Have a Great Winter Break! Just a reminder that it is early out today at 1:05 and school will resume again on Thursday, January 3rd.
This month, our MINDSET theme is Determination. A couple of things that may be interesting as you spend time as a family to talk about would be:
1-What are two things you have done in your life that have taken lots of determination and hard work?
2-What advice would you give about sticking with it to accomplish a goal?
3-If you feel discouraged, what can you do to show determination?
Kids need to know adults struggle and have to sometimes work hard to be determined to accomplish something. Sharing your life experiences with your child are often the best teaching moments.
One of my favorite videos with Bruno Mars “Don’t Give Up” is worth a 2 minute watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWp6kkz-pnQ
On a personal note, I love this time of year. As a child, I loved the Christmas decorations, music, parties, and visiting Christmas Village in downtown Ogden. I loved helping my mom with holiday baking throughout the month. I’m sure at times having five children underfoot made her tasks take longer, but I remember that time spent baking with her.
As I’ve gotten older, I love the energy children bring into my life this time of year. If I approach the holiday season the holiday through a child’s eyes, my “overwhelmed adult” perspective radically changes. Children see the lights, they hear the music, and they smell the fragrance of Christmas trees and candy canes with real anticipation. While we adults rush and feel like there isn’t enough time, children feel like time seems is in slow motion as they count the days until December 25th.
The Christmases we remember best generally have little to do with worldly goods, but a lot to do with families, love, compassion, and caring. As the year draws to an end, many of us are in occupations that allow us extra time off. It is my hope that you prioritize and cherish the moments of the season with your children, family, and friends. I can recount many stories decorating sugar cookies as a child and the fun we had as a family sitting around our kitchen table talking, laughing, and showing off our masterpieces. My dad was the expert at making gingerbread boys with “lederhosen.” These are the experiences that give richness and meaning to our lives. These memories becomes treasures we fondly remember in years to come.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday enjoying traditions and creating memories with friends and family!
Sincerely,
Ms. Wright
Bates Elementary
801-452-4580
