Empowering Middle Schoolers: Four Strategies for Self-Reliance

Empowering Middle Schoolers: Four Strategies for Self-Reliance

By Pamela Smith, middle and high school principal

As a parent and educator, helping middle schoolers become more self-reliant is essential to their personal and academic development. You can empower them to take responsibility for their actions and decisions by fostering independence and self-sufficiency. Because we at Intermountain Christian School value these skills, here are four ways to support your middle schooler in becoming more self-reliant:

1. Encourage decision-making:

Give your child opportunities to make decisions and solve problems independently. Start with small choices, such as what to wear or which extracurricular activity to join, and gradually increase the complexity of decisions as they grow more comfortable. Offer guidance and support when needed, but allow them to experience the consequences of their choices, both positive and negative. This process helps them develop critical thinking skills and gain confidence in their ability to make choices. Your child will have opportunities to practice the skill of decision-making at ICS by choosing their electives and clubs as well as which extracurriculars which they would like to take part in.

2. Foster independence in daily tasks:

Encourage your middle schooler to take on more responsibilities in their daily routine. Teach them essential life skills like preparing meals, laundry, and managing their time and schedules. Gradually delegate them age-appropriate chores and household tasks, such as cleaning their room, taking care of pets, or assisting with grocery shopping. By increasing their responsibilities, you promote a sense of self-reliance and contribute to their overall development. Your child will get practical experience in this area at ICS by getting to class on time, keeping their locker organized, and making sure they have all their homework before leaving for the day.

3. Cultivate problem-solving skills:

Help your middle schooler develop problem-solving skills by encouraging them to find solutions to their challenges. When facing difficulties or setbacks, encourage them to think critically and brainstorm solutions. Avoid jumping in immediately to solve their problems for them. Instead, provide guidance, ask open-ended questions, and help them explore different approaches. This process empowers them to develop resilience and problem-solving abilities to serve them well. Your child will have chances to solve problems at ICS through involvement in MSLT by planning events for their peers or through the everyday interpersonal relationships they’ll build and nurture.

4. Promote self-advocacy:

Middle school is a time when children should start learning how to advocate for themselves. Encourage your child to communicate their needs and concerns effectively. Teach them to ask questions, seek clarification, and respectfully express their opinions. Encourage them to approach their teachers, coaches, or other authority figures if they have questions or need assistance. By developing solid self-advocacy skills, your middle schooler will become more confident and capable of navigating various social and academic situations. Your child will be encouraged to advocate for themselves at ICS as they take responsibility for their academic and extracurricular achievement and talk with teachers and coaches one on one to resolve issues instead of you needing to do all the communicating for them.

Remember that each child develops at their own pace, so be patient and provide support tailored to their needs. Celebrate their progress and offer prayer and guidance, balancing independence and appropriate direction. ICS faculty and staff desires to come alongside you and your middle schooler in prayer and support. By fostering self-reliance, you equip your middle schooler with valuable skills that will serve them well and honor God throughout their lives.

Harmon Highlight!

By Jennifer Adema, ICS director of admissions

Heather Harmon is our beloved middle school math teacher. Let’s get to know her better! The Harmons moved to Salt Lake City from Houston, Texas in July of 2015. They were lured to the mountains because of a job opportunity for Bill, Heather’s husband. They moved here with their three kids: Abby, Ethan, and Lauren.

The Harmon kids had been ICS Lions for three years when a job opportunity came up that Heather describes as her “dream job.” ICS was hiring for a middle school math and science teacher. She applied, interviewed, and was so excited to receive the job offer! There was some trepidation in her acceptance as she had been out of the classroom for 10 years, but it did not take long for Heather to find her stride and confidently teach her students!

Heather’s favorite part of her classroom is connecting with the students. It can be hard to teach math, because math is not everyone’s favorite subject, but her students would agree that Heather approaches learning in a way that is captivating and she sets goals that are readily attainable. 

