Talk So Your Child Will Listen

I ran across a few pages in Good Housekeeping magazine that had great tips for parents. I thought I would share some of the advice that I really liked.

If your well-intentioned words seems to sound like a lecture to your kid (and therefore get, well, ignored), try these tactics instead:

1. Keep your comments clear, concise, and positive, emphasizing the positive action you want to come out of the discussion. For example, rather than, "Stop being mean to your sister!" try, "If you want your sister to know something you think will help her, say it in a way that won't hurt her feelings."

2. Ask questions rather than dictating solutions. For instance, try, "Do you think you'll be able to get the whole project done in two nights?" rather than, "You have to start your science project now!" Questions encourage kids to think for themselves and give them the sense you trust them.

3. Or try the "let's collaborate" approach. Explain what you're worried about (maybe your child is staying up too late after you tell him/her to go to bed and say something like, "I've noticed you're having trouble getting up in the morning. What do you think would help you feel more rested?" Let your child try his/her suggestions; then, if they don't work, share yours.

4. Weave advice into everyday conversations. A formal "Come here; we need to talk" approach usually does not work. Instead, catch kids when they're feeling chatty and pay attention to the times of day when they open up naturally--for some it's after school, for others it's before bed.

It's hard to believe tomorrow is December 1st which means only 13 more school days before Winter Break!!

Where has November gone? In just 5 short weeks, it will be time for our Winter Break! The last two weeks have been very busy here at Fisher. Last Tuesday, we had Mix It Up Day at lunch where students had the opportunity to sit with different students during their lunch times. Students were able to interact with old and new friends, while also learning lessons about diversity and friendship.

On Friday, we had a great Veteran's Day assembly where we honored many of our Fisher Family veterans. Just seeing the veterans brought tears to my eyes as I thought about all they have done for our wonderful country! It was truly a great morning!

Monday and Tuesday, I made a road trip to Austin to accept Fisher's three-peat award for the TBEC Honor Roll. Fisher is included among the top 4% of Texas schools to receive this prestigious award, and even fewer who have received it three years in a row!

Tuesday, the Fisher PTA brought the Science of Spin Yo-Yo program to our students during their CAMP time, and let me just say, "Boy, was this program a hit!!" For the last two afternoons, the yo-yo table at dismissal has been very busy! It is fun to see students practicing the skills they learned.

Our shoe drive ends this Friday, November 19, so be sure to send in those gently used shoes. No flip flops or open toed shoes please.

Fisher is also participating in the "It’s a Small World" Angel Program. Each classroom will have one Angel to which they will donate new items to ensure a happy holiday for our local children. You should have received information about this program in your child's folder. Gifts are due Monday, November 29.

Remember, next week, November 22-26, is our Thanksgiving Break. We hope you all have a safe and happy break. We'll see you back at Fisher on Monday, November 29. Everyone have a Happy Thanksgiving!

It is hard to believe it is already November! It feels like the school year is flying by! For me, November always brings to mind thankfulness. We have so much to be thankful for here at Fisher. Here are just a few things I am thankful for:

1. I am thankful for all the wonderful parents and families who support Fisher through our Fall Book Fair, Chick-fil-A Spirit Night, Boosterthon Fun Run, PTA Memberships, and much more!
2. I am thankful for the teachers, parents, and students who came to the Fisher booth at the FISD Chili Challenge and those who came out to walk with us at the Gary Burns Fun Run to show your support of our school.
3. I am thankful for all the parents who came to Parent/Teacher Conference Day to help build and support the collaboration between Fisher staff and parents in meeting the needs of our students and your children.
4. I am thankful for all the students at Fisher who make me smile everyday and who work so hard to achieve academic and personal goals!
5. I am thankful for the wonderful staff at Fisher who make such a difference in the lives of our students each and every day through great teaching, building relationships with students, going above and beyond the “call of duty”, and just being present for students .
6. I am thankful for the commitment and dedication Fisher parents and staff show in helping Fisher become the best possible place for children. Fisher would not be Fisher without you!
7. I am thankful that Fisher has the best staff, students, and families who work hard every day to meet the needs of students!
8. I am thankful that I am the proud principal of Fisher Elementary! I could not think of anywhere else I would rather be!