Why Should My Child Explore Careers?
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Hands-on Career Exploration
There are many ways for your child to "try-on" careers during the middle and high school years.
* Have your child volunteer for organizations that hire people in his or career interest area.
* Let your child take part-time or summer jobs that relate to his or her career interest area.
* Find someone who works in your child's career interest area and arrange for your child to watch that worker for a day.
* Help your child find an internship or work-based learning experience related to his or her career interest area. Your child may be able to get high school credit for this type of work experience.
* Find out if your child's high school offers vocational classes in a field in which he or she is interested.
Where Can my Child Find Quality Career Information for Exploration?
There are many resources for career exploration. The career center or library in your child's school may be the first place to start. Your child's school or local library may also have a computerized career information delivery system (CIDS) to provide career information to your child.
Every state has a local office of America's Career Resource Network (ACRN). ACRN is a nationwide network dedicated to helping young people and adults identify and provide the academic and career skills they need to become productive citizens, workers and community members. You can find the contact information for the ACRN office in your state by going to: http://www.acrenetwork.org and clicking on Network.
For more information:
Occupational Outlook Handbook online at http://stats.bls.gov/oco/
America's Career InfoNet at: http://www.acinet.org
O*Net: http://online.onetcenter.org
WOIS Portfolio, WOIS/The Career Information System at: http://www.wois.org
Your Child's Career, A Website for Parents at: http://www.yourchildscareer.org/careerplanning/careerplan_no_plan.htm
Why Should My Child Explore Careers?
For your child to make good career decisions, he or she must explore and investigate many careers. Active participation in career exploration activities will help your child become aware of the many career opportunities available and the steps that need to be taken to reach his or her career goals. Some advantages of career exploration include:
*Understanding the work environments of interesting careers;
*Exposing your child to careers he or she may never have considered; and
*Discovering the various types of post-high school education and training, as well as their costs, so your child does not waste time and money getting training unrelated to his or her chosen career.
Start Career Exploration Early
Career Exploration should begin in middle school. It should be a continual process throughout your child's middle and high school years.
Career development is a life-long process and your child's plans will probably change as he or she gathers more information. Exploring careers does not mean that decisions have to be made and set in stone. It does not mean that as your child makes decisions about his or her career direction, those decisions will be based on concrete realistic information.
What Should Career Exploration Look Like?
Career exploration begins with the awareness that different occupations exist. It continues with research and "trying out" several occupations. There are two ways to explore careers; one is to investigate and the other is to experience. Your child should engage in both.
Investigating Careers: Your child should collect as much information as possible about several career options. Your child may be interested in careers that are similar, such as an animal scientist, veterinarian and dolphin trainer; or your child may have wide-spread interests and want to explore careers in a variety of fields, such as firefighter, mental health counselor and electrician. Whether your child's interests are focused or general, he or she will be able to create a more realistic educational and career plan by participating in career exploration activities.
Information about careers that should be investigated include:
*What education does this career require?
*Where is the education/training available? Am I able to access the education/training needed to enter this career?
*What is the future outlook for this career?
*What is the path for advancement in the career?
*What other careers are closely related to this career?
*What are the everyday tasks performed in this career?
*What are the normal work hours?
*Does this career require travel?
*What health and retirement benefits are generally found in this line of work?
*What are the typical wages for this career?
*Do I need to relocate to find a job?
*Do the tasks match my interests and values?
Help Your Child Create a Career Portfolio
A career portfolio is a collection of your child's academic and work experiences, career interest assessments and personal achievements. A career portfolio can encourage your child to keep a record of important academic and career information that he or she may need in the future.
Make a Career Portfolio Teachable Moment
Help your child make a career portfolio using a file, envelope, journal, scrapbook or other storage device. As your child investigates careers, encourage him or her to put copies of the information gathered into the career portfolio. The portfolio may also be a place for your child to:
*Record and save dates, places and duties performed in volunteer work, paid jobs, internships or work-based learning experiences. This information can be later transferred to a resume or job application.
*Record classes taken in middle and high school and grades received in those classes.
*Store information about education and training research and the colleges or other training locations explored by your child.
*Record results from interest and personality assessments.
*Store records of awards, achievements, or honors.
*Record information about extracurricular activities.
When your child keeps all of his or her career and educational exploration information in one place it will be easily accessible when he or she is ready to apply to college, apply for a job or create a resume. It will also help your child compare the information he or she gathers in the career exploration process.
Community Colleges
This week I had the opportunity to speak with a variety of students who are beginning to make decisions as to what school they will attend upon graduating from high school. In my experience as an educator, one of the things I have noticed is that many students tend to view community college as a step below the four-year university. As an educator, one of the things I really try to help students see is that beginning college at a community college is a wonderful way to begin the college years.
