Author of

 "Good Kids, Difficult Behavior"

and "Discipline That Works: 5 Simple Steps"

 NOTES FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Educators and Friends,

As many of you already know the school year is winding down and most of our schools in Georgia will be out this month.  I know that doesn't hold true for all families, as there are those with year round scheduling and those in other states that will close next month.

For those young students that are going to have time off, Joyce will remind all of you to make sure that they have a good balance of work and play.  Both are equally important for the development of their mind and body.  Their time off should continue to be a learning experience, which will not only help them keep their minds alert but will also aid in their overall growth and development.

This will be the last Newsletter until school is back in session this fall. On behalf of the team at The Human Connection, we wish you a safe summer.

The Editor 

 ASK JOYCE

As Joyce travels and works with educators all over the country, she is constantly being asked---

"What do you do when...?" questions.  She has the greatest respect for "what do you do when questions" because usually the questioner is genuinely seeking new information and the teacher is willing to be a student.  Each month, Joyce will answer one or more of the most common "what do you do questions".  You are welcome to send one of yours.  She'll do her best to answer it.  Keep in mind, her answers may be different from the customary response but they are tried and true strategies for getting students to do what you are asking them to do.  Give yourself permission to try something new! Email Joyce at joyce@thehumanconnection.net  with any questions or situations you would like input on.  Let us know if we can show the question in a future newsletter or if you prefer to keep it private. We are hoping Joyce can help address situations you encounter and by sharing these questions/answers others can benefit as well.

My Apology:

Due to an overwhelming schedule and commitments I have been unable to complete this months Newsletter, and I can't put something together that is not up to our usual standards.  Therefore, I have elected to just let the newsletter go out as is.  This was scheduled to be the last newsletter until the start of the next school session, so we wanted to get you something and let you know what is going on. 

Don't miss this months special.  Take advantage of the sale and stock up for your summer reading.

For all of the educators who will be attending the "High Schools That Work" Staff Development Conference in Nashville, TN next month, plan on attending one or more of my conference sessions. I have added two new programs this year.

Getting Back On Track:  Helping the De-railed, Depressed and Discouraged Student Re-gain the Ground They Have Lost 

Students who face painful life situations on a daily basis often lose their academic footing and find themselves failing classes they are more than capable of passing.  Once the failing begins, the student gives up on the possibility of getting back on track.  This program helps educators develop practical support strategies, which can help these students experience hope by outlining for them a specific path back to achievement and passing grades. 

The Language of Motivation: Words, Phrases and Communication Techniques for Improving Performance and Achieving Academic Success

The power of language to encourage or discourage a faltering student cannot be underestimated.  Choosing the right words, phrases and techniques for motivating students can and will improve performance and achievement.  Guidelines for how and when to talk to a non-performing student will be discussed along with suggestions for using goal oriented language with all students. 

So be sure to stop by and say hello at this years conference.

Have a great summer!

Joyce

Volume 32 - May 2005

http://www.thehumanconnection.net

 ASK JOYCE

 SUBSCRIPTIONS

Information on how to receive (or stop receiving) our newsletter and mailings can be found at the end of the newsletter.  Subscriptions

If you like the newsletter, please consider forwarding it to your colleagues and system staff development specialists.

Mark@TheHumanConnection.net

For the month of May 15% off all THREE books  

For this month's special we are offering discounts on all three books...

"Discipline That Works: 5 Simple Steps"

"Good Kids, Difficult Behavior"

"The ABC's Workbook:

Creating a Behavior Change Plan That Works - (Workbooks)"

Take advantage of this special... order today!

Visit Our Online Store for details on all of our books and tapes.

UPCOMING TRAINING   SEMINARS

May 18, 2005

Woodland Community College

Woodland, CA

May 19, 2005

American River College

Sacramento, CA

July 13-15, 2005

19th Annual High Schools That Work Staff Development Conference

www.sreb.org

Opryland Hotel, Nashville, TN

July 25-26, 2005

DeKalb County Board of Education

DeKalb, GA

August 23, 2005

Portage Lakes Career Center

Green, OH

August 29, 2005

NE Metro Intermediate School

District #916

Little Canada, MN

 INSPIRATION

A master can tell you what he expects of you.

A teacher, though, awakens your own expectations.

Patricia Neal

Taken from ~ http://www.inspirational-quotes.info/index.html

 PERSONAL ENERGY SAVER

Energy Tip of the Month

This month I am more concerned than usual, with the significant and troubling level of stress educators are experiencing.  Everywhere I travel the same concerns are being expressed about morale issues and teacher burnout.  I wish I could be more encouraging about a coming moratorium on new curriculums improving test scores and leaving no child behind.  Sad to say, I don’t believe there is real relief in sight.  Educator stress is relentless.  It can’t be stopped. 

That leaves only one viable option, short of leaving the profession---train yourself to respond to stress in the most optimal way possible.  Notice I said, “train yourself.”   Training means practice over and over.  Training means discipline and discipline means remembering that you want to positively impact the lives of kids without ruining your own.  Here are a few suggestions:

1. Negativity is a result of fatigue and powerlessness.  No matter how frustrating the demands that come your way are, effective teaching comes down to building positive relationships with students.  Positive relationships require a major focus on positive attitudes and potential. Make a decision to take charge of your attitude. It is possible to stay focused on the energy enhancing positives that each new day presents.  It takes practice, especially if you are working with a group of particularly negative individuals.

Find something encouraging, fun, and complimentary to say to each student each day.  Try this with your most negative colleague and you might be surprised. 

2. Focus on your positives.  It’s true that we are sometimes our own worst enemies.  It is easy to get down on yourself when even your best efforts cannot get the results you want.  On those days make yourself acknowledge that you did your best and that your best effort cannot control that which is not in your power to control.  Say the kind words to yourself you wish someone would say to you.

3. Read and reflect on an inspirational thought each day.   Living our thoughts to what is good and right and inspiring can give a serious boost to flagging spirits.

4. Let something go in order to get more rest and sleep.   Sleep deprivation guarantees fertile ground for negativity.  The brain literally doesn’t have enough time to re-establish a positive chemical balance.  This makes us vulnerable to depression and irritability.  Getting enough sleep takes major discipline for some. It also makes a major difference in our tolerance to stress.

5. Excuse yourself from negative people.  Give yourself permission to get up and leave if the conversation around becomes entirely negative.  Make an excuse if you must but go.  Negativity is contagious.

 CONTACT INFORMATION

The Human Connection

125 Highgreen Ridge

Peachtree City, GA 30269

Phone (In Georgia): 770-631-8264                     

(Toll free): 1-888-460-8022

Fax: 770-486-1609 

Email: For info about newsletter/website, contact mark@thehumanconnection.net

To order books, and get info on training programs, contact divinyi@mindspring.com

Website: http://www.thehumanconnection.net