tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65771323698774437092024-02-07T18:49:11.322-08:00Afterschool the MovementConsult 4 Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289645953296563357noreply@blogger.comBlogger341125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577132369877443709.post-26035765363164964822014-04-30T22:55:00.000-07:002014-04-30T22:55:00.822-07:00Debriefing and the Common Core<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgkqRbRA_EV5doV5E0gJWeJLShOhjF5PNrAXKSg-8gYtyK7piZ9lPF3Va38U6s4KkVoe0YKehtREPaqOq5NC9YVmc5ewx7aTGGUF-ZeZ6_XBZBCZnBD5U_eoXAevREHYshqphrvHKxOI/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgkqRbRA_EV5doV5E0gJWeJLShOhjF5PNrAXKSg-8gYtyK7piZ9lPF3Va38U6s4KkVoe0YKehtREPaqOq5NC9YVmc5ewx7aTGGUF-ZeZ6_XBZBCZnBD5U_eoXAevREHYshqphrvHKxOI/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Research has demonstrated that learning is
experienced more deeply and connections are made more broadly when someone
debriefs an activity or lesson with youth.
A debrief gives you an opportunity to check on your objective and see if
the youth can demonstrate an understanding of the objective. A debrief gives young people an opportunity
to share what they know and the questions they still may have. In Common Core this is an essential aspect of
learning. Debriefing is a kind of
metacognition which allows each person to consider what has just occurred and
the thoughts he/she has about it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Research tells us that when debriefing one of the
most important things we can do is give the youth wait time and an opportunity
to collect their thoughts so they can share with others in the group. To be sure there are always those young
people who quickly raise their hand in response to any question, but pausing
before we call on them or anyone at all, gives all young people a chance to
think and respond. Youth learn language
and communication skills by having lots of opportunities to practice. So give them time to think, then have them
put heads together to work out the kinks in the thinking, or have them take
time to write about or draw the ideas they have. Again, one of the essential aspects of Common
Core implementation is the ability to think deeply and to explain what you were
thinking when you took the action you did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Consult 4 Kids has both written and video material
around debriefing, including the importance of debriefing and strategies to
implement. Contact us at </span><a href="mailto:support@consultfourkids.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">support@consultfourkids.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
check out the website, </span><a href="http://www.consultfourkids.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">www.consultfourkids.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
and give us a call at (661)322-4347. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Consult 4 Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289645953296563357noreply@blogger.com0Kern County, CA, USA35.4937274 -118.859680435.4937274 -118.8596804 35.4937274 -118.8596804tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577132369877443709.post-19853670517997966762014-04-28T22:49:00.000-07:002014-04-28T22:49:00.022-07:00Goal Setting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQe_yMBwB7piCIDMcQ5QSs73Jn-e7qU35eT1_AvHhN-Gix8W3dI0p47fovEqK9TQjKN10rNi9MHpgrVfd0MTDGVE95NaFyYLI8HtphvBiDJvS1vZg3B47hzyjsrNfPD43Lhb7F2ij_jQ/s1600/goal-setting.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQe_yMBwB7piCIDMcQ5QSs73Jn-e7qU35eT1_AvHhN-Gix8W3dI0p47fovEqK9TQjKN10rNi9MHpgrVfd0MTDGVE95NaFyYLI8HtphvBiDJvS1vZg3B47hzyjsrNfPD43Lhb7F2ij_jQ/s1600/goal-setting.png" height="174" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What’s the difference between a “goal” and an
“objective”? A goal is an aspirational
statement of a “place” you would like to be in the future. A goal is something that we want badly enough
that we are willing to work toward reading it.
A goal defines the purpose of the work I am going to do and it isn’t
really measurable or tangible, unless I actually accomplish it completely. For example, I used to have a goal to visit
all 50 of the United States. In October
of 2012 I accomplished that goal by visiting North Dakota, the last holdout on
my list. So I made a new goal. After considering multiple options, I made a goal
to visit all of the Presidential Libraries.
I did some research on where they are located and which Presidents have
official libraries. I don’t have a
specific timeframe around the goal I just know that I want to accomplish it
sometime in the future. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">An objective, on the other hand, is a specific
action that I will take to accomplish my goal.
For example, my 2014 objective is to visit 4 of the Presidential
Libraries, the Nixon in February (which I did), the George W. and Roosevelt in
July, and the Reagan in September. This
objective is measurable (I either do or I don’t), tangible (I am getting a
stamp in my Presidential Library Passport), and has a timeframe (2014). At the end of 2014 I will be part way to the
accomplishment of my goal, but it will require that I create an additional
objective (maybe several) that will result in realizing my goal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Too often we get these two terms confused. To further illustrate, at Consult 4 Kids we
have a goal to serve millions of youth and afterschool professionals by helping
them to become positive role models and mentors for youth. This is a lofty goal. Our objective for 2014 is much narrower and
much more focused on spreading the word about our high-quality staff
development program to practitioners in the field. It is our goal that propels us forward, but
our objective that puts “flesh on the bones” and gives us direction and
drive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To help us reach our 2014 objective, contact us at
</span><a href="mailto:support@consultfourkids.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">support@consultfourkids.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
or call (661) 322-4347 to find out how by helping you develop your staff we are
also helping ourselves to realize our objective, and in time our goal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Consult 4 Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289645953296563357noreply@blogger.com0Kern County, CA, USA35.4937274 -118.859680435.4937274 -118.8596804 35.4937274 -118.8596804tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577132369877443709.post-73140485887429937852014-04-25T22:42:00.000-07:002014-04-25T22:42:00.057-07:00Nifty 9 Managing Transitions—A Public Face<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LCIhYkuo2UkBJFoAzyKiq81CfO_X3_m-4kRtsW_Zs79pG5a1D54hcG7mPLvgf1rTxdosMoPQx6PEITJNK442s7umJZTj2MBA_SxvdY8Na2nAWDbtMo81IJmI8bfsk2tTREMB2oVklfY/s1600/Dissolution_01_454d2bf684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LCIhYkuo2UkBJFoAzyKiq81CfO_X3_m-4kRtsW_Zs79pG5a1D54hcG7mPLvgf1rTxdosMoPQx6PEITJNK442s7umJZTj2MBA_SxvdY8Na2nAWDbtMo81IJmI8bfsk2tTREMB2oVklfY/s1600/Dissolution_01_454d2bf684.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Have you ever witnessed a child throwing a temper
tantrum because he/she isn’t ready to stop what he/she is doing and move on to
the next activity or location? Or have
you witnessed an older youth become sullen and uncooperative because he/she has
been told it’s time to stop? Have you
ever wondered what you would do if you were faced with the same situation? In afterschool these transitions from one
activity to another or one location to another happen often. And to compound the challenge it is seldom just
one youth that we are trying to transition—it is an entire group of them, often
times about 20 of them. Orchestrating an
effective transition is not easy—and yet it is one of the most public faces we
have in afterschool. Generally we are
outside when we transition, or in a public space like a cafeteria,
multi-purpose room or gymnasium, or in a classroom or library where our ability
to manage this transition is witnessed by school day staff, other students, and
parents. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Consult 4 Kids has a number of instructional
videos on how to make transitions more effective and has even published an
e-Book singly focused on transitions. We
provide tips on how to work with the slow adapters and the kids who just don’t
like to get started and once started are not interested in stopping. We share strategies for developing a sense of
ownership around effective transitions.
We have just what you need to help staff be more effective in this
area. Communicate with us at </span><a href="mailto:support@consultfourkids.org"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">support@consultfourkids.org</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
or by calling us a (661) 322-4347.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Consult 4 Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289645953296563357noreply@blogger.com0Kern County, CA, USA35.4937274 -118.859680435.4937274 -118.8596804 35.4937274 -118.8596804tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577132369877443709.post-61715318560192015382014-04-23T22:39:00.000-07:002014-04-23T22:39:00.020-07:00Nifty 9 Importance of Transitioning Staff from Direct and Tell to Question to Connection<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Have you ever had the experience of telling
someone exactly what to do only to find out when you check back in that the
task has not been completed in the way you outlined? Have you ever asked a child to clean his/her
bedroom only to find that they have simply moved the mess around rather than
taking the time to organize the items and put them away? Have you then directed them to pick up the
socks, the pillows and the papers strewn all around, only to come back and see
the shoes exactly where they were the last time you were there and the child
says emphatically, “You didn’t tell me to pick up the shoes!” When we give directives and then specify each
action that is to be taken we are practicing “direct and tell”. The downside of this method is that young
people ultimately do not accept responsibility or ownership for what is or is
not being accomplished.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The opposite of “direct and tell” is asking
questions and soliciting from the other person what they believe should be done
and what they are capable of accomplishing.
