September's Theme of the Month: Pride

During the month of September, we dedicated time working with students to develop pride in themselves through academic and therapeutic progress. We not only helped students develop pride in themselves, but in something larger than them as well: the school.  Students participated in discussions, lessons and activities to help them experience teamwork and pride in an authentic way.

We often associate pride with large accomplishments or events, such as winning an award or patriotism during the period following 9/11. While these experiences are important, we focus on pride during the small moments as well.

We are proud of our new students for taking the risk to start at a new school. We are proud of our students for trying a new coping skill in place of maladaptive behavior. We are proud of our classrooms as they bond together as teams to accomplish a common goal. 

Students develop a better understanding of pride through experience with events such as Spirit Week and Group Therapy lessons encouraging self-acceptance, identity development, and enhancing self-esteem. At Lighthouse School, we help students identify and embrace their likes, dislikes, values, interests, and unique differences that make them who they are.

We hope you take the opportunity to reflect on pride with your student, remembering that the small moments are meaningful as well. Below is a link to a brief video about pride, identity, and values you can use to spark a discussion with your child: 

                       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om3INBWfoxY 

           October's Theme of the Month: Respect

During the month of October, students will be exploring the Bioeducational theme of Respect. Our students will explore tools to navigate social situations and learn what it means to show respect to themselves and others. We will all teach them to consider the effect their actions can have on other people. October is also Bullying Prevention Month and the theme of respect will be highlighted as we talk to students about bullying as well. School is a common setting where bullying can occur and given the social, emotional and behavioral goals students at Lighthouse are working on, they can be potential targets or aggressors in bullying cases. Our students will learn to show respect for themselves and others through role modeling, highlighting the importance of treating others the way they would like to be treated. 

If you'd like to follow up on the theme of Respect at home, we are including a few relevant book and movie recommendations:

Books:

• “My Secret Bully" by Trudy Ludwig 

•  “Chrysanthemum" by Kevin Henkes 

•  “Are you a bucket filler?" by Carol Mcloud

•  “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio

•  “The Recess Queen" by Alexis O'Neil

• “Bully" by Patricia Polacco

Movie Suggestions: 

Bridge to Terabithia, Chicken Little, Sky High, Karate Kid