonfire pit and make s'mores
  • Decorate the driveway with chalk
 

Indoor Spring Break Activities

If the weather is cold or rainy, simply bring the fun and games inside. These spring break activities will be loads of fun for everyone involved.

 
  • Build a Fort with blankets and pillows
  • Test out a new recipe
  • Host a fashion show to mix-and-match fun outfits
  • Practice a new skill, whether it's making paper airplanes, juggling, or doing magic tricks
  • Family Game or Trivia Night 
  • Plan an at-home spa day
  • Have a photo shoot throughout the house
 
 
 
 
 

Crafty Spring Break Activities

If your kid loves arts and crafts, these spring break ideas will be perfect for them. Grab some supplies and get started!

 
  • Make a collage with nature (twigs, leaves, flowers, etc.)
  • Homemade Slime or Playdough
  • Create paper bag puppets—then put on a puppet show for the whole family
  • Feed the birds with homemade bird feeders
  • Paint rocks to use as decorative paperweights
  • Cardboard Box fort or castle
  • Create homemade cards for friends and relatives
  • String beads or macaroni into jewelery
  • Design a time capsule about your family—then bury it in the backyard
 

Energetic Spring Break Activities

After months of sitting in class, your children are probably full of pent-up energy. Let it loose with these action-packed spring break activities to do at home.

 
  • Set up an obstacle course (you can do this indoors or outdoors)
  • Throw a dance party with your family's favorite tunes
  • Classic Yard Games like Red Rover, Hopscotch, or Kick the Can
  • Go bowling outdoors; you simply need some bottles and a ball
  • Try out an online exercise video
  • Host your own family Olympic games in the backyard
  • Play the Floor is Lava
 

Spring Break Ideas for the Entire Family

Parents can get in on the fun, too! These at-home activities involve the entire family, and they're perfect for bonding with loved ones.

 
  • Have a family movie night (and don't forget the popcorn!)
  • Lay out sleeping bags for a living room slumber party
  • Tackle household chores together (washing the car, giving the dog a bath, etc.)
  • Play board games like Clue or Monopoly
  • Reminisce by looking at old home videos or photos

COOL RESOURCE

Cool Kid Facts  Website  

https://www.coolkidfacts.com

Check out the really neat free site of cool educational facts for kids.  Categories include Animals, Geography, History, Science, Human Body and Language.  They also have a fun YouTube site full of great videos to enjoy with your young learners.  This is a free resource for kids and their families K-12.


  


UPCOMING EVENTS

 r
FREE: The Power of Positive Parenting


 

What you will learn:

  • What is Positive Parenting and Positive Discipline?
  • The 5 Criteria for Positive Discipline 
  • Where we are & where we want to go with our children and learn the most important parenting tool! 
  • Positive Discipline Tool Exploration 
  • How you can learn more! 


This class is interactive and experiential. Please be prepared to participate. I will send you an email prior to class with useful tools and tips as well as material for our activities.

   
 
 
 
April Class
​Date: Wednesday,  April 19, 2023
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Location: Online via Zoom
 
 
Registration Deadline is Monday, April 17, 2023 and will be limited to the first 24 participants.
  
 

 
 
May Class
​Date: Monday,  May 8, 2023
Time: 7:30pm - 8:30pm EST
Location: Online via Zoom
 
 
Registration Deadline is Friday, May 5, 2023 and will be limited to the first 24 participants.
 
 

 
 
June Class
​Date: Thursday,  June15, 2023
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Location: Online via Zoom
 
 
Registration Deadline is Monday, June 12, 2023 and will be limited to the first 24 participants.
 


 
 
Positive Parenting Bootcamp - 3 Session Course
 
 
 
 

Join parents & caregivers like you for 3 Sessions of Positive Parenting classes taught by Melissa Middelthon. Based on Jane Nelsen's Positive Discipline books, you will learn to discipline with firmness and kindness. Have fun with kids and set the foundation for important social and life skills. Help children feel a sense of belonging and significance through mutual respect and encouragement. These classes are a fun way to connect with other parents in the community and practice the skills over a few weeks so that you can go more in-depth with the material.

 

"The class was very helpful in reducing stress and frustration in parenting. The knowledge that it is never too late to change your approach...we are so adaptable." 

"Taking this class was one of the best things I've done for myself and my family since my child was born. I refer back to the class's concepts in order to deal with day-to-day issues and also feel like I have an overarching philosophy to help me as I navigate the parenting world."

 

A course for parents and caregivers

 Parents and caregivers will learn long ­term solutions for raising kids to feel “I am capable, I can contribute, and I can use my personal power in useful ways to improve my life and the lives of others!” Positive Discipline teaches long ­term parenting skills that will encourage children to think for themselves, become more responsible and have a greater respect for themselves and others. Feel supported while learning some non­-punitive, respectful methods that will incorporate kindness and firmness into your relationship with your children. Get to the core of your children's misbehavior, practice encouraging tools and gain a sense of accomplishment.

This is a highly engaging ONLINE course that works best if you can participate on a computer or tablet. We will be co-creating a safe and supportive space that will include a mix of lecture, small and large group activities, role play and collaboration. 

Course Registration: $150 

 

 

Pricing includes one digital set of all materials needed for the course:  Positive Discipline, by Jane Nelsen, The Positive Discipline Workbook, Parenting Tool cards, and bonus access to videos of key lessons and a Family Meeting Toolkit.

 

Spring Session:

Sunday Evenings, April 30th, May 7th and 14th, 7pm - 9pm EST

  Register Now! Positive Parenting Bootcamp -3 Session Course - Sundays, April 30th, May 7th and 14th 2023 7pm - 9pm EST

Class Min 8 / Max 24 - Registration Deadline Friday, April 21st

 


Parent and Family Coaching 

Parent coaching is designed to provide insight, help parents discover newfound energy in their parenting, develop an appreciation for what they have and who they are, and create sustainable ways to achieve their vision or dream for their family.  Different than therapy, coaching’s unique methodology allows the coach to provide support as a cheerleader, guide, and mirror. Coaching is perfect for helping parents who are feeling overwhelmed, parents who are baffled by their children’s behavior, parents who are looking to bolster their parenting “tool box,” and parents who simply want to take their family’s life from good to great.  Interested to see if Coaching would be a good fit for your family?  Click below to schedule a complimentary discovery call.

 

Schedule Your Free Create Your Inspired Family Discovery Call Today 

 


 

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