When you enroll your child at LGPNS, you (as the parent) also become a student in the adult education program through the Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation Center. The time you spend in the classroom each week with the children is your "laboratory time," and your attendance at our parent only night meetings is your "class time." The night meetings focus on child development and helpful parenting skills. This is a perfect time to meet with other parents to discuss challenges you are facing, to share tips and ideas, and to have some fun!
Here is a look at our upcoming schedule of night classes for the Spring 2011 semester:<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
Night Meeting #4 at LGPNS: Separate Class Sessions, January 11-24, (6:30pm social, 7-10pm class)
Course Description: Here's another chance for you to meet with your child's teacher and the parents from your class only. You will discuss classroom business, themes for upcoming lessons with a focus on your child's particular developmental stage. This is also a great opportunity to ask questions of and get tips from other parents who are likely experiencing similar challenges. Specific dates for class meetings are as follows:
T/TR Class: Tuesday, January 11
MWF Class: Wednesday, January 12
T2's Class: Thursday, January 20
PM Class: Monday, January 24
Night Meeting #5 at LGPNS: Positive Discipline by Heidi Emberling, Wednesday, February 9, 2011 (6:30pm social, 7-10pm class)
Course Description: Positive discipline is a form of teaching children inner control. The techniques for doing this vary with the child’s developmental skills. In this workshop, Heidi explores discipline techniques that aim to preserve and boost self-esteem. Discussion includes ways to nurture communication, cooperation, and altruistic behavior.
Course Objectives:
· To understand your child’s behavior.
· To recognize the 3 components of behavior:
· Development
· Temperament
· Environment
· To discuss why children act out.
· To recognize the importance of consistent and appropriate limits.
· To leave this workshop with different and practical approaches for setting limits with your child or children.
Night Meeting #6 at LGPNS: Healthy Eating by Karen Ross, RD, Wednesday, March 16, 2011 (6:30pm social, 7-10pm class)
Course Description: What exactly is a nutritious diet and how do we get our children to eat it? Discussion will include information on fat, sugar, protein, fiber, herbs and supplements in relation to children’s health, along with some helpful strategies to avoid food battles with your child.
Course Objectives:
· To discuss the importance of making our children healthy eaters.
· To understand the importance of parenting styles.
· To discuss a parent’s job in “feeding” their child.
· To recognize the importance of accepting your child’s genetic size.
· To look at the meal time itself and what healthy eating is.
· To develop strategies for helping children eat in healthy ways.
Night Meeting #7 at LGPNS: Fantasy Faire, Tuesday, April 26, 2011 (6:30pm social, 7-10pm class)
Course Description: As a large group, we will be reviewing Fantasy Faire shift details and general guidelines to ensure the event runs smoothly.
Night Meeting #8 at LGPNS: End of Year Review and Slideshow, Tuesday, May 24, 2011 (6:30pm social, 7-10pm class)
Course Description: At the final night meeting of the year, parents will be treated to a slideshow showcasing their child. Bring your Kleenex because this one’s a tear-jerker. Parents are given the opportunity to give feedback on night meetings throughout the year as well as other school sponsored events for future improvements.