For example, instead of telling someone to “Clean up your room”, we
could ask the question, “What do you think needs to happen so this room will be
clean?” When we ask this question we are clearly communicating to youth that we
expect them to take an appropriate action to make the room clean. When we establish agreements we are entering
into a pact that states we agree these things are important and will be accomplished. Then if we have to ask a question we can ask
that question about whether or not we are honoring the agreements we have made.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">School-day learning is focusing more and more on
questioning to connect as youth are asked to consider not only a “right answer”
but why they selected the answer they did.
They are asking questions and answering questions, and thus making
connections to their everyday life and circumstances. They can understand the relevance and the
meaningfulness of the action they just took when the connection has been clear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At Consult 4 Kids we have several written and
virtual opportunities for people to learn more about the art of asking
questions. Check with us by sending an
email to </span><a href="mailto:support@consultfourkids.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">support@consultfourkids.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
or calling us at (661) 322-4347.
Together we can ensure high quality programs for youth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Consult 4 Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289645953296563357noreply@blogger.com0Kern County, CA, USA35.4937274 -118.859680435.4937274 -118.8596804 35.4937274 -118.8596804tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577132369877443709.post-4917121222904291922014-04-21T22:29:00.000-07:002014-04-21T22:29:00.100-07:00Nifty 9—The Trilogy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZMGGtlvlg1oYhOB5vJ0ATw7ge1icJO-nsUed3Ye1-1XjW8jKP6S4iZz6jrA8aU0U3U-O75iSBvHJ-VB9Pv7h0_-npFvxI_TUhFew1brUhvkLbC1gWVKrMswZhfAjR_FSLmjcoETQso4/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-08-31+at+8.33.09+PM.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZMGGtlvlg1oYhOB5vJ0ATw7ge1icJO-nsUed3Ye1-1XjW8jKP6S4iZz6jrA8aU0U3U-O75iSBvHJ-VB9Pv7h0_-npFvxI_TUhFew1brUhvkLbC1gWVKrMswZhfAjR_FSLmjcoETQso4/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-08-31+at+8.33.09+PM.gif" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One of the building blocks of afterschool programs
is having a solid handle on creating a safe learning environment for
youth. Whether you call this classroom
management, maintaining control in a classroom, or discipline, it is important
that a space for learning is created that encourages youth to actively,
collaboratively, and meaningfully engage in hands-on, minds-on activities. At Consult 4 Kids we call this the “trilogy”
because we think there are three distinct aspects of this building block: managing the environment, guiding behavior,
and discipline. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The question is, “How do we help new and
experienced staff strengthen this critical corner stone?” We believe everything begins with clear
expectations, set forth in a few simple, straightforward statements which
define the behavior you expect from youth.
We believe that safety, respect,
and responsibility captures the right behaviors. We believe that time must be spent exploring
exactly what behaviors demonstrate what these standards look like and sound
like, and then agreements are made not as a one size fits all but based on the
environment in which youth are participating.
Managing the environment also requires that the leader understand
his/her place in the space and how to use the space to his/her advantage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Guiding behavior begins with a deep understanding
that no one can control another person.
What we do in afterschool is give our leaders strategies for working
with youth so youth understand the consequences—good or not-so-good, of the
choices they make. Learning the lesson
that we live in a stimulus-response world is part of becoming an adult, and knowing
the decisions made today absolutely DO influence what happens tomorrow is part
two of making good behavior choices..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The last piece of the trilogy for C4K is
Discipline—which we distinguish from punishment. Discipline is about making choices and then
experiencing the consequences that you were aware of when you made the choices
you did. So for example, if I am alone in
my car on the freeway and I want to escape the traffic jam by traveling in the
carpool lane and there is a sign that clearly tells me that the minimum fine
will be $251.00 if I am not a car pool, then if I get pulled over I have to
accept the consequences of the choice I made.
Self-discipline is strengthened when youth understand that each of them
is responsible for the consequences of the decision he/she makes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Providing staff with the information they need to
be proficient with the Trilogy is something that you can access through the
Consult 4 Kids web-based staff development system. You and your staff have access to the site
24/7/365, and the basic building blocks of high-quality programs can be found
in our written and video instruction.
Contact us at </span><a href="mailto:support@consultfourkids.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">support@consultfourkids.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
or by calling (661) 322-4347.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Consult 4 Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289645953296563357noreply@blogger.com0Kern County, CA, USA35.4937274 -118.859680435.4937274 -118.8596804 35.4937274 -118.8596804tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577132369877443709.post-16290526442774736302014-04-17T22:20:00.000-07:002014-04-17T22:20:01.022-07:00Foundation for High-Quality Program<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGCRnKepIv6-ABIuFeqjUX2q2NZUHzI8YFeP0jxYnFWL-AARsu7894lv2ropg-CrnBY1TRcbXxzwbMafk6-IRRkUffTW8vKKLSuhlCaYpJv5arb0RBqNaiLv9wGxgZdHQKc2bqHKcleI/s1600/48154display.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGCRnKepIv6-ABIuFeqjUX2q2NZUHzI8YFeP0jxYnFWL-AARsu7894lv2ropg-CrnBY1TRcbXxzwbMafk6-IRRkUffTW8vKKLSuhlCaYpJv5arb0RBqNaiLv9wGxgZdHQKc2bqHKcleI/s1600/48154display.jpg" height="373" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Quality Standards for Expanded Learning
Programs were published recently. You
can find the full document on the California Afterschool Network website. The standards identified are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Safe and supportive
environment</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Active and engaged
learning</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Skill building</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Youth voice and
leadership</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Healthy choices and
behaviors</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Quality staff</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Diversity, Access and
Equity</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Clear vision, mission
and purpose</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Collaborative
partnerships</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Continuous quality
improvement</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Program management</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sustainability</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the publication there are also descriptors of
each of the standards and a group of afterschool professionals are working on
indicators. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Consult 4 Kids has aligned its written and video
training to these standards of excellence.
Whether your staff is Rookie, Seasoned, or Veteran, we have something
for them that can be accessed 24/7/365.
These informational training sessions are complete with quizzes to check
progress (which is tracked on a Learning Management System), discussion
questions, and promising practices that have been tried and verified. For more information on how to make this
training available to your staff for pennies a day, please contact us at </span><a href="mailto:support@consultfourkids.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">support@consultfourkids.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
or by calling (661) 322-4347.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Consult 4 Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289645953296563357noreply@blogger.com0Kern County, CA, USA35.4937274 -118.859680435.4937274 -118.8596804 35.4937274 -118.8596804tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577132369877443709.post-44585862572253649502014-04-15T22:16:00.000-07:002014-04-15T22:16:00.853-07:00Concepts of Print<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhaDHKsEmLUaz7I1b-50l-lrHkTmp-AQ4K7jiDRt11cFsHRltfx23ZW5NNqnkPR1NmmiTMGwdOQmOeGWM2CLAM2-_QEasRussYhSHqOZyWgmKrNeZikE8zVm1LBKp46Gnp2s7ZJFQy64/s1600/original-154314-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhaDHKsEmLUaz7I1b-50l-lrHkTmp-AQ4K7jiDRt11cFsHRltfx23ZW5NNqnkPR1NmmiTMGwdOQmOeGWM2CLAM2-_QEasRussYhSHqOZyWgmKrNeZikE8zVm1LBKp46Gnp2s7ZJFQy64/s1600/original-154314-1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What is “concepts of print”? For younger children </span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Concepts of Print include awareness that:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">print
carries a message <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">there is a
one to one correspondence between words read and printed text <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">there are
conventions of print such as directionality (left to right, top to bottom),
differences between letters and words, distinctions between upper and lower
case, punctuation; and <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">books have
some common characteristics (e.g. author, title, front/back). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">This awareness can be
supported in afterschool programs by simply focusing on this skill development
while we are working with youth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">However, for older youth understanding how print
reinforces and supports learning is more complex. It is essential that youth understand the
importance of <b>bold-faced</b> words, how
to read <b>charts</b>, <b>graphs</b>, and <b>picture captions</b>,
and understand the importance of the various segments of text: overview, summary, questions to consider, and
so on. Helping young people understand
the different aspects of print is part of our work. For example, in homework we focus on helping
kids finish the assignments, yet when we look at the new Common Core guidelines
identifying key evidence and articulating your thought process is every bit as
important as getting the correct answer.