Here's an article I came across which highlights this thought process.
Community College: A Viable Option
by Jennifer GrossSource: National Association for College Admission Counseling
What do an Academy Award nominated actor, the first female space shuttle commander, the governor of Hawaii, and the president of the NAACP have in common? All four got their start at a community college.
More and more students are enrolling in community colleges across the nation, even as media attention focuses mostly on selective four-year colleges. Why are students choosing community colleges, and should you consider a community college as a part of your college search?
The Economic Option
One reason for the growing popularity of community colleges is their relatively low tuition. Overall, the average cost of public community colleges is less than half the cost of public four-year colleges and about one-tenth the cost of private four-year colleges. "Community college is a way for students to afford college without accumulating huge debts," says Linda Shapiro, an independent counselor (MA) and president of the New England Association for College Admission Counseling. "Two years at a community college are fairly inexpensive, so the total cost for a full four years is relatively low." As a result, students who spend two years at a community college and then transfer to a four-year college spend less money for the same bachelor's degree as their classmates.
The Associate's Degree Option
Of course, the two-year associate's degree is a goal in itself for many community college students. Community colleges offer a wide variety of programs that train students to work in specialized fields, such as dental hygiene, computer technology, nursing, and culinary arts.
"The push for everyone to go to a four-year college ignores the fact that not everyone is suited by talent or interest to spending four years studying many of the same subjects they hated in high school," says Shapiro. "In two years, students can get training for a fulfilling and well-paying career."
The Transfer Option
For students who want the four-year degree, community colleges work with four-year colleges to make sure that students can make a smooth transfer. (You might even be able to complete your bachelor's degree through another college but at the community college.) Most community colleges maintain transfer or "articulation" agreements with a number of four-year colleges. These agreements map out exactly which community college courses will transfer to a specific four-year college. They may even guarantee admission as a junior to students who fulfill certain course work and grade requirements. For more information on whether the community college you're considering has articulation agreements with the four-year colleges that interest you, talk to an academic advisor at the community college.
Some students use their two years at community college to improve their chances of getting into a more selective four-year college.
"Almost no colleges will look at your SATs or high school grades after you complete community college," notes Scott White, a counselor at Montclair High School (NJ). Instead, you will be measured by your performance at the community college. This is good news for students with less-than-stellar high school records.
"Community college offers an opportunity to prepare for a bachelor's degree program at a college you might have been unable to be accepted to out of high school," says John Yaegel, counselor at Tenafly High School (NJ).
The Flexible Option
Most community colleges cater to students of all ages and backgrounds. As a result, you'll often find more options in class scheduling, including evening and weekend classes. Distance learning is also one of the strengths of community colleges, with a variety of courses offered online, by correspondence or by other alternative methods (such as "telecourses").
An Option for You?
Community colleges can have some drawbacks for students who want the residential college experience. The majority of community colleges do not offer dorms (although you can find some that do), and many community college students have full-time work or family obligations. As a result, you may not find the same breadth or depth of social options and extracurricular activities that you would at a traditional four-year residential college. On the other hand, community college often provides a more supportive learning environment, with smaller class sizes and an emphasis on academic and career counseling, than do larger universities.
As with all college decisions, make sure to research the specific community colleges that interest you. Like their four-year counterparts, each community college is unique, and you must decide for yourself which colleges may be right for you.
But don't automatically cross community colleges off your list. After all, they were right for actor Dustin Hoffman (Santa Monica College); the first female space shuttle commander, Eileen Collins (Corning Community College); Hawaii Governor Benjamin Cayetano (Los Angeles Harbor College); and President of the NAACP, Kweisi Mfume (Baltimore City Community College).
Here's an article I came across which highlights this thought process.
Community College: A Viable Option
by Jennifer GrossSource: National Association for College Admission Counseling
What do an Academy Award nominated actor, the first female space shuttle commander, the governor of Hawaii, and the president of the NAACP have in common? All four got their start at a community college.
More and more students are enrolling in community colleges across the nation, even as media attention focuses mostly on selective four-year colleges. Why are students choosing community colleges, and should you consider a community college as a part of your college search?
The Economic Option
One reason for the growing popularity of community colleges is their relatively low tuition. Overall, the average cost of public community colleges is less than half the cost of public four-year colleges and about one-tenth the cost of private four-year colleges. "Community college is a way for students to afford college without accumulating huge debts," says Linda Shapiro, an independent counselor (MA) and president of the New England Association for College Admission Counseling. "Two years at a community college are fairly inexpensive, so the total cost for a full four years is relatively low." As a result, students who spend two years at a community college and then transfer to a four-year college spend less money for the same bachelor's degree as their classmates.
The Associate's Degree Option
Of course, the two-year associate's degree is a goal in itself for many community college students. Community colleges offer a wide variety of programs that train students to work in specialized fields, such as dental hygiene, computer technology, nursing, and culinary arts.
"The push for everyone to go to a four-year college ignores the fact that not everyone is suited by talent or interest to spending four years studying many of the same subjects they hated in high school," says Shapiro. "In two years, students can get training for a fulfilling and well-paying career."
The Transfer Option
For students who want the four-year degree, community colleges work with four-year colleges to make sure that students can make a smooth transfer. (You might even be able to complete your bachelor's degree through another college but at the community college.) Most community colleges maintain transfer or "articulation" agreements with a number of four-year colleges. These agreements map out exactly which community college courses will transfer to a specific four-year college. They may even guarantee admission as a junior to students who fulfill certain course work and grade requirements. For more information on whether the community college you're considering has articulation agreements with the four-year colleges that interest you, talk to an academic advisor at the community college.
Some students use their two years at community college to improve their chances of getting into a more selective four-year college.
"Almost no colleges will look at your SATs or high school grades after you complete community college," notes Scott White, a counselor at Montclair High School (NJ). Instead, you will be measured by your performance at the community college. This is good news for students with less-than-stellar high school records.
"Community college offers an opportunity to prepare for a bachelor's degree program at a college you might have been unable to be accepted to out of high school," says John Yaegel, counselor at Tenafly High School (NJ).
The Flexible Option
Most community colleges cater to students of all ages and backgrounds. As a result, you'll often find more options in class scheduling, including evening and weekend classes. Distance learning is also one of the strengths of community colleges, with a variety of courses offered online, by correspondence or by other alternative methods (such as "telecourses").
An Option for You?
Community colleges can have some drawbacks for students who want the residential college experience. The majority of community colleges do not offer dorms (although you can find some that do), and many community college students have full-time work or family obligations. As a result, you may not find the same breadth or depth of social options and extracurricular activities that you would at a traditional four-year residential college. On the other hand, community college often provides a more supportive learning environment, with smaller class sizes and an emphasis on academic and career counseling, than do larger universities.
As with all college decisions, make sure to research the specific community colleges that interest you. Like their four-year counterparts, each community college is unique, and you must decide for yourself which colleges may be right for you.
But don't automatically cross community colleges off your list. After all, they were right for actor Dustin Hoffman (Santa Monica College); the first female space shuttle commander, Eileen Collins (Corning Community College); Hawaii Governor Benjamin Cayetano (Los Angeles Harbor College); and President of the NAACP, Kweisi Mfume (Baltimore City Community College).
The Dreaded Science Fair Project!
As a teacher and wife of a science teacher, it's not surprising to hear each year around this time, the many complaints that revolve around science fair projects. In all honesty, I find them to not only be a great learning opportunity for students, but also, a great opportunity for parents to bond and work side by side with their child.
I came across this article today that lists some great tips for parents as they journey through the science fair project with their child. Enjoy!
Tips for Parents
Source: Interior Alaska Science Fair
Set your child up for Success
Your child will be more likely to have a positive Science Fair experience if you follow these tips:
*Be positive about your child's work.
*Be aware of the boy-girl syndrome; girls CAN do science projects also.
*Be aware of the "perfect project" syndrome; allow yourself and your child to make mistakes. Edison made many before he came up with the right answer!
*Be honest with your children: If you don't know the answer, tell your child.
*Look around for ideas: take youngsters to your garden, library, etc.
*Seek out people to help you, friends who could "assist" your child.
*Get books for your children, join and use the public library.
*Collect and save materials; free and inexpensive materials found around the home often work best.
*Work with materials; allow your child to "mess about" with materials without your direction.
*Allow your child time for thinking, exploring, and doing the project.
*Save time especially for repeating the experiment many times.
*Stress "how to" skills, e.g., observing rather than memorizing facts.
*Examine issues with moral consequences, e.g., animals being harmed for experimental purposes.
*Help children to keep a daily log of their research activities.
*Help children write a report of their science fair research.
*Go over the results of your child's research with your child in order to help him/her practice explaining their research.
*Go to the science fair with your child and take pictures of projects that you are all interested in. These will serve as a resource for future research ideas.
*Talk to your child about future science fair projects that they would like to do.
*Keep a log of ideas as they come up throughout the year.
*If the experiment "didn't work," discuss with your child why this is so. Encourage your child to explain the results and ENTER the project anyway!
*REMEMBER, this is a learning experience for you CHILD. Projects should be done and understood by your child. You are welcome to guide.
There are many websites that have science fair ideas in many topics. Go to Google.com and type in "science fair projects" and several sites will appear
I came across this article today that lists some great tips for parents as they journey through the science fair project with their child. Enjoy!
Tips for Parents
Source: Interior Alaska Science Fair
Set your child up for Success
Your child will be more likely to have a positive Science Fair experience if you follow these tips:
*Be positive about your child's work.
*Be aware of the boy-girl syndrome; girls CAN do science projects also.
*Be aware of the "perfect project" syndrome; allow yourself and your child to make mistakes. Edison made many before he came up with the right answer!
*Be honest with your children: If you don't know the answer, tell your child.
*Look around for ideas: take youngsters to your garden, library, etc.
*Seek out people to help you, friends who could "assist" your child.
*Get books for your children, join and use the public library.
*Collect and save materials; free and inexpensive materials found around the home often work best.
*Work with materials; allow your child to "mess about" with materials without your direction.
*Allow your child time for thinking, exploring, and doing the project.
*Save time especially for repeating the experiment many times.
*Stress "how to" skills, e.g., observing rather than memorizing facts.
*Examine issues with moral consequences, e.g., animals being harmed for experimental purposes.
*Help children to keep a daily log of their research activities.
*Help children write a report of their science fair research.
*Go over the results of your child's research with your child in order to help him/her practice explaining their research.
*Go to the science fair with your child and take pictures of projects that you are all interested in. These will serve as a resource for future research ideas.
*Talk to your child about future science fair projects that they would like to do.
*Keep a log of ideas as they come up throughout the year.
*If the experiment "didn't work," discuss with your child why this is so. Encourage your child to explain the results and ENTER the project anyway!
*REMEMBER, this is a learning experience for you CHILD. Projects should be done and understood by your child. You are welcome to guide.
There are many websites that have science fair ideas in many topics. Go to Google.com and type in "science fair projects" and several sites will appear
What Can My Child Do to Prepare Academically for College?
What Can My Child Do to Prepare Academically for College?
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Take Courses Recommended for College-Bound Students
To prepare for college, there is no substitute for your child getting a solid and broad academic education. This means your child should take challenging courses in academic subjects and maintain good grades in high school. Your child's transcript will be an important part of his or her college application. A college education builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in earlier years. It is best for your child to start planning a high school course schedule early, in the seventh or eighth grade. Research shows that students who complete algebra and geometry by the end of ninth grade are more likely to go to college than those who do not. By taking these courses early, students are then prepared to take geometry, trigonometry, calculus, and science courses in high school.
Most selective colleges (those with the highest admissions requirements) prefer to admit students who have taken courses in certain subject areas.
For example, many colleges prefer that high school students have taken challenging science courses and mathematics courses beyond general math and algebra. Basic computer skills are now essential, and some colleges prefer three or four years of a foreign language. Your child's guidance counselor can help your child determine the high school courses required or preferred by different types of colleges. If your child is interested in specific colleges, he or she can contact those schools and ask about their admissions requirements.
Many high schools offer advanced placement (AP) courses and exams. AP courses are college-level courses in approximately 16 different subjects; they help students prepare for college-level work while they are still in high school. Students who take AP courses are often more prepared for the academic challenges presented in college. In addition, a student who takes an AP course, and who scores a grade of 3 or higher on an AP exam, can often receive advanced placement in college or credit for a college course. [Footnote: This can result in significant cost savings. However, not all colleges and universities give credit or advanced placement for earning a grade of 3 or higher on an AP exam. Write to the admissions office of the colleges that are of interest to your child to find out if they give credit for an AP exam grade of 3 or higher. Ask to obtain the college's AP policy in writing, or look for a policy in the institution's catalog.] Talk to one of your child's teachers, your child's guidance counselor, or the principal of your child's school to find out if the school offers AP courses. If they don't, ask whether they might consider offering AP courses in the future.
Even if your child is interested in attending a junior college, community college, or technical college, he or she should take most of these courses since they provide the preparation necessary for all kinds of postsecondary education. (In addition, many students who attend two-year colleges go on to earn a B.A. or B.S. degree at a four-year college or university.)
