Here are the upcoming events for April! | |
Viewing Today's Solar Eclipse | |
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Join us in marveling at today's solar eclipse, the last chance to witness a celestial event that won't occur again until 2045!
To mark the occasion, CPG students will learn about the eclipse through special indoor activities; students with permission will venture outdoors to view the eclipse as well. Arbor and Academy students will observe the eclipse from the blacktop, while Ambassadors will witness it from Norwood Park. Eclipse glasses will be provided for all students.
As the eclipse coincides with dismissal, we will take special precautions during carpool to ensure student safety. If you prefer to pick up your child at 2:00 pm due to safety concerns, please notify your child's teachers.
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A Message from Our Student Affairs Coordinator | |
Have you invested in your child’s relationship account today? | |
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Think of the relationship with your child as a savings account that you can invest in or withdraw from. Investing in the relationship account means doing the work to build a stronger and more fulfilling relationship with them through direct actions.
The more you invest by working to understand your child, the more likely you will keep a peaceful home environment, as your child will be intrinsically motivated to follow your lead out of trust.
The more you withdraw from your relationship account by reactively doing things that decrease trust, the more opposition you will see from your child in the future, as your child will want to test your level of unconditional love and understanding.
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Estefani Rondón
Student Affairs Coordinator (LS)
estefani@onenessfamily.org
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In that spirit, and to encourage your investment in your relationship account with your child, I have come up with some of the most common “don'ts” I hear from parents and what you can try instead:
Here are three common behaviors that withdraw from a child’s relationship account:
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Comparing them to siblings, cousins, and friends, especially regarding behavior
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Instead try this: See them, hear them, and be present by setting aside daily one-on-ones with each child in your home. Give them 100% of your attention, even if it is for only 15 minutes. Allow them to guide the conversation, play, and activity. This is a time to bond and fully connect. If you cannot give this undivided attention, communicate with your child about the next time you will be available to do that with them and give them a date and a time. | | |
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While complimenting their success can feel encouraging, asking children how they feel about what they have just completed or accomplished helps them process and connect to their feelings of self-awareness and create self-worth that is not dependent on outside validation or praise.
Instead try this: Catch them doing something good — and ask them, “How does it feel to accomplish that?"
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Verbal fights or controlling power plays
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It is important to have boundaries to keep children safe, but setting them must be done in a way that doesn't shame or threaten a child's perceived safety or access to your love. This behavior can disempower children, taking away their autonomy and choice. It is most harmful when done unexpectedly.
Instead try this: Know their triggers and build a care plan around them. For example, if your child struggles with new outings or getting ready for school, set agreements and talk about problem-solving together before an event, activity, or routine. Discuss ground rules, expectations, and logical consequences.
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I hope these strategies will help you and your child build a space to be your best selves. For more information review pages 38 and 39 from your copy of Montessori for Every Family, by Tim Seldin and Lorna McGrath.
More resources are available through the Montessori Foundation (as an OFS parent you have full access - see below!). I especially recommend the article "Building a Great Relationship with Your Child."
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The Montessori Family Alliance
Welcome to the Montessori Family Alliance! This year, Oneness-Family School has partnered with MFA to offer you an array of valuable resources for Montessori learning both at school and at home. Benefits include access to seven years of archived webinars, Tomorrow’s Child magazine, a monthly Member’s Newsletter, book reviews, and a supportive Facebook Group.
Click the link below a complete list of benefits and instructions on setting up your account.
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Politics & Prose Fundraiser - April 14 | |
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Stop by renowned DC bookstore Politics & Prose and buy a book while supporting our high school! On April 14, for all purchases made at any of the Politics and Prose locations in DC, 20% of the proceeds will go directly to our high school students' fundraising efforts for this year's spring trip.
Be sure to present the flyer linked below at the counter when you make your purchase!
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Primary Program Parent Forum on May 16
For Little Stars & Children's Peace Garden Families
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Thank you to all who attended our Primary Program Parent Forum last Wednesday! We had a great discussion about Montessori parenting for ages 2-6, with themes ranging from bedtime routines and bathroom independence to "big emotions."
Due to the popularity of the session, we are happy to announce that Bodil will host another session on Thursday, May 16, from 7-8 pm.
If you have a parenting question and cannot attend the next forum, Bodil is also available for private consultations. Please email her at bodil@onenessfamily.org.
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