Written by: Robin M. Wilson, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Who remembers the original television series and movie "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?" Okay, I know I’m telling you my age. Still, like many of you, I had my favorite childhood superheroes, one of which was Leonardo. He was the ninja turtle in the blue bandanna. Why was he my favorite? He was courageous, cool, and calm all at the same time. Like him, many of us may remain calm in challenging situations. However, if you are honest, there are times when you are not courageous, cool, or calm. The same is true for our children: they need encouragement to be bold, too.
Now, more than ever, our children need a healthy dose of courage. Whether it is your child's first time stepping foot into a classroom or they are returning to school, our children need our encouragement and support. With a new school year comes new teachers, peers, and new learning environments. For many parents and young scholars, it also comes with the added concern of COVID-19.
As a kindergarten teacher, I am preparing to welcome young scholars into our classroom after Labor Day. While many schools have returned to in-person instruction across the United States, this will be the first time that many teachers and scholars will step foot into a classroom since the pandemic started. That means that there will be an adjustment period for parents, scholars, and teachers who will be face-to-face in the fall. So how can you support your child to ensure that they enter their classroom like superheroes? Here are three bold moves that you can make.
Develop Healthy and Fun Routines:
When you develop daily routines, it creates consistency for your child. Research has shown that healthy routines can support a child’s sense of safety. Therefore, consider starting your mornings with words of affirmation. You may also consider singing a favorite song with your child while you help them get ready for school. These types of routines can help set a positive tone and great expectations for their day.
Furthermore, if you have younger children, give them opportunities to practice washing their hands and putting on their masks before leaving the house. Many school districts are requiring scholars and teachers to wear masks as a safety precaution. Therefore, if you give your children opportunities to practice these habits at home, they will be prepared to physically enter their classrooms.
Many superheroes wear masks. So, it may be fun to tap into your child’s imagination and pretend to be superheroes who put on their masks to go out and conquer the world! A little mask action can be a bold move.
Read Books that Empower:
A great way to inspire courage in your child is to read books on the topic. Consider empowering your little ones with these courageous reads:
1. The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
A little raccoon does not want to part with his mama for its first day of school. Does that sound familiar to you? Maybe your little one is anxious about leaving your side. If that is the case, The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn is a precious gift. It is a good read that will remind your precious little one of your love for them. The story can also help them to understand that new experiences can be good.
2. A Little Spot of Courage by Diane Alber
All you need is a spot of courage! This is what Spot discovers in his quest to be courageous like superheroes. If your child needs a little courage, they are bound to enjoy this story about finding courage even amid fearful situations. Young readers will explore what it means to be courageous and kind in the pages of A Little Spot of Courage by Diane Alber. They will also learn positive mindset mantras throughout the story that can help them make bold decisions in scary situations.
3. Brave as Can Be: A Book of Courage by Jo Witek
Lions, tigers, and bears! Oh...my! Whether or not your child has a mountain of fears, Brave as Can Be: A Book of Courage by Jo Witek is a story about a young girl who uses singing and her imagination to overcome some of her fears. She reflects on the things that scared her when she was younger. Your young reader may find a little of themselves in the story’s main character.
You may also decide to act out parts of the stories for young readers. This brings the stories to life. It also creates a safe space for your child to talk about their fears, gives you an opportunity to affirm your child’s thoughts and emotions, and to reassure them.
Use Positive Talk:
Have positive conversations with your child. Engage them in conversations about topics that interest them. What brings them joy? It can be something serious or silly. If it is something silly, laugh with them—laughter is good medicine for the heart. The topic that ‘floats their boat’ is bound to bring some level of calm. Therefore, if it’s calmness that you are striving for, focus on conversations that spark joy and hopefulness.
Also, be intentional about your conversations. For example, if you talk to your child on your car ride home, turn off the radio and tune into what they are saying. Listening to their thoughts and the events of their day can provide emotional support. This is a great idea for older kids, too. If your child knows that you support them, they will be encouraged to live more boldly, especially in situations that call for it.
In this often-crazy world, even if you don’t have a blue bandanna like Leonardo, it's possible to stand calm amid uncertainty. It's okay to have fears, but it’s how you work through your fears that makes you courageous.
I am a brave kindergarten teacher, who is returning to the classroom with a courageous mindset. This year, I hope to inspire courage in my young scholars, too. We all need a little spot of courage.
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Robin M. Wilson, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Robin M. Wilson is the founder and CEO of Robin Wilson Educational Consulting LLC, where she combines her research knowledge and professional experience to guide nonprofit organizations in developing effective strategies for serving youth, especially young girls and women.
With more than 10 years of experience working on literacy initiatives and in the nonprofit sector, Robin has worked directly with people from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds locally and abroad. She has trained youth and adults to become leaders and responsible citizens. Robin is a compassionate leader with a passion for uplifting and inspiring young people to lead and thrive.