How to use print to help you locate answers and solidify your thinking
can be useful for youth. We will need to
help youth become more competent with the texts that they are asked to read.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Help young people in your program develop and hone
the skills needed to develop the habits of a literate individual. Let Consult 4 Kids support you in your
efforts. We offer curricula and training
to support you and youth participate in a high-quality program. Contact us at </span><a href="mailto:support@consultfourkids.oeg"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">support@consultfourkids.oeg</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
or by calling (661) 322-4347/ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Consult 4 Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289645953296563357noreply@blogger.com0Kern County, CA, USA35.4937274 -118.859680435.4937274 -118.8596804 35.4937274 -118.8596804tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577132369877443709.post-89867657841603142402014-04-11T22:09:00.000-07:002014-04-11T22:09:00.338-07:00Implementation of Common Core—Reading Informational Text<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One of the key requirements of the Common Core
State Standards is that at least 50% of the reading youth do in school is
informational text. Historically,
reading in school (and in afterschool if you have used Kidz Lit) has been
stories, novels, poetry, and plays and other forms of narrative text, yet in
the “real world” much of the reading we do is informational reading. So while we want to continue to support the
reading of narrative text we also need to support informational text reading as
well. So how do we support youth in
reading informational text and develop the habits of a literate individual?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At Consult 4 Kids we think that this can begin by
helping youth ask questions about the informational text they are reading, such
as:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeSbmaeSyR5UPSoCEAGBc6Gbh73raPFI4MajDTh7Oz3cCyTCB6bFRAv4WUgfycQp9Pg_v-uSBgnN5flrpsjpHE8SZyV5tKqF2iaJoHQ39qfv6kNVah7LFx0gHkINw6epbLn_1HGmhBeA/s1600/th1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeSbmaeSyR5UPSoCEAGBc6Gbh73raPFI4MajDTh7Oz3cCyTCB6bFRAv4WUgfycQp9Pg_v-uSBgnN5flrpsjpHE8SZyV5tKqF2iaJoHQ39qfv6kNVah7LFx0gHkINw6epbLn_1HGmhBeA/s1600/th1.jpg" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What does this author
want me to think about?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What is the author’s
point of view?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What should I infer
from what I’ve read?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What do other people
say about this topic?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">C4K has developed after-school appropriate
curricula for grades 3<sup>rd</sup>-8<sup>th</sup> grades to support the
reading of informational text. The
reading is interesting and relevant and not just a rehash of the school day
material. The activities are hands-on,
minds-on, with clear objectives, a plethora of collaborative activities and
opportunities to practice while having fun.
We provide training around the use of this curriculum to ensure that
your staff is prepared to be effective.
We have incorporated these activities in a Book of the Month-type format
that provides multiple source materials on the same topic to encourage youth to
develop their own opinions based on information from a variety of resources. To find out more about our Informational Text
Curricula and Training please contact us at </span><a href="mailto:support@consultfourkids.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">support@consultfourkids.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
or call us at (661) 343-3424.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Consult 4 Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289645953296563357noreply@blogger.com0Kern County, CA, USA35.4937274 -118.859680435.4937274 -118.8596804 35.4937274 -118.8596804tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577132369877443709.post-40417537505539509182014-04-09T22:04:00.000-07:002014-04-09T22:04:00.683-07:00LCFF Funding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NixU-GHUe54TmN4ULtVtCQooqGmDrQkM3A5CVA7DMQ755FjVxNDikjodReiB0JXkDFiotMFkoif0sQQBDqClXjdM_nZ3I0wTnkyxXNeFoUH9JoYAaUYS2ZMtzSSnY5JUD5H6TryGLm0/s1600/LCFF-logo-179x179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NixU-GHUe54TmN4ULtVtCQooqGmDrQkM3A5CVA7DMQ755FjVxNDikjodReiB0JXkDFiotMFkoif0sQQBDqClXjdM_nZ3I0wTnkyxXNeFoUH9JoYAaUYS2ZMtzSSnY5JUD5H6TryGLm0/s1600/LCFF-logo-179x179.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">California has identified 8 priority areas in
public education: student achievement
(not to be confused with) student engagement, other student outcomes, school
climate, parental involvement, basic services, implementation of Common Core
State Standards, and course access.
After school programs, can and do support these priority areas. Let’s look at several of these priorities
beginning with parental involvement. How
many afterschool programs have access to parents on a daily basis? How many afterschool programs showcase youth
and invite parents and caregivers to attend the event? How many afterschool programs invite parents
to participate with their child at the end of the day? How many afterschool programs have tough
conversations with parents about their student?
The answer to these questions is certainly “most of them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And of course as an afterschool program you are
most likely grounded in youth development principles which include developing
youth leadership, providing youth with opportunities to share their voice and
make a choice, all of which help youth develop 21<sup>st</sup> Century work place
skills and stick with school even when they struggle. Not only is youth engagement supported by a
youth development mind set, as we implement the LIAS (Learning in Afterschool
and Summer) principles: learning that is
active, meaningful, collaborative, and that supports mastery and broadens
horizons, we engage youth in hands-on, minds-on activities throughout the
afternoon—which supports other positive outcomes for youth. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As afterschool providers we are also supporting
the implementation of the Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards by
implementing strategies that support student learning across all content
areas. Developing activities with clear
learning goals which are assessed at the end of the session, debriefing the
learning not just the activity, and using strategies to support collaboration,
are all part of this effort to support Common Core implementation.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One of the best ways to make sure that we can
support these eight buckets effectively is to be sure that our existing and new
staff have the basic, foundational training they need so they can create a
viable space for learning. At C4K we
have online training available 24/7/365 for both Program Leaders and Site
Coordinators. For Program Leaders we
have the Nifty 9 which focuses on professionalism, safety, managing the
environment, guiding behavior, discipline, holistic instruction, debriefing,
transitions, and moving from direct and tell to questioning techniques. To learn more about how you can access this
for your staff, be they rookie, seasoned, or veteran, for pennies a day,
contact us. Check us out at </span><a href="http://www.consultfourkids.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">www.consultfourkids.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
or by contacting as at </span><a href="mailto:support@consultfourkids.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">support@consultfourkids.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Consult 4 Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289645953296563357noreply@blogger.com0Kern County, CA, USA35.4937274 -118.859680435.4937274 -118.8596804 35.4937274 -118.8596804tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577132369877443709.post-62799580973064571462014-04-07T21:58:00.000-07:002014-04-07T21:58:00.092-07:00Being A Valued Partner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtNCpjeKAAz56nLByZw3Sfxh1d-QJFEmu3Qn_A0u35IAuiFJEgMS2PfCdyWFIJOnA_r4-skPlnuvpjWvCRrZz1hU5vLW7meImHDkqM-WUP1vOkjeNQcET0YLMFU-lpkSK9t2n94jFxx0/s1600/BecomePartner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtNCpjeKAAz56nLByZw3Sfxh1d-QJFEmu3Qn_A0u35IAuiFJEgMS2PfCdyWFIJOnA_r4-skPlnuvpjWvCRrZz1hU5vLW7meImHDkqM-WUP1vOkjeNQcET0YLMFU-lpkSK9t2n94jFxx0/s1600/BecomePartner.jpg" height="187" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and the
Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) are changing the way schools think
about the work they do. This different
way of funding collapses many of the categorical programs and gives the local
schools the opportunity to wrestle with the best way to spend the dollars
received from the State. The LCFF and
the LCAP go hand in hand, the first gives you more flexibility with the dollars
and the second holds districts accountable for being a good steward of the funds,
and not only serving all children fairly but giving that extra boost for youth
who are living in poverty or who are English Learners or who are in the foster
care system. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As a valued partner you as the afterschool
provider should be at the table to be part of the discussion. There are many overlaps of the work done in
the afterschool program and the priority areas designated by the school day as
important. Below is a chart of the eight
priority areas the State has identified as essential. A descriptor of each of the priorities can
also be see in the figure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Review these priorities and consider how you can
be a part of the conversation. Remember
that staff development is key to doing this work well. If you need help contact Consult 4 Kids at </span><a href="mailto:support@consultfourkids.co"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">support@consultfourkids.co</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
or call us at (661) 322-4347.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Afterschool
in the Eight State Priority Areas<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Consult 4 Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289645953296563357noreply@blogger.com0Kern County, CA, USA35.4937274 -118.859680433.8349524 -121.44146740000001 37.152502399999996 -116.2778934tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577132369877443709.post-10592618011847972962014-03-31T10:42:00.000-07:002014-03-31T10:42:00.092-07:00Nutrition Education—Cooking with Kids<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Have you tried a
cooking club with the youth in your program?
