School Year Kids/Teens 09-10 - Session 2

We had a total of nine kids tonight. The numbers were a little smaller because we had to move the meeting night and also because a couple kids were sick. The group really is settling in very nicely and very quickly. For today’s project, they met in small groups with the counselors and practiced joke telling with one another. They then came into the larger room, and, two at a time, had an opportunity to tell me what the joke was. The joke was then transferred into a comic strip, and at the next meeting, everyone will have a chance to narrate it.

One of the things that is really nice to see is how the kids are really beginning to talk with one another, and some of the kids who were quieter at the first session are now starting to be more outgoing. We are also starting to see a little bit more misbehavior such as kids slumping or sitting sideways in chairs, but that is at a very manageable level.

One of the things that is coming up for many of the kids is manners, such as using their forks properly, knowing how to cut with a knife and trying new foods. Tonight’s foods to try were raw mushrooms and raw broccoli. The kids were told that they could earn a hero ticket for any child who tried these for the first time. Several of them partook in trying out the new foods.

Overall, the tone of the group was relaxed and organized. They crossed the street safely and stayed together as a group. No serious misbehaviors were noted.

There will be a parent teleconference (which will probably have already occurred by the time you read this) tonight; mostly for new parents. Our first parent dinner for both teen and kid parents will be the first Tuesday in December (December 1). The location will be announced in the next week.

The dinner ended uneventfully. However one thing that was interesting to note was the some of the kids became a little bit restless, while other kids were getting a second wind and finishing more of their meals, with many of them continuing to try new vegetables such as broccoli, mushrooms and spinach. They crossed safely but became a little bit restless as they were coming back. We had a chance to implement some of our safety procedures, such as staying away from the curb while walking, standing six feet away while standing at a corner, So, all in all, an enjoyable, uneventful evening. -- Bruce

School Year Kids/Teens 09-10 - Session 1

Hi Parents!

Today was our first session for the 2009-2010 School Year Program. We had twelve out of thirteen kids attending. We have a total of four paraprofessional counselors. Some of you may remember Stacy, she worked last School Year. Carli worked during the summer program. We have a returning counselor, Linda and a brand-new counselor, Cyndi. Linda has her Master's in Psychology and Cyndi has been working in Special Ed for the past four years.

Back to the kids. Those who were returning seemed excited to be back, and many of them immediately recognized and said "hi" to one another. It was impressive to see how many of them have grown so much since May, and in one or two cases, even since the summer.

After they were dropped off by parents, we did something brand new. After saying their "goodbyes," we headed into Gelson’s market. The purpose of this was to give them an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the market, but also to help introduce them to quick group decision making. They quickly went past the deli, and some of them wanted some BBQ pizza, so we took one slice and cut it up into appetizer-sized portions. We selected some apples and also a bag of healthier-style popcorn. You would think that getting apples would be simple, but one of the children became a bit upset at the idea that the apples we were getting were not the kind he liked. He handled this disappointment. This is the kind of opportunity that often comes up in group, and we just try to normalize the experience for the kids.

After finishing up at the market, which went smoothly, alumni members each carried back one grocery item to the office, and we settled into the waiting room, where kids quickly looked at magazines. I spoke with them about what would be happening in group and had them go around and learn each other’s names. We then transitioned into the main room, where they were served their snacks, and then we did a Powerpoint together.

The purpose of the PowerPoint (actually Keynote) was for them to begin a simple group exercise where they take turns selecting their nicknames, identifying something they wish to earn during group for the raffles, then specify at least one behavior they wish to work on outside of group.

This took about 45 minutes and all of the kids had a chance to participate. We also watched a couple of animations, then headed off for dinner, tonight was Baja Fresh. Some of the kids were enthusiastic, others balked slightly, but everyone managed to get something to eat and visited with others.

The evening ended uneventfully and all of the kids looked as though they enjoyed themselves.

I have to be in New York the week of our next meeting, so we have changed the time to Tuesday, 11/10. This is a one-time situation. Otherwise, we should be meeting on the first and third Wed of each month. Also, the first Parent Telemeeting is scheduled for Tuesday 11/10, at 8pm. It's mostly for new families, but all are invited. You will each receive invitation links.

See you next time!

Bruce