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Words from Parents and Dragonflies Wednesdays

 We know that our child is different; you do not need to point out how different or awkward she is compared to her peers, especially normal peers.  Do you think we are not aware of this?  Do you think that by pointing it out you will be doing us a favor?  Well, it hurts.  If you must share something do so tactfully. 

No parent wants their child to have a disability, to be excluded, or feel different. 

Motivational Monday: Emmanuel Kelly

Emmanuel Kelly interview with Today Tonight

Here is a video of someone you should know, Emmanuel Kelly, not because of his disability but for his tenacity.  We all need to focus on our strength not our weakness.  Emmanuel was a contestant on the 2011 season of The X-Factor in Australia.  He did not win the competition but he did win our hearts for not letting his disabilities get in his way.

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ADHD A great thing to be!

Words from Parents and Dragonflies Wednesday

We know that teaching isn’t your whole life and that you have a large case/class load plus duties and responsibilities outside of work.  Guess what, we do too!  We may even have more than you do if our child needs outside counseling, therapy (PT/OT), tutoring, or medical appointments.  Do not vent to me that you don’t have enough time to teach my child something.  I don’t want to hear that, it is your job and if you need help tell your principal, not me!

Motivational Monday

Brief interview with Rick Riordan, the parent of a Dragonfly who goes out of his way to make learning more interesting for his ADHD and Dyslexic son.  If you have not read (or listen to) his book series Percy Jackson and the Olympians you MUST!  *All his books are great by the way!!Rick Riordan's interview!

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Only a creative mind could come up with this excuse 

Temple Grandin: Someone you should know

Temple Grandin: The world needs all kinds of minds

This wonderful woman is Temple Grandin is on the autism spectrum and does a great job here talking about her experiences and her work.   She revolutionized practices for the humane treatment for handling cattle.  She is on my list of people I want to have lunch!  Isn’t she great?  

Words from parents and Dragonflies Wednesday

v Never blame the child.  If something happens to the child such as getting teased or picked on do NOT tell the parents that it would happen less (or not at all) if their child just didn’t act a certain way, paid attention, or communicated more affectively.  It is NOT the child’s fault. 

v I know you are a teacher and not a counselor or therapist but my child’s emotional health at school is very important.  Remember that Maslow explained if basic physical and emotional needs are not met, a child cannot attend to the higher level functions such as learning. 

Letter to all Dragonflies!

Dear Dragonfly:

Sending you off a personal letter today to let you know how important you are to this world.  Over the years you have created an inner voice that isn’t always positive.  You may say things to yourself that you are stupid, you can’t do something, others are better than you, or that no one really cares but did you know that when you talk this way to yourself you are actually doing harm?  When you think negatively you will feel negative!  When you feel negative then negative things end up happening.  You don’t deserve to feel this or have negative experiences in your life!

So to help you out, here are ten positive statements you use to fight back against negative thoughts:

1.      I forgive myself for any and all past mistakes~ I now know better so I will do better and I did the best I could in my past.

2.      I value, honor, and accept myself exactly as I am.

3.      I respect myself enough to learn something new every day.

4.      I am courageous.

5.      Every day I am getting better and stronger.

6.      I deserve to have love, laughter, and calm in my life.

7.      I am confident in my capabilities, expertise, and know-how because I know there is no one exactly like me.

8.      I am successful.

9.      I am beautiful and smart.

10.  I have the power in my life and choose to surround myself with friends who treat me well because I am worth it!

So, my Dragonfly friend, remember the next time you start to have a negative inner voice, look into the mirror, and repeat one of these positive statements.  Do so with love and conviction because you really are a precious gift to this world. 

With all my care,

Your Dragonfly friend!

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