If not, you might want to give it a try.
The youth are engaged (at every age level) and love having the
opportunity to measure and mix, and of course EAT! Here are several different ways you can get
started.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFH6odUT8-09c_OebM47ZToGCE99HUSL_rqPF72D_2EGYnYu9BsM_sSOMnemJrxD4z68Mh8WywrZb2CdR9sHXItSSV1LV85B8PpODa1IrlHT2jLht3cEBpvnopJBguTAyEZim9f9Z3xzQ/s1600/P_cooking-with-kids1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFH6odUT8-09c_OebM47ZToGCE99HUSL_rqPF72D_2EGYnYu9BsM_sSOMnemJrxD4z68Mh8WywrZb2CdR9sHXItSSV1LV85B8PpODa1IrlHT2jLht3cEBpvnopJBguTAyEZim9f9Z3xzQ/s1600/P_cooking-with-kids1.jpg" height="142" width="400" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Harvest of the Month:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> This
program is absolutely free. It
highlights a fruit or vegetable each month (one that is being harvested),
offers a recipe for a taste test and a newsletter in either English or Spanish
for you to send home. The recipes are
easy to make and if you want, youth can give parents a “taste test” which will
further encourage the menu at home to include the fruit or vegetable. You can access their materials at: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.harvestofthemonth.cdph.ca.gov/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>"Harvest of the Month"</b></span></a></u></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><u><a href="http://www.harvestofthemonth.cdph.ca.gov/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b></b></span></a><span style="color: blue;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.harvestofthemonth.cdph.ca.gov/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8H0Ui8XdDfuaVnfttlony1qRelfHfEGyYioCgivXBx0Gr11hyphenhyphenImd-iocehNoQkJNEwXRt3RP5e2-8_DCB_jzA633CDrTpnFlmkZJ-GkiefaAh8hkPueYQiE9hJbgZ876CQuZ3MAgTok/s1600/harvest-page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8H0Ui8XdDfuaVnfttlony1qRelfHfEGyYioCgivXBx0Gr11hyphenhyphenImd-iocehNoQkJNEwXRt3RP5e2-8_DCB_jzA633CDrTpnFlmkZJ-GkiefaAh8hkPueYQiE9hJbgZ876CQuZ3MAgTok/s1600/harvest-page.jpg" /></a></div>
</b></span></u></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My Plate:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> This federal program encourages youth to
understand portions, the variety of foods that should be eaten each day, and
offers simple recipes as well. My Plate
also has a number of other resources that you can access to support your
program. You can access their materials
at: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.choosemyplate.gov/" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">"ChooseMyPlate" </span></b></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://www.choosemyplate.gov/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;"></span></b></a><b><span style="color: red;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.choosemyplate.gov/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFFOpk7cgBWMUk8u6OeHZDlGp-lSPagFBQC0SK5ln1ONdo4ZPi9XI7Q87YLnFewqBx-XQEjGU8WxlhUA6VBPYfE5F0ci08Kz9xZuVLAOH2RJkraaoRTabrtN5Y9pcxSo3kpfhVw-jrT8/s1600/logo-choose-my-plate-170x155.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFFOpk7cgBWMUk8u6OeHZDlGp-lSPagFBQC0SK5ln1ONdo4ZPi9XI7Q87YLnFewqBx-XQEjGU8WxlhUA6VBPYfE5F0ci08Kz9xZuVLAOH2RJkraaoRTabrtN5Y9pcxSo3kpfhVw-jrT8/s1600/logo-choose-my-plate-170x155.png" /></a></div>
</span></b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Unless you have
access to a kitchen with a range and oven, you can often feel like cooking is
beyond what you can do. Remember that
there are a number of recipes that you can make that require little or no
cooking—and when cooking is required you could get by with an electric
skillet. When looking for recipes type
no cook recipes for youth in the search bar and you will find a number of
websites at your fingertips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Share pictures of
your young chefs with us by sending them to </span><a href="mailto:support@consultfourkids.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">support@consultfourkids.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Consult 4 Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289645953296563357noreply@blogger.com0Kern County, CA, USA35.4937274 -118.859680433.8349524 -121.44146740000001 37.152502399999996 -116.2778934tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577132369877443709.post-25605730409305340472014-03-28T10:38:00.000-07:002014-03-28T10:38:00.261-07:00Physical Activity—Virtual Vacations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltrLCoNwIM4M54T_UQmIrgmHz6g2la-4wnX169_Rmmu-AWx815uIfSigRNBY_S3O65JedA9YBksAcwuQyBOpBBaFNd5RjI5zpK9Y5fOvmYVsgkDSkLYhCtAMmJcDGG77U_JxPeqrAAsg/s1600/vv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltrLCoNwIM4M54T_UQmIrgmHz6g2la-4wnX169_Rmmu-AWx815uIfSigRNBY_S3O65JedA9YBksAcwuQyBOpBBaFNd5RjI5zpK9Y5fOvmYVsgkDSkLYhCtAMmJcDGG77U_JxPeqrAAsg/s1600/vv.jpg" height="256" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The weather outside
is far from frightful in California at least.
We have sun and cool breezes and it feels like spring. So for those of you who live somewhere else,
consider taking a virtual vacation here in California, and for those of you in
California, consider taking a virtual vacation to some other point of
interest. There are many wonderful
things for youth to explore and learn from in the world of virtual vacations,
and if we think about it, we can include physical activity to make these
vacations ‘happen’. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So here’s how it can
work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Determine
the place that you want the youth to visit.</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Chart
the number of miles between your location and the place you want them to visit.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Determine
how many miles a day you would have to travel to arrive in approximately 10
days.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Use
a pedometer with one youth per day to measure steps (translate into miles) and
then multiply by the number of youth in your program to chart the miles.</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If it looks like you won’t make your goal,
invite others (including parents to help you).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Plan
ten travel points of interest, one for each of the days it would take you to
walk to the destination, and have youth share those experiences (remember you
can always use a video to help them experience the location or event).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Plan
a culminating event to celebrate your arrival at your destination that will
incorporate the highlights of the location as well as the places you’ve visited
along the way.</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">To encourage writing,
have youth record in a journal each day’s activities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Pay attention to the
details, but you can have a wonderful time and if youth can access the
internet, the sky is the limit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Take pictures of your
“travels” and share them with us at </span><a href="mailto:support@consultfourkids.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">support@consultfourkids.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> We’d love
to highlight them on Student Chatter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Consult 4 Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289645953296563357noreply@blogger.com0Kern County, CA, USA35.4937274 -118.859680433.8349524 -121.44146740000001 37.152502399999996 -116.2778934tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577132369877443709.post-77818636347844219712014-03-25T10:37:00.000-07:002014-03-25T10:37:00.113-07:00Understanding STEM as an Integrated System<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLC9Ra6zsYuLv18yUYxHv26MIRXFzh-1-vEgl-zwokhIDgjFsoZnG76ONWvjInDbdVAvv-Xjswsqua6Fpl_IDI61SxHKgKiB7Sg1TjLJy5rI_eQQ_UORndj6-CbOmg7mXmsZrJd_Nbdw/s1600/ButtonStemCells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLC9Ra6zsYuLv18yUYxHv26MIRXFzh-1-vEgl-zwokhIDgjFsoZnG76ONWvjInDbdVAvv-Xjswsqua6Fpl_IDI61SxHKgKiB7Sg1TjLJy5rI_eQQ_UORndj6-CbOmg7mXmsZrJd_Nbdw/s1600/ButtonStemCells.jpg" height="167" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">STEM is an acronym
for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
This acronym wasn’t simply chosen because it makes it easier and quicker
to talk about these subjects. It wasn’t
chosen simply because there seems to be a natural connection between science
and plants (including the stems). It
wasn’t chosen so you could add the arts and call it STEAM. The acronym speaks to what we want to do in
STEM education which is to integrate these four areas into a cohesive
whole. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Here are some of the
reasons that an integrated approach to STEM education works:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“The number of jobs
requiring proficiency in the STEM field is projected to grow almost twice as
much as non-STEM occupations between 2008 and 2018. Computing and engineering represent a
majority of these STEM jobs.”
