Dear Diary

Posted on May 11, 2012 by

Pulled out two diaries the other day. From the faded pages, I read my preteen thoughts and observations. What? No way! I wrote that? I shook my head in disbelief. I laughed. I groaned with embarrassment.

Then I remembered my recent study of the book, “Engaging ‘Tweens and Teens: A Brain-Compatible Approach to Reaching Middle and High School Students,” by Raleigh Philp. In summary, the preteen/teen brain is still under development. Impulse control, decision-making, and higher-order skills emerge during adulthood.

By becoming aware of this continuing neurological growth, parents and teachers of preteens can develop greater compassion and understanding. Our positive guidance leaves a significant imprint.

Mr. Philp sums it up perfectly, “The more you know about this age, the more exciting it is to work with them.”

Find his book here:

http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=discoveries08-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1890460494&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr

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Tween Read

Posted on February 16, 2012 by

Check out this fantastic book for preteens. The main character, Foster, compensates for her learning disability in a creative way with help from a community of caring people. She deals with an abusive person in her life and overcomes critical comments.

Inspiring. Positive. Fresh. Fun!

Find it here:

http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=discoveries08-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0142420174

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Special Assignment

Posted on January 31, 2012 by

“There’s a special assignment on your life.” Rev. Anthony Ballestero from Clearwater, Florida, spoke during a leadership class. He went on to say, “Don’t allow natural things to discourage you.”

Plenty of those natural things entered my life as a preteen. Poverty. Loneliness. Divorce. Yet God took the broken pieces and used each one for a specific purpose. Now, as I teach preteens who struggle with overwhelming challenges, I can empathize and encourage because I have walked similar paths.

A few days after Rev. Ballestero’s comments, his grandmother passed away. My husband and I attended her funeral. We had known Content “Connie” Faith Ballestero for many years. Her positive attitude, her vibrant Christian example, and her charming smile, evident in every spoken memory of her family and friends, also appeared in every photo displayed. Tremendous trials did not dampen her faith. Severe hardship did not steal her laughter. And the “natural things” did not prevent her from passing a legacy of biblical values to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Her courage reminds all of us—teachers, parents, and preteens—about our duty. Sometimes we gotta just keep walking. We get discouraged, tired, and weak. Yet God is with us every step of the way. There is a purpose for each difficulty. We can be faithful. True. Dependable. Persistent.

Let’s march forward, take the challenge, and find our place in God’s kingdom. We have a special assignment.

Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying,
“This is the way, walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21 NKJV).

Posted in Persistence, Purpose | Leave a comment

Hope for a New Year

Posted on January 1, 2012 by

Loved this article! A caring teacher and teens with hearts of compassion show the potential for today’s generation to climb above stereotypes and barriers.

Students with disabilities find spirit through cheerleading | – Life – The Orange County Register.

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Macaroni Comfort

Posted on November 16, 2011 by

In her book, Talking to Tweens, Elizabeth Hartley-Brewer mentions the importance of quality family time. Even though preteens enjoy their growing independence and time spent with their friends, simple routines with family still provide their greatest happiness.

Help your preteen prepare a comfort-food dinner. Here’s an easy, delicious recipe. One taste and you and your preteen just might remove boxed mac and cheese from your grocery list—forever.

Macaroni and Cheese
1 2/3 cup dry small elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dry mustard
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 can (12 oz.) evaporated milk
1 cup water
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups shredded medium or sharp cheddar cheese (divided)

Preheat oven to 375°. Grease two-quart casserole dish.
Combine cornstarch, salt, dry mustard, and pepper in medium saucepan. Stir in milk, water, and butter. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Boil 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 1//2 cup cheese until melted. Add macaroni. Mix well. Pour into dish. Top with remaining cheese. Bake 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and light brown on the edges.

Optional:
Add onion powder to taste.
Add small pieces of ham.

Posted in Comfort food, Family, Recipe, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment