Teacher's Thoughts
Jennifer Di Ruocco
Mom to Mom Contributor
February, 2010

Just Between Friends

It is perfectly normal and healthy to have children form friendship groups. It is a part of learning how to build relationships. However, sometimes these groups become so restricted that they become cliques and problems can arise.

It isn’t always easy to talk to your child about cliques. You want to protect the little people in your family, so here are a few things you can teach your child as they build friendships and form a circle of friends.

  • Discuss with your child your families values, beliefs, and interests. As much as your child might want to belong to a certain group, ask your child if they have the same morals. Think of examples and guide their thinking to help your child figure out if that is the best group for them.

  • Make sure your child is involved in activities that they choose and enjoy. Your child should not be playing a sport or participating in activities because “other children are doing it.” Every child has different strengths and interests. Find what’s best for your child.

  • Help your child keep their social circles open and diverse. Have your child invite a new friend over to the house or park for a play date. Consider new friends from all activity groups in which your child participates.

  • Teach your child to speak up. If your child doesn’t like what’s happening in their circle of friends, they need to tell a teacher, school counselor, or a parent. Explain to your child that others may want to speak up but are afraid to do so. They will be a great role model, leader, and friend by speaking up.

  • Teach your children to think for themselves. Each person is responsible for their own actions. Being sensitive to others and not always going along with others is an important trait to possess. Your child needs to learn that true friends will respect your thoughts and actions.

As with other important issues with our children, taking time to discuss your child’s day is extremely important. Whether talking at dinner, while driving in the car, or before bed - find the time!

Also, inviting their friends to the house can give you a good sense of who their friends are and who they are spending time with. You can learn a lot by talking to and observing your child and their friends.


Picture Book
Too Purpley!
By Jean Reidy

"Too purpley, too tickly, too puckery, too prickly!" There is not a single outfit in the closet that our little fashion plate wants to wear. She tries on everything, but nothing is quite right. And the outfits are getting wilder by the minute!

Grades 3 - 7
The Magician’s Elephant
By Kate DiCamillo

In her newest novel, Newbery Medalist DiCamillo ("The Tale of Despereaux") conjures a haunting fable about trusting the unexpected and making the impossible come true. When orphan Peter Augustus Duchene asks a fortuneteller about his sister, the fortuneteller's mysterious answer sets off a chain of remarkable events.

Teens
The Book Thief
By Markus Zusak

Set during World War II in Germany, Zusaks groundbreaking novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing, encounters something she can’t resist: books.

Parent Resource
readingrockets.org

This website gives parents information on how to build a strong reader.

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Posted by: Joyce on Sep 8, 2009 at 04:19 PM
Half Price Books just had a sale. We have one about once a quarter. I think the next one will be around Thanksgiving. We have a teacher/librarian appreciation week coming up in October. I think you will get 20% off. Come in and check out our books. Sign up for the mailing list by going to the store or going to halfpricebooks.com. Have a good one.

Posted by: Joyce on Mar 8, 2009 at 11:59 AM
1/2 price books donates to schools. Come talk to me. We have been open a year.

Posted by: Derek on Dec 28, 2007 at 10:20 AM
This is full of great information that helps me with my 2 kids. Jemnifer thank you very much and keep it up.:)

Posted by: Anna on Nov 17, 2007 at 02:47 PM
I think I have found a great reason to go on this website. Thanks for all you do Jennifer Di Ruocco.

Posted by: Robin on Nov 13, 2007 at 08:28 AM
Looking forward to hearing from Mrs. Di Ruocco monthly. She really cares about each and every student and loves them like her own. She is a wonderful and loving teacher. Keep doing what you do!

Posted by: Jenny Murnane on Nov 4, 2007 at 10:38 PM
It's so nice to be able to hear from a caring and passionate teacher about her advice and tips on helping kids learn. Thanks for all you do!

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