Afterschool Alliance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.4in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: MyriadPro-Regular; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Integrated
STEM education programs apply equal attention to the standards and objectives
of two or more of the STEM fields – Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.4in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.4in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: MyriadPro-Regular; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In
nearly every model of effective STEM integration, the goal and intent is to
provide students with the opportunity to construct new knowledge and problem-solving
skills through the process of designing artifacts (Fortus, Krajcikb, Dershimerb,
Marx, & Mamlok-Naamand, 2005). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.4in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.4in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: MyriadPro-Regular; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">[Learning
is accomplished] through a series of open-ended, hands-on activities related to
a thematic topic that addresses important concepts related to STEM disciplines
(Satchwell & Loepp, 2002).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In
the afterschool environment we are well-positioned to implement this integrated
approach through project-based learning.
We have been engaging youth in these types of projects for years. Putting a STEM theme in place in these
projects can make all the difference in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For
more information about project-based learning check out the Consult 4 Kids
website at </span><a href="http://www.consultfourkids.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">www.consultfourkids.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">
and starting with the “Begin The Journey” icon in the upper right-hand
corner. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Consult 4 Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289645953296563357noreply@blogger.com0Kern County, CA, USA35.4937274 -118.859680433.8349524 -121.44146740000001 37.152502399999996 -116.2778934tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577132369877443709.post-13294729550679118602014-03-20T10:27:00.000-07:002014-03-20T10:27:00.154-07:00Habits of the Mind: Questioning and Posing Problems<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Last month, a blog
post entitled “What’s More Important:
Knowing the Right Answers or Asking the Right Questions” explored the
importance of questions and answers.
This blog referred to the work of Hal Gregersen who argues “That the
what-ifs, the why’s, and the why not’s are more vital to shaping a child’s
lifelong creative intelligence than knowing the right answers at the right
time.” He goes on to share insights
about Steve Jobs who, although he didn’t often have the right answers for his
school setting, grew to be a leading innovator of our time. He tells us</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, “</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If [children
are] not listened to and encouraged to ask questions, children will lose
curiosity, potentially stunting their intellectual growth and assuredly
stunting their creative growth.” He goes
on to say that asking “the provocative questions are essential to forging a
path to wherever you might want to go. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4dephXSeiziIYQq723VBBRKNelTNzPdDRBolbZYJt7oub5_a0qSQy1JJ7VYaJ9XBsU7zzY9Zb5on91l6GIZhFzC1nImbF8wz8gZj7T5jiKJSmIJ-YwBiddxbfEdcsLqUkCJ9jEmW8I4/s1600/HOM_Posters01-2cizld7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4dephXSeiziIYQq723VBBRKNelTNzPdDRBolbZYJt7oub5_a0qSQy1JJ7VYaJ9XBsU7zzY9Zb5on91l6GIZhFzC1nImbF8wz8gZj7T5jiKJSmIJ-YwBiddxbfEdcsLqUkCJ9jEmW8I4/s1600/HOM_Posters01-2cizld7.png" height="400" width="282" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is through the asking of provocative questions
that problems which need to be resolved are posed. Asking the right questions gives us an
opportunity to have a 360 degree look at the challenge we have identified. These questions allow us to plan via scenarios
and as a result will help to reduce the number of unintended consequences of
actions that we take. Asking questions,
posing and surfacing problems is what informs innovation and creativity. The youth we work closely will benefit from
developing this critical habit of the mind.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To learn more about questioning
strategies and technique sheck out the Consult 4 Kids staff development
system. Contact us at </span><a href="mailto:support@consultfourkids.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">support@consultfourkids.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> or by calling (661) 322-4347/<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<br /></div>
Consult 4 Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289645953296563357noreply@blogger.com0Kern County, CA, USA35.4937274 -118.859680433.8349524 -121.44146740000001 37.152502399999996 -116.2778934tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577132369877443709.post-79048149388561145102014-03-17T10:22:00.000-07:002014-03-17T10:22:00.293-07:00Habits of the Mind: Striving for Accuracy <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9q5v2xo-kp4hP3Go1A47_isaR0TkPflswmWkv1cscLNdStUsar76DI8byKxdVDAGX3tGLGGIdaAka5aCZmPfHyqBOMwCVhKBwU5pUT7kd8YuAL0uMtMurJhaA-puxb5n7EJBOH5APKk0/s1600/HOM_Posters07-18uo0in.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9q5v2xo-kp4hP3Go1A47_isaR0TkPflswmWkv1cscLNdStUsar76DI8byKxdVDAGX3tGLGGIdaAka5aCZmPfHyqBOMwCVhKBwU5pUT7kd8YuAL0uMtMurJhaA-puxb5n7EJBOH5APKk0/s1600/HOM_Posters07-18uo0in.png" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Although making a
mistake is not the end of the world in most cases, striving for accuracy is an
important habit of the mind. Notice that
it doesn’t say striving for perfection, rather striving for accuracy which
could also be translated into excellence.
Certainly we care about how other perceive the work we do, but striving
for perfection can move you further from rather than toward your desired goals. Perfection means that you are never finished
and can never contain an error. Striving
for the “error-free” state can also take an inordinate amount of time and
instead of moving forward you continually go back and review your work to
ensure that there are no mistakes. Have
you noticed in the Olympics how important it is that the Olympian is relaxed
and focused, but not worried about a perfect performance. When we get hung up on being “perfect” in
reality we often do not do as well because we are focused on the wrong
things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 11.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When
we focus on accuracy and excellence we know that our work and performance is
meeting the deliverables for this time and situation—we can always improve on
the next iteration of our work. Accuracy
is about doing work that people can count on—it requires you to do your “due
diligence”, consider contingencies and thinking about options to ensure the
solution. According to Scott Herrick, “</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
always strive for accuracy in our work — think of a nurse or a doctor
administering medication to a patient, for example. But <b><i>accuracy</i></b> is different than <b><i>perfection</i>. </b>Someone who focuses on excellence is proud of
their 100% accuracy in delivering medication to patients.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 11.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Someone who focuses
on perfectionism delivers the same 100% accuracy in delivering medications —
but wonders if they really did it right.
You build confidence from excellence; you will cover mistakes if you are
a perfectionist.”</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Strive
for accuracy and excellence—we will all be better off. Let C4K help you build the accuracy and
excellence of your staff. Contact us at </span><a href="mailto:support@consultfourkids.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">support@consultfourkids.com</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> or
by calling (661) 322-4347. </span></div>
Consult 4 Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289645953296563357noreply@blogger.com0Kern County, CA, USA35.4937274 -118.859680433.8349524 -121.44146740000001 37.152502399999996 -116.2778934tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577132369877443709.post-36504609446558484032014-03-13T11:02:00.000-07:002014-03-13T11:02:00.769-07:00Habits of the Mind: Thinking About Thinking—Metacognition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZFekPi78yuEFNf70ruGGBdaPEZfGkoQkorMbOB8evs0lhGCKNzY1CMGhLi_YZJ679BNzAjg8b1ohuo25p81WtIRX2k5lLnIp6LK4q4JwGpJVvBVzhg4S2jNrP6-8uypBILob6s4Y8h8/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZFekPi78yuEFNf70ruGGBdaPEZfGkoQkorMbOB8evs0lhGCKNzY1CMGhLi_YZJ679BNzAjg8b1ohuo25p81WtIRX2k5lLnIp6LK4q4JwGpJVvBVzhg4S2jNrP6-8uypBILob6s4Y8h8/s1600/download.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Humans are the only
creatures that can think about thinking or develop the skill of
metacognition. Metacognition is cognition
about cognition or knowing about knowing.