Mathematical and scientific concepts and skills learned in math classes are used in many disciplines outside of these courses. Recent studies have shown that students who take higher level math courses are much more likely to go on to, and complete, college than students who do not.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Take Courses Recommended for College-Bound Students
To prepare for college, there is no substitute for your child getting a solid and broad academic education. This means your child should take challenging courses in academic subjects and maintain good grades in high school. Your child's transcript will be an important part of his or her college application. A college education builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in earlier years. It is best for your child to start planning a high school course schedule early, in the seventh or eighth grade. Research shows that students who complete algebra and geometry by the end of ninth grade are more likely to go to college than those who do not. By taking these courses early, students are then prepared to take geometry, trigonometry, calculus, and science courses in high school.
Most selective colleges (those with the highest admissions requirements) prefer to admit students who have taken courses in certain subject areas.
For example, many colleges prefer that high school students have taken challenging science courses and mathematics courses beyond general math and algebra. Basic computer skills are now essential, and some colleges prefer three or four years of a foreign language. Your child's guidance counselor can help your child determine the high school courses required or preferred by different types of colleges. If your child is interested in specific colleges, he or she can contact those schools and ask about their admissions requirements.
Many high schools offer advanced placement (AP) courses and exams. AP courses are college-level courses in approximately 16 different subjects; they help students prepare for college-level work while they are still in high school. Students who take AP courses are often more prepared for the academic challenges presented in college. In addition, a student who takes an AP course, and who scores a grade of 3 or higher on an AP exam, can often receive advanced placement in college or credit for a college course. [Footnote: This can result in significant cost savings. However, not all colleges and universities give credit or advanced placement for earning a grade of 3 or higher on an AP exam. Write to the admissions office of the colleges that are of interest to your child to find out if they give credit for an AP exam grade of 3 or higher. Ask to obtain the college's AP policy in writing, or look for a policy in the institution's catalog.] Talk to one of your child's teachers, your child's guidance counselor, or the principal of your child's school to find out if the school offers AP courses. If they don't, ask whether they might consider offering AP courses in the future.
Even if your child is interested in attending a junior college, community college, or technical college, he or she should take most of these courses since they provide the preparation necessary for all kinds of postsecondary education. (In addition, many students who attend two-year colleges go on to earn a B.A. or B.S. degree at a four-year college or university.)
Mathematical and scientific concepts and skills learned in math classes are used in many disciplines outside of these courses. Recent studies have shown that students who take higher level math courses are much more likely to go on to, and complete, college than students who do not.
Traditional English courses such as American and English literature will help students improve their writing skills, reading comprehension, and vocabulary. History and geography will help your child better understand our society as well as societies around the world.
Research also indicates that students who take courses in the arts disciplines and who participate in the arts (performing arts and visual arts) often do better in school and on standardized tests. The arts help students to learn; they often give students a richer understanding of history, science, literature, and math.
Thirty states require students to take some art course(s) (visual or performing) before graduating from high school; six state university systems require students to take at least one unit of art (visual or performing) at the high school level before gaining admission to the university. Many college admissions staff view participation in the arts as a valuable experience that broadens students' understanding and appreciation of the world around them.
Questions to Ask Guidance Counselors
* What basic academic courses do you recommend for students who want to go to college?
* How many years of each academic subject does the high school require for graduation?
* What elective courses do you recommend for college-bound students?
* Can students who are considering college get special help or tutoring?
* What activities can students do at home and over the summers to strengthen their
Research also indicates that students who take courses in the arts disciplines and who participate in the arts (performing arts and visual arts) often do better in school and on standardized tests. The arts help students to learn; they often give students a richer understanding of history, science, literature, and math.
Thirty states require students to take some art course(s) (visual or performing) before graduating from high school; six state university systems require students to take at least one unit of art (visual or performing) at the high school level before gaining admission to the university. Many college admissions staff view participation in the arts as a valuable experience that broadens students' understanding and appreciation of the world around them.
Questions to Ask Guidance Counselors
* What basic academic courses do you recommend for students who want to go to college?
* How many years of each academic subject does the high school require for graduation?
* What elective courses do you recommend for college-bound students?
* Can students who are considering college get special help or tutoring?
* What activities can students do at home and over the summers to strengthen their
preparation for college?
* How much homework is expected of students preparing for college?
* What do different colleges require in terms of high school grades and SAT or ACT
* How much homework is expected of students preparing for college?
* What do different colleges require in terms of high school grades and SAT or ACT
scores?
The 7 Habits of Highly Successful Teens
I came across a great article today that I thought I would share with you. As an educator, I have had the opportunity to share the book, The 7 Habits of Highly Successful Teens with students. If you have never glimpsed through this book, let me encourage you to get it and read through it with your teenager. Why not start off the school year right?
7 Habits of Highly Successful Teens
by education.com
"For teens, life is not a playground, it's a jungle. And, being the parent of a teenager isn't any walk in the park, either. In his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, author Sean Covey attempts to provide "a compass to help teens and their parents navigate the problems they encounter daily."
How will they deal with peer pressure? Motivation? Success or lack thereof? The life of a teenager is full of tough issues and life-changing decisions. As a parent, you are responsible to help them learn the principles and ethics that will help them to reach their goals and live a successful life.
While it's all well and good to tell kids how to live their lives, "teens watch what you do more than they listen to what you say," Covey says. So practice what you preach. Your example can be very influential.
Covey himself has done well by following a parent's example. His dad, Stephen Covey, wrote the book The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People, which sold over 15 million copies. Sean's a chip off the old block, and no slacker. His own book has rung in a more than respectable 2 million copies sold. Here are his seven habits, and some ideas for helping your teen understand and apply them:
Be Proactive
Being proactive is the key to unlocking the other habits. Help your teen take control and responsibility for her life. Proactive people understand that they are responsible for their own happiness or unhappiness. They don't blame others for their own actions or feelings.
Begin With the End in Mind
If teens aren't clear about where they want to end up in life, about their values, goals, and what they stand for, they will wander, waste time, and be tossed to and fro by the opinions of others. Help your teen create a personal mission statement which will act as a road map and direct and guide his decision-making process.
Put First Things First
This habit helps teens prioritize and manage their time so that they focus on and complete the most important things in their lives. Putting first things first also means learning to overcome fears and being strong during difficult times. It's living life according to what matters most.
Think Win-Win
Teens can learn to foster the belief that it is possible to create an atmosphere of win-win in every relationship. This habit encourages the idea that in any given discussion or situation both parties can arrive at a mutually beneficial solution. Your teen will learn to celebrate the accomplishments of others instead of being threatened by them.
Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood
Because most people don't listen very well, one of the great frustrations in life is that many don't feel understood. This habit will ensure your teen learns the most important communication skill there is: active listening.
Synergize
Synergy is achieved when two or more people work together to create something better than either could alone. Through this habit, teens learn it doesn't have to be "your way" or "my way" but rather a better way, a higher way. Synergy allows teens to value differences and better appreciate others.
Sharpen the Saw
Teens should never get too busy living to take time to renew themselves. When a teen "sharpens the saw" she is keeping her personal self sharp so that she can better deal with life. It means regularly renewing and strengthening the four key dimensions of life – body, brain, heart, and soul."
7 Habits of Highly Successful Teens
by education.com
"For teens, life is not a playground, it's a jungle. And, being the parent of a teenager isn't any walk in the park, either. In his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, author Sean Covey attempts to provide "a compass to help teens and their parents navigate the problems they encounter daily."
How will they deal with peer pressure? Motivation? Success or lack thereof? The life of a teenager is full of tough issues and life-changing decisions. As a parent, you are responsible to help them learn the principles and ethics that will help them to reach their goals and live a successful life.
While it's all well and good to tell kids how to live their lives, "teens watch what you do more than they listen to what you say," Covey says. So practice what you preach. Your example can be very influential.
Covey himself has done well by following a parent's example. His dad, Stephen Covey, wrote the book The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People, which sold over 15 million copies. Sean's a chip off the old block, and no slacker. His own book has rung in a more than respectable 2 million copies sold. Here are his seven habits, and some ideas for helping your teen understand and apply them:
Be Proactive
Being proactive is the key to unlocking the other habits. Help your teen take control and responsibility for her life. Proactive people understand that they are responsible for their own happiness or unhappiness. They don't blame others for their own actions or feelings.
Begin With the End in Mind
If teens aren't clear about where they want to end up in life, about their values, goals, and what they stand for, they will wander, waste time, and be tossed to and fro by the opinions of others. Help your teen create a personal mission statement which will act as a road map and direct and guide his decision-making process.
Put First Things First
This habit helps teens prioritize and manage their time so that they focus on and complete the most important things in their lives. Putting first things first also means learning to overcome fears and being strong during difficult times. It's living life according to what matters most.
Think Win-Win
Teens can learn to foster the belief that it is possible to create an atmosphere of win-win in every relationship. This habit encourages the idea that in any given discussion or situation both parties can arrive at a mutually beneficial solution. Your teen will learn to celebrate the accomplishments of others instead of being threatened by them.
Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood
Because most people don't listen very well, one of the great frustrations in life is that many don't feel understood. This habit will ensure your teen learns the most important communication skill there is: active listening.
