Assignment Task:
Respond to 2 of your colleagues' discussion posts. In your responses, offer additional suggestions on how they might have addressed the situation differently. You must also cite one strategy from the Gestwicki textbook that supports your suggestion. Your response must be a Minimum of 200 Words
Discussion (Letaysha):
Hello Class,
A parent or guardian shares that he/she is in the process of going through a divorce. Hello Mr or Mrs. Doe. Thank you for sharing your concern with me. First let me say that with sincerity I am sorry that you and your family are going through this transition period in your lives. Separation can be hard for anyone, especially for a child. At this age, children may not fully understand what is happening and you may begin to see some shifts in behavior, emotions, etc.. I am here to be a support for your family during this time and beyond
When a child is divided between parents, it can be hard. Just think, your baby is used to living under one roof, in one household setting with both parents. Transitioning into two households can be nerve wrecking a scary, it is new and unsure. When this transition occurs, be sure to check in with your child often. You notice a change in emotions. One day you may see happiness, one day you say see sadness. You may notice a change of appetite, a sense of defiance and blame, guilt or a lack of sleep. Behavioral shifts may occur. You notice your child develops anger issues and begin to act out. One important factor to recognize as well is separation anxiety. You may notice your little one wanting to be around you constantly and not wanting to leave your side. Divorce can create trauma and long-term effects for children.
As an educator and advocate for your little one and your family, I can offer resources that may be of use for you all to get through this time of transition. Our school counselor is a great source to use. She is here to help with counseling for your child when they cannot seem to focus or get through the day. If you all are open to it, family therapy may be a positive option to help mediate you all through your transition period. Additional resources that I recommend are the following:
Staying Connected With Your Child After Divorce. These resources are digital podcasts that offer great tips to support yourselves and your children during this time.
I appreciate you bringing this matter to my attention. I feel humbled that you felt comfortable sharing this concern with me. Please know that I am here to support your family as a whole and any way that I can help, I will try my best to do so. If you have any further concerns or insight that you would like to enclose with me, please feel free to reach me via class dojo or via phone. Thank you and take care!
Respond to 2 of your colleagues' discussion posts. In your responses, offer additional suggestions on how they might have addressed the situation differently. You must also cite one strategy from the Gestwicki textbook that supports your suggestion. Your response must be a Minimum of 200 Words
Discussion (Trisha)
Ethical and Respectful Family Interactions - Addressing Concerns about Bullying on the Playground
Thanks so much for bringing this concern to my attention. I know how tough it can feel to think your child might be having a hard time on the playground. We want every child to feel safe, happy, and confident, and I'm so glad you reached out so we can work together to make sure your child feels great at school.
How We Keep Play Safe and Positive Active supervision at all times is our job, especially on the playground. We're always watching closely-not just to keep everyone safe physically but also to help kids build friendships and practice social skills. Since we focus a lot on social-emotional development, we teach children how to play kindly, share, take turns, and use words to work through little conflicts. If we notice anyone struggling, we're there to step in, guide them, and encourage them to talk about their feelings and understand each other. These moments help kids learn how to express themselves and manage social situations in ways that feel positive for everyone.
What We Can Do Together
I'd love to hear more about what your child has shared with you or any specific things you've noticed. That way, we can keep an extra eye out for those situations and make sure we're addressing anything that might be making your child uncomfortable. We can also work on some simple ways to help your child feel confident on the playground-like practicing phrases such as, "Can I join?" or "I don't like that." These small tools can empower them to express their feelings and set boundaries.
Building a Positive Environment for Everyone
In our classroom, we're constantly working to create a positive, caring community. Through stories, play, and group conversations, we focus on kindness, empathy, and respect, helping kids learn how to be good friends. We do activities like storytelling and role-playing that encourage these skills, which naturally carry over to the playground, making it a safer, friendlier space for everyone.
Ideas for Home
If you'd like, I can share some fun ways to practice these ideas at home too! Books like "Have You Filled a Bucket Today?" by Carol McCloud are fantastic for talking about kindness and friendship, and kids really connect with these ideas. Doing a little role-playing together-like practicing how to join a game or politely say "no" to something-can also give them tools to use with friends.
Resources We Find Helpful
- The American Academy of Pediatrics provides tips for preventing bullying and promoting social skills that help children build empathy and navigate friendships (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2016).
- PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center emphasizes that open communication between home and school is key to addressing issues early and ensuring children feel safe and included (PACER, n.d.).
Thank you again for bringing this up! We're here to support both you and your child, and I'm always available to talk through any other thoughts or concerns you might have. Let's keep working together to make sure your child feels happy, safe, and comfortable here.
References:
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016). Bullying prevention: Tips for parents and caregivers.
PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center. (n.d.). Bullying resources and prevention information.