It is the ability to consider how you learn as well as what you
learn. In the past we have talked about
multiple intelligences (nine have been identified) and learning modalities (the
most common being visual, auditory, and kinesthetic), and now we are on to the
concept of metacognition. Michael
Martinez says that metacognition is more complex than just thinking about
thinking. He says, “Metacognition is the
monitoring and control of thought.” He
goes on to say that there are three categories of metacognition: metamemory, metacomprehension, and problem
solving and critical thinking. He lumps
metamemory and metacomprehension together because both refer to understanding
one’s own knowledge state. Problem solving
and critical thinking, he believes, are the most human of pursuits and
demonstrate what we do daily or at least have the potential to do. Martinez, an associate professor in the
School of Education at the University of Irvine, full paper can be found at</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://www.gse.uci.edu/person/martinez_m/docs/mmartinez_metacognition.pdf" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">"What is Metacognition?"</span></b></a></span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://www.gse.uci.edu/person/martinez_m/docs/mmartinez_metacognition.pdf" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b></a>The
article is well worth the read. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So suffice it to say
that metacognition will continue to be defined but it is important to help
youth understand the best way to learn for them and how to take that knowledge
and set themselves up to be more effective problem solvers and critical
thinkers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Consult 4 Kids
provides information to the participant about the many different aspects of
working with youth as a positive role model and mentor. See how we can help you and your staff by
checking us out at </span><a href="http://www.consultfourkids.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">www.consultfourkids.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> and clicking on the “Begin the Journey” icon in
the upper right hand corner of the website.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Consult 4 Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289645953296563357noreply@blogger.com0Kern County, CA, USA35.4937274 -118.859680435.4937274 -118.8596804 35.4937274 -118.8596804tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577132369877443709.post-84205322071196759612014-03-11T10:59:00.000-07:002014-03-11T10:59:00.079-07:00Habits of the Mind: Think Flexibly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIokZaW2HPKeBR-z-kXqP8s2hA3vAeJL-C_n8sDy-JQFjkosCFpIHoF7RRFTaDT84fmv3kigrfJvnNIsu2J0dbGchTOp-uLGt8GgWUGc_ruc7xhyqfjTOo2HgHA8jfhPhjtwpktppEvU/s1600/HOM_Posters16-1wnom1d.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIokZaW2HPKeBR-z-kXqP8s2hA3vAeJL-C_n8sDy-JQFjkosCFpIHoF7RRFTaDT84fmv3kigrfJvnNIsu2J0dbGchTOp-uLGt8GgWUGc_ruc7xhyqfjTOo2HgHA8jfhPhjtwpktppEvU/s1600/HOM_Posters16-1wnom1d.png" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">What do you think of
when you hear the word “flexibly”? I
don’t know about you but I think of gymnasts and dancers who seem to be relaxed
and able to move into any number of graceful positions. I also think about contortionists who can
bend, twist, and wiggle into the smallest of places. I also think about the pretzel—not the stick
kind but the ones that resemble a figure eight.
So how do these images reconcile themselves to the habit of “thinking
flexibly”. For me it is the ability to
be what Angeles Arrien refers to as being “open to outcome not attached to
it.” When we have a preconceived idea
about how something needs to work and how the steps should be ordered and the
results that we should get, we limit our ability to think flexibly. We see things the way we would like them to
be rather than the way they are we are not thinking flexibly. We have a preconceived notion about how
things will be and that is what we see.
There is an expression that goes this way, “If you think you can, you
can. If you think you can’t, you
can’t. Either way you are right.” So being positive or negative is not the
point of flexibility. The point of flexibility
is to be open to what is going on, capturing the “current best thinking”, being
willing to change your mind, and being nimble in your thought process as it
twists and turns and takes you through a plethora of possible scenarios. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Thomas Edison is the
perfect example of “thinking flexibly” to me.
He had a goal—develop an electric light.
He tried over 10,000 times to make this a reality. Each time he was unsuccessful, he thought
flexibly and came up with another game plan and tried again. Thinking flexibly didn’t mean giving up on
his desired outcome, it meant looking at the information in front of him and
making adjustments as needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">At Consult 4 Kids we
have “bundled options” and ways we can help you provide a comprehensive Staff
development system for your staff.
Contact us a </span><a href="mailto:support@consultfourkids.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">support@consultfourkids.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> or by calling (661) 322-4347.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Consult 4 Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289645953296563357noreply@blogger.com0Kern County, CA, USA35.4937274 -118.859680435.4937274 -118.8596804 35.4937274 -118.8596804tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577132369877443709.post-11421432275308114772014-03-07T10:55:00.000-08:002014-03-07T10:55:00.696-08:00Habits of the Mind: Listen with Understanding and Empathy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGtrotBRzdnp0n0q4XYj3uk5uVjwHGajzIPVNES2N_UKhblbqPNwfnFr1dZrBX39_93mdnjk17zGDJxkzHvbRLpgvWlr6BT_a_iiSXxqXPcInb8gPKGpqqsN65NFtpetMJ44XnbOETZU/s1600/HOM_Posters15-2cyu5d8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGtrotBRzdnp0n0q4XYj3uk5uVjwHGajzIPVNES2N_UKhblbqPNwfnFr1dZrBX39_93mdnjk17zGDJxkzHvbRLpgvWlr6BT_a_iiSXxqXPcInb8gPKGpqqsN65NFtpetMJ44XnbOETZU/s1600/HOM_Posters15-2cyu5d8.png" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Communication is a
two way street. Someone needs to speak
and someone else needs to listen, really listen with understanding and
empathy. Too often we hear the words,
apply our own thoughts and experiences to them, and then react or respond to
what we’ve translated. When you take the
time to listen with understanding and empathy you keep your own agenda and
understanding at bay and focus in on the communicators expression of his/her
truth and experience. When we do this,
we are “seeking first to understand” which is part of Covey’s guidelines for effectiveness.
In his course he shares that when we hear without understanding it is much like
putting on a pair of glasses with corrections that do not fit our needs. No matter how hard we try to see it through
this lens, we will not really grasp the real picture. Until we listen not just with our ears but
with our hearts as well we will miss the message that is being sent to us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">When we listen with
understanding and empathy we need to check in with the person speaking to be
sure that we are grasping the message correctly. We can do that by saying, “So what I’m
hearing you say…” or asking a clarifying question or requesting more
information. When we share our
understanding of what was said we give the speaker the opportunity to clarify
further. Our language is so loaded with
nuance and experiential understandings, that this clarification will often
broaden our perceptions as well as deepen our understanding of others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">At Consult 4 Kids we
want all youth workers to be positive role models and mentors for the youth
they work with. We have a comprehensive
Staff Development Program that supports the progress of both frontline staff
and site coordinators. Check out our
revamped website at </span><a href="http://www.consultfourkids.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">www.consultfourkids.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Consult 4 Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289645953296563357noreply@blogger.com0Kern County, CA, USA35.4937274 -118.859680435.4937274 -118.8596804 35.4937274 -118.8596804tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577132369877443709.post-32225701874280684012014-03-05T10:51:00.000-08:002014-03-05T10:51:00.953-08:00Habits of the Mind—Managing Impulsivity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xVkY08dFTtUXVOUl7loJX2-oiK1pIaGzbpVQ8DyFixDpKsrz-HVcB75hhWjgMVEbYe2MHeqox15kxj9ihyphenhyphen-o3N1qsDeG_LJnYthFfYNaSh9AEvGt98YzoXsxi2bN_m80c3bsgJQDeHA/s1600/HOM_Posters05-y5yct9.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xVkY08dFTtUXVOUl7loJX2-oiK1pIaGzbpVQ8DyFixDpKsrz-HVcB75hhWjgMVEbYe2MHeqox15kxj9ihyphenhyphen-o3N1qsDeG_LJnYthFfYNaSh9AEvGt98YzoXsxi2bN_m80c3bsgJQDeHA/s1600/HOM_Posters05-y5yct9.png" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">There is a big
difference to my way of thinking between impulsivity and the phrase “carpe
diem” credited to Horace in 23 BC. This
phrase, “carpe diem”, translates into “seize the day”. In the film, Dead Poet’s Society, the
professor John Keating encourages, “Seize the day, boys. Make your life extraordinary.” The notion of impulsivity on the other hand
speaks to acting out of whim—with little or no forethought. While “seize the day” is proactive,
impulsivity is reactive and learning to live in a proactive state helps all of
use accomplish our goals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We often tell people
when they are angry to “Stop. Count to
10”. This is good advice in helping us
to learn to manage our impulsivity. If
we would just “stop” and consider we would be in better shape. When we “act in haste” we often are required
to “repent in leisure”. For example,
have you noticed how when you start to look for a new car it is easy to pick
the car that attracts you only to find out after we’ve signed on the dotted
line that we didn’t get the best deal or, even more distressing, picked the
wrong car altogether. It is so easy to feel
that sense of urgency to act that we do not manage our impulsivity and regret
the action almost immediately.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">When you think about
the decision we make, we tend to make those decisions based on emotions (which
can certainly lead us to being impulsive) and then begin to rationalize that
decision based on logic. When we do this
we are not managing impulsivity we are simply justifying it. Learning to step back and consider will allow
us and youth to be happier with our decisions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Building
relationships with others is one place we need to apply managing our
impulsivity. Getting to know a person
well takes time. Learn strategies for
building strong relationships through Consult 4 Kids Virtual Education. Check us out by logging into </span><a href="http://www.consultfourkids.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">www.consultfourkids.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> and beginning your journey by clicking on the
icon on the top right-hand corner of the website.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Consult 4 Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289645953296563357noreply@blogger.com0Kern County, CA, USA35.4937274 -118.859680435.4937274 -118.8596804 35.4937274 -118.8596804tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577132369877443709.post-57185961304901664862014-03-03T10:41:00.000-08:002014-03-03T10:51:10.967-08:00Habits of the Mind—Persistence <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJPbqAxQGDGttba6D63fRqRuPUoBwSMgXNQco5vbxA1QawlOUjSkg7jYVgrySzMWTVqgAdLmtrZtV6I0yIFLNMJap0FnwFKJoEwhFyHIXgCaOeu88lBoQI4sIgOQnRZ-oA_-ATn8-V2s/s1600/HOM_Posters10-y0hif4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJPbqAxQGDGttba6D63fRqRuPUoBwSMgXNQco5vbxA1QawlOUjSkg7jYVgrySzMWTVqgAdLmtrZtV6I0yIFLNMJap0FnwFKJoEwhFyHIXgCaOeu88lBoQI4sIgOQnRZ-oA_-ATn8-V2s/s1600/HOM_Posters10-y0hif4.png" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Persistence is one of
those habits that we need to help young people develop. Persistence is labeled as resiliency in Youth
Development circles. Persistence is the
ability to keep on, keeping on. It is
important that this persistence is proactive and that the situations youth find
themselves in are analyzed to determine which “next steps” make the most
sense. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We can share stories
with youth to help them understand the idea of persistence. Two that come to mind include the Tortoise
and the Hare and The Little Engine That Could.
