School’s Out! Yikes…

The end of the school year is the happiest time in the world for some kids.  And for others, this is where the real stress and dread begin. 

If you plan appropriately, you can make time for a most important activity: connecting one last time with your students and their families before you lose contact for the summer. Share your phone number, email or the phone number or address of the school. 

Pro Tip: 

Before your students leave for the summer, do this as a top priority! Provide awareness training on the issue of sibling bullying-abuse and provide a sheet of paper with hotline numbers: abuse hotlines, suicide hotlines, 911, etc. 

In some states, kids between the ages of 6 and 15 can be charged with juvenile charges for sibling abuse. Warn your students (especially those who are older/oldests in their family birth order) that bullying is a serious issue.  Explain that mocking, antagonizing, harassment, instigating, belittling, physically hitting, sexual touch, psychological tricks/games have serious consequences that can last a lifetime—for them and their sibling.

This will make a child think twice before they bully-abuse a sibling.

SuperStar Teacher Time: 

Offer a weekly “meet up” for your students in the form of a Math Review, or Language Arts Creative Writing.  Anything with painting, coloring, creating or meeting in the park or on the school playground (if accessible) for a “coffee date” with your students.

This connection can be a time when you can ask questions and help break the silence if abuse is happening to your students.