Synergize
Synergy is achieved when two or more people work together to create something better than either could alone. Through this habit, teens learn it doesn't have to be "your way" or "my way" but rather a better way, a higher way. Synergy allows teens to value differences and better appreciate others.
Sharpen the Saw
Teens should never get too busy living to take time to renew themselves. When a teen "sharpens the saw" she is keeping her personal self sharp so that she can better deal with life. It means regularly renewing and strengthening the four key dimensions of life – body, brain, heart, and soul."
Starting off the School Year Right!
Hard to believe it's that time of year again. Where did the summer go? Within the next couple of weeks, parents and students will be spending much of their time preparing for the new school year. One of the things that saddens me the most as an educator is the fact that so many students start off the new school year very determined to do their absolute best, but yet, after a few weeks, that motivation seems to dwindle down. So, how can students and parents start off the new school year on the right foot? Read below for some great tips!
1) Meet your teacher early-Many schools offer "Open Houses" where both parents and students can meet the teacher prior to school starting. Do not allow this opportunity to pass you by. Not only is this a great way to meet the teacher, but it's also a great way to start off on the right foot. No matter what, make this a priority within your schedule.
2) Purchase a planner-Students today are extremely active when it comes to school, sports, family life, community events, etc. It is vital that students learn how to use a planner so that they can keep up with everything that they are a part of. Take some time to purchase a planner for your child (allow your child to pick out the planner that they want) and as a parent, make sure to walk your child through it. Don't assume that your child knows how to use a planner-show them.
3) Supply List-Many times, when a parent attends an open house, the teacher will provide parents and students with a supply list. Be sure to get one and in turn, purchase what it is that the teacher has requested. Not only will your child know you care for them, but doing this will help your child get started on the right foot.
4) Set up a daily study time routine-Many students fail to complete homework due to the fact that no routine has ever been put into place by the parents. Make sure to do this. Spend some time talking with your child regarding what it is that you expect out of them and what it is that they expect out of themselves. Set up a routine that consists of when they will study and complete their homework each day, along with where they will study and complete their homework. Remember, the area that your child completes all of this in can really help them or hinder them (like, no completing homework on the bed-before you know it, your child will be napping instead of completing their school work!).
5) Get Organized-One of the biggest downfalls of students is that they do not know how to be organized. Make sure you assist them in this area. Help them set-up their notebooks for each of their classes. Walk them through the planner. Set up a daily morning routine. While this may seem trivial, in the long run, it will assist your child in doing their absolute best!
Make the 2008-2009 school year a success! Be on the lookout for more tips within the next few days!
Blessings!
1) Meet your teacher early-Many schools offer "Open Houses" where both parents and students can meet the teacher prior to school starting. Do not allow this opportunity to pass you by. Not only is this a great way to meet the teacher, but it's also a great way to start off on the right foot. No matter what, make this a priority within your schedule.
2) Purchase a planner-Students today are extremely active when it comes to school, sports, family life, community events, etc. It is vital that students learn how to use a planner so that they can keep up with everything that they are a part of. Take some time to purchase a planner for your child (allow your child to pick out the planner that they want) and as a parent, make sure to walk your child through it. Don't assume that your child knows how to use a planner-show them.
3) Supply List-Many times, when a parent attends an open house, the teacher will provide parents and students with a supply list. Be sure to get one and in turn, purchase what it is that the teacher has requested. Not only will your child know you care for them, but doing this will help your child get started on the right foot.
4) Set up a daily study time routine-Many students fail to complete homework due to the fact that no routine has ever been put into place by the parents. Make sure to do this. Spend some time talking with your child regarding what it is that you expect out of them and what it is that they expect out of themselves. Set up a routine that consists of when they will study and complete their homework each day, along with where they will study and complete their homework. Remember, the area that your child completes all of this in can really help them or hinder them (like, no completing homework on the bed-before you know it, your child will be napping instead of completing their school work!).
5) Get Organized-One of the biggest downfalls of students is that they do not know how to be organized. Make sure you assist them in this area. Help them set-up their notebooks for each of their classes. Walk them through the planner. Set up a daily morning routine. While this may seem trivial, in the long run, it will assist your child in doing their absolute best!
Make the 2008-2009 school year a success! Be on the lookout for more tips within the next few days!
Blessings!
Princeton Review Names Top Party School
By RON WORD, Associated Press Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - The University of Florida can raise a glass to another national title — best party school in the country.
The Gators, known for wild celebrations following national championships in football and basketball, wrested the party title away from West Virginia University and beat out the University of Mississippi and Penn State University, in the Princeton Review survey of 120,000 students released Monday.
