To view the online version of this e-mail, go to:  www.coolkidschannel.com/e-tips/highlights

1.  Handling Criticism About Your Child

Click here to read Dr. Schwall's tips in the Dallas Child Magazine:  Dallas Child Article  

2.  Scenes from Cool Kids Lessons on Video

Watch highlights from Cool Kids lessons with 3rd, 4th, and 6th graders at Richardson and Dallas ISD schools.  To see schools using some of the creative and interactive Cool Kids resources, click here:  www.coolkidschannel.com/e-tips/respect

Cool Kids is used in schools in the Dallas, Highland Park, Richardson, Frisco, Tyler, Burleson, Garland, Ingram, Lewisville, and Ennis ISDs as well as by private schools and organizations across the country.

3.  Handling Spring Classroom Social Drama, by Dr. Brad Schwall

Every spring, student conflicts and cliques tend to get more complicated.  Follow these tips to keep your classroom and home positive for the last weeks of school.

Prevent Problems

• Supervise - be in tune to what is happening among students
• Make expectations for interactions clear before unstructured times such as lunch and recess
  
• Emphasize inclusiveness
• Encourage and affirm respectful talk
• Mix different students together for different projects giving specific directions for respectful interaction
• Facilitate group work that builds a sense of community
  

Intervene When Problems Occur  

• Address issues quickly and firmly
  
• Help students problem-solve
  
• Guide students to determine fair solutions
• Set limits on activities and interactions that are exclusive and disrespectful
  
• Emphasize that there is no tolerance for rudeness and exclusion
  

Talking Points to Share with Students

• "At the end of the school-year, sometimes conflicts happen.  We are all classmates, teammates, friends.  Keep up the good work on including each other and speaking respectfully to each other." 
• "At lunch, keep things positive.  We are watching for how you give respect - just avoid saying rude things."
• "At recess, figure out a way to involve everyone that wants to play certain games.  If you are doing something competitive, play fairly.  Be good sports whether you win or lose."