In both of these stories the notion of “slow and steady wins the race”
and “go slow to go fast” ultimately carry the day. It is important that youth understand this
concept. There are other expressions
that also speak to persistence. “No
pain, no gain” is one of those and can certainly speak to youth who are
interested in sports. Think about the
Olympic athletes who train for years in order to get to the Olympics, and
certainly getting to Olympics is only a part of the strategy they will have to
employee to be successful. An expression
that speaks to both persistence and the importance of collaboration is “many
hands make hard work light”. Helping youth
to understand that persistence does not have to be a singular pursuit, can also
make persisting more appealing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The final thought
about persistence is captured in this phrase, “from adversity—steel”. Persistence requires us to work hard, to face
adversity and tough times, and move forward anyway. Persistence helps to build the character of
the individual—without it, we would not be nearly so fortunate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Consult 4 Kids
encourages you to share your story of persistence with us. We would love to highlight you through our
Guest Spotlight. Send your story along
with a picture to </span><a href="mailto:support@consultfourkids.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">support@consultfourkids.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Consult 4 Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289645953296563357noreply@blogger.com0Kern County, CA, USA35.4937274 -118.859680433.8349524 -121.44146740000001 37.152502399999996 -116.2778934tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577132369877443709.post-17280199101182582322014-02-28T12:41:00.000-08:002014-02-28T12:41:00.557-08:00Thinking and Communicating with Clarity and Precision<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lack of communication is one of the biggest
complaints we have both personally and professionally. Individuals, small enterprises and large
businesses all face challenges with communication. Part of this is because communication is hard
work and is so much more than simply speaking or writing something for others
to hear or read.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When we want to communicate clearly and precisely,
it is important that we understand the Cycle of Communication. You can see this cycle in the graphic below.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8nlDUxEG5AyfQrJpgl9i8rUVc7p6vRDljqRfwLik0r_GmQm1aJwV75sFLmNz4nwW8zR6BG_7Dc2eYA-pCQpmOPHkg9ZaLfZT6hwbV5nG1-5WxuoqcHJ9r9fX85NA5ymiWGA-kvMWsy8/s1600/Cycle_of_Communication.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8nlDUxEG5AyfQrJpgl9i8rUVc7p6vRDljqRfwLik0r_GmQm1aJwV75sFLmNz4nwW8zR6BG_7Dc2eYA-pCQpmOPHkg9ZaLfZT6hwbV5nG1-5WxuoqcHJ9r9fX85NA5ymiWGA-kvMWsy8/s1600/Cycle_of_Communication.jpg" height="337" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Communication begins when we have the need to
share something, a feeling that we have something that others need to
know. We then work to translate that
desire to share or “feeling” into words so we bring it to our brain to
process. Our brain puts words to those
feelings and then our mouth speaks the words.
Most of us think that the words then go to another person’s ears, but
rather those words go into a milieu of circumstances that we have little or no
control over. Actually once
communication has left our mouth we have limited control over it. Our communication leaves the pool of
circumstances and then goes to another person’s ears which send them to the
brain who translates them into a “feeling.”
No wonder communication is so difficult.
There are so many places for the communication to get twisted or lose
meaning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If we are to communicate with clarity and
precision it is important to follow-up our communication with conversation and
checking for understanding. The question
for us needs to be, “Is the message I meant to send the one they received and
processed?” It’s not about putting a
spin on our communication, but really being sure the message was correctly
received. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Consult 4 Kids has several staff development and
training options that are available to staff 24/7/365. This system affords you an opportunity to
establish common language and understanding which creates a solid foundation
for clear communication. Check us out at
</span><a href="http://www.consultfourkids.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">www.consultfourkids.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
or by contacting us at </span><a href="mailto:support@consultfourkids.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">support@consultfourkids.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Consult 4 Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289645953296563357noreply@blogger.com0Kern County, CA, USA35.4937274 -118.859680435.4937274 -118.8596804 35.4937274 -118.8596804tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577132369877443709.post-77323337280192538732014-02-26T12:22:00.000-08:002014-02-26T12:22:00.083-08:00Applying Past Knowledge to New Situations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodZbIKwTnft5fmkw5PHct9Y9B-ZameLwuHmM3uZLNcL5QGyDSGjiMGnKt_l8HWgmUaGKURI4vo_XvTHMn4zhjd-8VNbzg4IfFrDsOibEFVslnWz3ppMS-yJuAqgNoCR8-X-gldugR5YM/s1600/HOM_Posters04-sshh4t-211x300.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodZbIKwTnft5fmkw5PHct9Y9B-ZameLwuHmM3uZLNcL5QGyDSGjiMGnKt_l8HWgmUaGKURI4vo_XvTHMn4zhjd-8VNbzg4IfFrDsOibEFVslnWz3ppMS-yJuAqgNoCR8-X-gldugR5YM/s1600/HOM_Posters04-sshh4t-211x300.png" height="320" width="225" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What would our lives be like if we, like Drew
Barrymore in <b><u>50 First Dates</u></b>,
had to begin all over every day? Can you
imagine how many blisters you would have if you had to learn about the concept
of “hot” every 24 hours? And how would
we know how to read, speak, write, cook or anything else? Of course it was not that extreme for the
Barrymore character, she had only just become frozen in time and from a single
point could not remember anything that had occurred in the past 24 hours. Even that condition would be severely
limiting. The ability to make
connections is critical for each and every one of us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Helping youth to make those connections between
the most current experience and something they have already learned or
experienced is what allows us to progress, to think critically, and to be
innovating and imagining. When we apply
past knowledge to a new situation it helps us to experience things more
fully. Whether it is something as simple
as learning that a new shirt can go with a variety of shorts in our closet, or
that Newton’s first Law explains how shooting a basketball can consistently end
in 2 points, those connection points matter.</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Learning to predict outcomes helps life run more smoothly.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Consult 4 Kids has an amazing and comprehensive
staff development program that helps afterschool professionals make the
connections between how they interact with youth and the behaviors youth
exhibit. For more information go to our
website at </span><a href="http://www.consultfourkids.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">www.consultfourkids.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
or contact us at </span><a href="mailto:support@consultfourkids.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">support@consultfourkids.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Consult 4 Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289645953296563357noreply@blogger.com0Kern County, CA, USA35.4937274 -118.859680435.4937274 -118.8596804 35.4937274 -118.8596804tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577132369877443709.post-26281995116963070392014-02-24T12:15:00.000-08:002014-02-24T12:15:00.622-08:00Gather Data through All Your Senses<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We use our senses—sight, hearing, touch, taste and
smell—to experience the world. These
senses are what grounds us and allows us to observe and understand the world
around us. In our world today we rely
heavily on sight and sound, yet the other three senses can add depth to our
understanding. Think about someone like
Helen Keller who was denied both sight and hearing at a very early age and so
experienced the world through touch, smell, and taste. She learned to speak through words signed in
her hand and in that way was able to participate in experiences which helped
her learn. When we use our senses we
have firsthand knowledge of something rather than only vicarious opportunities
to learn. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjWWY0ECVzUxHpf2vUKJsYiCIgcblMkJRBIePML4-TEv1A0OhxlQZQoWYjV28-J271vuIqwBs2Of1q6Zbh-Y4DIWLb7rWKtxILuY7s5A3ZXHHXrTLdwx-GTlGgSIQhotVHBcPP9-UbVA/s1600/Senses1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjWWY0ECVzUxHpf2vUKJsYiCIgcblMkJRBIePML4-TEv1A0OhxlQZQoWYjV28-J271vuIqwBs2Of1q6Zbh-Y4DIWLb7rWKtxILuY7s5A3ZXHHXrTLdwx-GTlGgSIQhotVHBcPP9-UbVA/s1600/Senses1.png" height="282" width="400" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our senses help us to gather data—not right or
wrong data simply data that we then classify in different ways. For example I might describe the taste of
calamari as yucky or chewy while someone else might describe it as delicious
and spicy. The data we collect through
our senses connect us with past experience, and we connect with others when we
try to share or communicate the information we have gathered with them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So how do we support youth in using their
senses? We certainly ask them about
things they have seen and heard—this seems relatively effortless. The third thing we ask is how something
“feels,” although this usually refers to an emotion rather than a tactile
experience. We help youth to focus on
smell and taste far less often. When we
guide youth in experiencing the world with wonderment and awe, maybe part of
that experience is asking how things smell and taste. Recently I was at a building that experienced
a gas leak. The people talked about the
taste the gas left them with. This is interesting
and of course relevant since you couldn’t see, hear or touch the gas, and so
they experienced it with taste. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We need to help youth strengthen the use of all of
their senses so they can fully experience the world around them and make
observations that help them make connections.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do you need support with staff so they can help
youth experience the world fully? At
Consult 4 Kids our first </span><span style="font-family: 'Matura MT Script Capitals'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Sci-Gineering</b>
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">module
focuses on using your senses to observe and then make those connections to
prior knowledge. Check out </span><b><span style="font-family: "Matura MT Script Capitals"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sci-Gineering</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
by going to our website at </span><a href="http://www.consultfourkids.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">www.consultfourkids.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
or contacting us at </span><a href="mailto:support@consultfourkids.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">support@consultfourkids.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Consult 4 Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289645953296563357noreply@blogger.com0Kern County, CA, USA35.4937274 -118.859680435.4937274 -118.8596804 35.4937274 -118.8596804tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577132369877443709.post-66946160717141011902014-02-20T12:09:00.000-08:002014-02-20T12:09:00.151-08:00Creating, Imagining, and Innovating<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrM-rgsiF5-fQZjwDlj-JFNM0uZ0cALNuk5JplwADyIbh3tRKDol_dUvxBSro3Z0FdzTQt1jjYnrVDR7TPopzJISrkQjUL3qdabAoqDJtzk1VzswhGRAX-_s2BlUkpZxZaiEl-QT24VY/s1600/HOM_Posters13-1h31oby.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrM-rgsiF5-fQZjwDlj-JFNM0uZ0cALNuk5JplwADyIbh3tRKDol_dUvxBSro3Z0FdzTQt1jjYnrVDR7TPopzJISrkQjUL3qdabAoqDJtzk1VzswhGRAX-_s2BlUkpZxZaiEl-QT24VY/s1600/HOM_Posters13-1h31oby.png" height="400" width="282" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Creating, imagining, and innovating are supported
when we foster divergent thinking.
Divergent thinking is the ability to think “outside the box.” It means that we value it when youth think
for themselves instead of operating on the “lemming principle.” There is a movie that came out in the 1989, <b><u>Dead Poet’s Society</u></b>. In this movie the teacher encourages youth to
seize the day. In one scene the students
are moving around with the exception of one who is standing very still. The character states, “I’m exercising the
right not to walk.” In other words, he
was exercising divergent thinking. This
is something we need to encourage.
Rather than the conformity mentality—everyone doing the same thing at
the same time in the same way, let’s ask youth to create, imagine, and
innovate. Let’s ask questions like, “What
are 15 things you could do with a brick?” or “What are 20 things you could make
out of Legos other than a simple building?” or “What could you design and
create with a 3 D printer?” or “How can hydroponics be a viable option for food
production?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are people out there asking and answering
these questions. They are people who
don’t just see things like they are but ask, “How might this be different or
better?” We need to encourage youth to think
in this way and ask those questions. Our
young people are facing a world that is yet to be invented and will change
countless times during their adult lives.
Change is a fact of life. So let’s help youth learn to do something
amazing with the intellect and imagination they have. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Divergent thinkers see possibilities and
opportunities. They have a mindset that
asks.”What’s going on here?” and “How can we make it better?” They look to find a number of solutions to the
challenges they encounter. They imagine
a time when this would work perfectly. They seldom think of things as one and
done. Ask yourself where would the auto
industry be if Henry Ford’s Model T was still the only auto you could buy? Or how informed would we be if you could
still only get one channel on your TV, and that one was only live from
6:00-8:00 at night? Or…you fill in the
blanks. Divergent thinking broadens
horizons and helps us all to see the world differently.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Check us out at </span><a href="http://www.consultfourkids.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">www.consultfourkids.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
and see how you may participate in a growing company in ways you have never
considered. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Consult 4 Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289645953296563357noreply@blogger.com0Kern County, CA, USA35.4937274 -118.859680435.4937274 -118.8596804 35.4937274 -118.8596804tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577132369877443709.post-82400986535108190542014-02-18T11:52:00.000-08:002014-02-18T11:52:00.363-08:00Responding with Wonderment and Awe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaeM7hGAVgWRdeQh-gIjSnz8u_EZvFXdu8j1mUZA-KqjWzNonz0qlbNqAnAB6MC5cQfoiqPCB78urwC8zuL4EVo8dthDsKb3aWSbLm5ktwhTbj98MmccstfAXw1J4RqamIPaJzsWQqRw/s1600/wonderment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaeM7hGAVgWRdeQh-gIjSnz8u_EZvFXdu8j1mUZA-KqjWzNonz0qlbNqAnAB6MC5cQfoiqPCB78urwC8zuL4EVo8dthDsKb3aWSbLm5ktwhTbj98MmccstfAXw1J4RqamIPaJzsWQqRw/s1600/wonderment.jpg" height="400" width="392" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When did you experience your most recent “WOW”
moment? You know, when you were
absolutely blown away by what was happening.
In fact, you were so pleasantly surprised it nearly took your breath
away. I can tell you when it was for
me. During the winter school break I was
flicking through the channels—looking for something to watch that would be
relaxing rather than stimulating. I
tuned in to the Irvine School District channel and began to watch the broadcast
of its vocal and instrumental music concerts.
I can truly say I was AMAZED.
I’ve worked with youth in choruses before, but never was I able to help
elementary-age youth sing in 5 part harmony.
Nor did we participate with an orchestra of peers. The musicianship of those young people,
elementary through high school was indeed impressive. I’ve watched the show several times—and each
time I feel the same way. It reminds me
of the way I felt at the end of <b><u>Mr.
Holland’s Opus</u></b> when his past and present students unite to play his
symphony. WOW!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Young people need to understand that not only are
they amazing, but they live in amazing times.
A hundred years ago no one would have thought it possible for men to
walk on the moon, or to communicate almost instantly with others around the
world through something called a “web,” and certainly we wouldn’t have thought
that Los Angeles would have become a sprawling city. The list goes on and on. Have we even considered the difference between
a record, a CD, and downloading from iTunes and saving music to the cloud! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We need to see the miracle of life and
transformation, and we need to help youth see it as well. Whether a caterpillar is turning into a
butterfly, a tadpole into a frog, or a child transforming into an absolutely
amazing adult, let’s stop, take a breath, and celebrate the world and its
wonders. This attitude of wonderment and
awe can only serve to prepare us for a brighter future filled with learning and
opportunities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On our Consult 4 Kids website each month we
spotlight youth and the amazing things they think and do. Check us out at </span><a href="http://www.consultfourkids.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">www.consultfourkids.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
and click on Student Chatter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Consult 4 Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289645953296563357noreply@blogger.com0Kern County, CA, USA35.4937274 -118.859680435.4937274 -118.8596804 35.4937274 -118.8596804