The university has made the top 20 party school list for the past 15 years, but has never been No. 1.
Freshman Allison Belanger, a journalism and political science major, said she's only been on campus for a few weeks but already has had no problem finding a party. "All I have to do is leave the dorm," said Belanger, 17. "A lot of people study hard and party hard."
A university spokesman said the party school reputation comes from the school's athletic successes. The Gators won two national basketball championships in 2006 and 2007 and one national football title at the end of the 2006 season.
"The fact that we have three national championships in two years is probably a major contributing factor," spokesman Steve Orlando said. "We know our students like to have a good time."
He defended the school's academic climate, noting Florida's incoming students have a weighted grade-point average of 4.1 and an average SAT score of 1,300. Florida also came in first this year in the categories of students who study the least and students who pack the stadiums.
Joseph Milano, 21, a finance major from Palm Harbor, said a mostly young student body of 51,000 students and successful athletic programs make it easy to party. "With a lot of people on campus, fun things happen," he said.
Chris Hickox, 22, of Fort Lauderdale, said he is working hard to try to get into veterinary school, so he doesn't have a lot of time to celebrate. "We do party and have a good time, but I have to study or my Dad will kill me," he said.
The annual rankings also list the nation's "Stone-Cold Sober Schools." Topping that list was Utah's Brigham Young University for the 11th consecutive year.
The Princeton Review's annual guide, "The Best 368 Colleges," also ranks schools on scores from 60 to 99 based on admissions, financial aid, and a new category called the Green rating, which surveys colleges in part on their environmentally friendly practices.
The book has 62 categories in all, including: Best Professors, Middlebury College in Vermont, Tastiest Campus Food, Wheaton College in Illinois, and Best Dorms, Loyola College in Maryland. The students happiest with their financial aid attend Princeton University, which also tops the list for the most beautiful campus, the survey found.
The Princeton Review says the guide to the best schools is intended to help applicants who can't visit every school in person. "In our opinion, each school in this book is first-rate academically," said Robert Franek, the book's author.
The Princeton Review is a New York company known for its test preparation courses, educational services and books and is not affiliated with Princeton University.
___
On the Net:
The Princeton Review: http://www.princetonreview.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - The University of Florida can raise a glass to another national title — best party school in the country.
The Gators, known for wild celebrations following national championships in football and basketball, wrested the party title away from West Virginia University and beat out the University of Mississippi and Penn State University, in the Princeton Review survey of 120,000 students released Monday.
The university has made the top 20 party school list for the past 15 years, but has never been No. 1.
Freshman Allison Belanger, a journalism and political science major, said she's only been on campus for a few weeks but already has had no problem finding a party. "All I have to do is leave the dorm," said Belanger, 17. "A lot of people study hard and party hard."
A university spokesman said the party school reputation comes from the school's athletic successes. The Gators won two national basketball championships in 2006 and 2007 and one national football title at the end of the 2006 season.
"The fact that we have three national championships in two years is probably a major contributing factor," spokesman Steve Orlando said. "We know our students like to have a good time."
He defended the school's academic climate, noting Florida's incoming students have a weighted grade-point average of 4.1 and an average SAT score of 1,300. Florida also came in first this year in the categories of students who study the least and students who pack the stadiums.
Joseph Milano, 21, a finance major from Palm Harbor, said a mostly young student body of 51,000 students and successful athletic programs make it easy to party. "With a lot of people on campus, fun things happen," he said.
Chris Hickox, 22, of Fort Lauderdale, said he is working hard to try to get into veterinary school, so he doesn't have a lot of time to celebrate. "We do party and have a good time, but I have to study or my Dad will kill me," he said.
The annual rankings also list the nation's "Stone-Cold Sober Schools." Topping that list was Utah's Brigham Young University for the 11th consecutive year.
The Princeton Review's annual guide, "The Best 368 Colleges," also ranks schools on scores from 60 to 99 based on admissions, financial aid, and a new category called the Green rating, which surveys colleges in part on their environmentally friendly practices.
The book has 62 categories in all, including: Best Professors, Middlebury College in Vermont, Tastiest Campus Food, Wheaton College in Illinois, and Best Dorms, Loyola College in Maryland. The students happiest with their financial aid attend Princeton University, which also tops the list for the most beautiful campus, the survey found.
The Princeton Review says the guide to the best schools is intended to help applicants who can't visit every school in person. "In our opinion, each school in this book is first-rate academically," said Robert Franek, the book's author.
The Princeton Review is a New York company known for its test preparation courses, educational services and books and is not affiliated with Princeton University.
___
On the Net:
The Princeton Review: http://www.princetonreview.com
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