THE MAGIC FORMULA

Do you know "the magic formula"?  The 2nd graders do!  We spend an abundance of time and effort in working on getting along well with others and ways to handle conflicts.  One of our favorite guidance lessons focuses on learning how to use our words assertively.  The words used are "When you-------, I feel-------, and I want you to---------.  The magic is in the delivery of these sentences.  The students practice saying them confidently and firmly but never in anger.  If they can employ these skills on a regular basis just think what effective communicators they will be.  Watch the videos for a glimpse of the students role playing "the magic formula".

The Importance of Teaching Empathy

8th Graders, Santa (Davis Daniel), Sam Edwards and K-4 student, Cole Hughes

The holidays are a time of great joy for many of us.  There is a wonderful spirit of giving in the air, and boundless opportunities for helping the less fortunate.  Our Saint James students and teachers are involved in several different projects this month, and we are so proud of their level of commitment and desire to help others.  These experiences underscore the fact that every person -  regardless of their circumstances - has value, and deserves respect.  We should take every opportunity to encourage compassion and caring in our children.  Researchers tell us that we are all born with the potential for empathy, but as we grow, our environment and nurturing shape us where empathy either increases, or is replaced by more negative emotions.  Empathy isn't something that matures on its own - it must be learned.  As parents, we act as an "empathy coach" by the examples we set.  As we help them to recognize and understand the feelings of others, they should be encouraged to put aside their own materialistic thoughts for a moment.  When we lend a listening ear, or act in a generous manner, we are showing them how to act in accordance with the principles of respect and compassion.  This important social skill will grow stronger as a result of the good examples provided by their first and best teachers - their parents!  Raising empathy awareness results in respect for others, integrity, and responsibility.  Through experiencing the feelings of others, they will learn to be caring and compassionate,  develop a social conscience, and become more integrated socially,  thereby realizing that they play a significant part in the community.  Empathy will greatly influence their personal relationships as well.  If they haven't learned to understand emotions and behave empathetically, it will be difficult to form and sustain personal relationships as they move into adulthood.  So as we enter this season of giving, let's ask ourselves if we are emphasizing the importance of civility and kindness in our interactions with others.  Remember to be caring and considerate of everyone......................your children are watching. This wonderful article was written by JoAnn Reifenberg for The Health Connection.

The holidays are a time of great joy for many of us.  There is a wonderful spirit of giving in the air, and boundless opportunities for helping the less fortunate.  Our Saint James students and teachers are involved in several different projects this month, and we are so proud of their level of commitment and desire to help others.  These experiences underscore the fact that every person -  regardless of their circumstances - has value, and deserves respect.  We should take every opportunity to encourage compassion and caring in our children.  Researchers tell us that we are all born with the potential for empathy, but as we grow, our environment and nurturing shape us where empathy either increases, or is replaced by more negative emotions.  Empathy isn't something that matures on its own - it must be learned.  As parents, we act as an "empathy coach" by the examples we set.  As we help them to recognize and understand the feelings of others, they should be encouraged to put aside their own materialistic thoughts for a moment.  When we lend a listening ear, or act in a generous manner, we are showing them how to act in accordance with the principles of respect and compassion.  This important social skill will grow stronger as a result of the good examples provided by their first and best teachers - their parents!  Raising empathy awareness results in respect for others, integrity, and responsibility.  Through experiencing the feelings of others, they will learn to be caring and compassionate,  develop a social conscience, and become more integrated socially,  thereby realizing that they play a significant part in the community.  Empathy will greatly influence their personal relationships as well.  If they haven't learned to understand emotions and behave empathetically, it will be difficult to form and sustain personal relationships as they move into adulthood.  So as we enter this season of giving, let's ask ourselves if we are emphasizing the importance of civility and kindness in our interactions with others.  Remember to be caring and considerate of everyone......................your children are watching. This wonderful article was written by JoAnn Reifenberg for The Health Connection.

The holidays are a time of great joy for many of us.  There is a wonderful spirit of giving in the air, and boundless opportunities for helping the less fortunate.  Our Saint James students and teachers are involved in several different projects this month, and we are so proud of their level of commitment and desire to help others.  These experiences underscore the fact that every person -  regardless of their circumstances - has value, and deserves respect.  We should take every opportunity to encourage compassion and caring in our children.  Researchers tell us that we are all born with the potential for empathy, but as we grow, our environment and nurturing shape us where empathy either increases, or is replaced by more negative emotions.  Empathy isn't something that matures on its own - it must be learned.  As parents, we act as an "empathy coach" by the examples we set.  As we help them to recognize and understand the feelings of others, they should be encouraged to put aside their own materialistic thoughts for a moment.  When we lend a listening ear, or act in a generous manner, we are showing them how to act in accordance with the principles of respect and compassion.  This important social skill will grow stronger as a result of the good examples provided by their first and best teachers - their parents!  Raising empathy awareness results in respect for others, integrity, and responsibility.  Through experiencing the feelings of others, they will learn to be caring and compassionate,  develop a social conscience, and become more integrated socially,  thereby realizing that they play a significant part in the community.  Empathy will greatly influence their personal relationships as well.  If they haven't learned to understand emotions and behave empathetically, it will be difficult to form and sustain personal relationships as they move into adulthood.  So as we enter this season of giving, let's ask ourselves if we are emphasizing the importance of civility and kindness in our interactions with others.  Remember to be caring and considerate of everyone......................your children are watching. This wonderful article was written by JoAnn Reifenberg for The Health Connection.

The holidays are a time of great joy for many of us.  There is a wonderful spirit of giving in the air, and boundless opportunities for helping the less fortunate.  Our Saint James students and teachers are involved in several different projects this month, and we are so proud of their level of commitment and desire to help others.  These experiences underscore the fact that every person -  regardless of their circumstances - has value, and deserves respect.  We should take every opportunity to encourage compassion and caring in our children.  Researchers tell us that we are all born with the potential for empathy, but as we grow, our environment and nurturing shape us where empathy either increases, or is replaced by more negative emotions.  Empathy isn't something that matures on its own - it must be learned.  As parents, we act as an "empathy coach" by the examples we set.  As we help them to recognize and understand the feelings of others, they should be encouraged to put aside their own materialistic thoughts for a moment.  When we lend a listening ear, or act in a generous manner, we are showing them how to act in accordance with the principles of respect and compassion.  This important social skill will grow stronger as a result of the good examples provided by their first and best teachers - their parents!  Raising empathy awareness results in respect for others, integrity, and responsibility.  Through experiencing the feelings of others, they will learn to be caring and compassionate,  develop a social conscience, and become more integrated socially,  thereby realizing that they play a significant part in the community.  Empathy will greatly influence their personal relationships as well.  If they haven't learned to understand emotions and behave empathetically, it will be difficult to form and sustain personal relationships as they move into adulthood.  So as we enter this season of giving, let's ask ourselves if we are emphasizing the importance of civility and kindness in our interactions with others.  Remember to be caring and considerate of everyone......................your children are watching. This wonderful article was written by JoAnn Reifenberg for The Health Connection.