Heather loves being a part of the middle school team. She often corroborates with Mr. Hobbs and Mrs. Smith to handle classroom management issues as well as cross-curricular goals.

Heather’s reputation among her colleagues is that she has a great rapport with middle school kids. She is funny, caring, and kind. Of course as a math teacher, it helps that she thinks math is totally cool and loves teaching it! She truly invests in her students in and out of the classroom. She’s always available for conversations, speaking into not just academic concerns for a student but social and emotional health as well.

Heather jumped in as an early adopter of TfT and initiated a unique FLEx project (see story titled, “Teaching for Transformation”) which put several students in front of the ICS School Board sharing their findings. She’s known as being a team player who is professional, prepared, and organized in all that she’s asked to do! Heather has proved herself a great asset not only to the middle school students but to all of ICS.

When Heather is not solving math problems with middle schoolers, she enjoys being outside running or skiing. Heather also has two dogs, Hunter and JJ.

ICS Middle School Bonds at Boondocks

Written by ICS Student Media Team Member Tara Shootman (9th)

In late October, our ICS middle school enjoyed some time together outside of the classroom at Boondocks.Three brave chaperones accompanied the students--Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Harmon, and Mr. Hobbs. Students and their teachers participated in fun activities together such as miniature golf, bumper boats, go-karts, laser tag, and arcade games. The event was organized by ICS Middle School Leadership Team. Mrs.Smith, MSLT advisor and middle school English teacher, said that it was a fun night and she thinks everyone had a great time. Her favorite memory was riding the go-karts and challenging two students and Mr.Hobbs in a race.

Mr.Hobbs, middle and school social studies teacher at ICS, said that he had a lot of fun hanging out with his middle school students. His favorite activity at Boondocks was miniature golf and challenging some of his 8th graders in a game of laser tag. Mr. Hobbs claims he won the game but the 8th graders believe otherwise. He remarked, “Playing against a few of my students in mini golf was so fun. I enjoyed being competitive with them and, of course, winning.”

Middle School Leadership Team (MSLT) is the student government arm of Middle School. With the purpose of developing biblical leadership qualities among the student body, MSLT helps plan social activities, like an outing to Boondocks, and service projects.

For more information about MSLT, contact Mrs. Smith at psmith@intermountainchristian.org.

Mr. Hobbs' Lion Story

Mr. Hobbs’ Lion Story

How did you decide you wanted to work at ICS?

I came to Utah on a missions trip my last year of high school. While I was here, I saw the immense need for evangelism in the valley. While I was in college, I still had the desire to return to Utah someday and assist in church planting. I applied for a job at ICS which "just so happened" to be looking for a social studies teacher. I got the job and moved out here (after picking up a wife at an internship along the way - love you, Sara!), and I am convinced that I am precisely where God wants me and my wife.

How long have you been working at ICS?

2 years (this is my third)

What is your role at ICS?

MS/HS Social Studies Faculty - MS Debate, Broadcasting teacher

What do you look forward to the most about coming to work everyday?

I look forward to being with students and showing them God's hand in all of history.

What do you like to do when you're not hard at work?

I love to spend time with my wife, watch the University of Kentucky play football and basketball, hike, listen to and create podcasts, talk to my family, and read.

What is one thing your students and/or coworkers may not know about you?

I am desperately afraid of heights.

Mr. Hope's Lion Story

Mr. Hope’s Lion Story

How did you decide you wanted to work at ICS?

After teaching in Alaska for a couple of years, God took me back to central Texas to teach at the school I grew up in.  I found that I dearly missed the lifestyle of the outdoors and living near mountains.  I happened upon ICS in a search for Christian Schools looking for music teachers in the Rocky Mountains.  I called the school and introduced myself.  Just a couple of months later I was excitedly moving from Austin to Salt Lake City to be the new band and choir director at ICS.

How long have you been working at ICS?

17 years

What is your role at ICS?

MS Academic Dean, HS Music Director, MS Bible Teacher

What do you look forward to the most about coming to work everyday?

I love the people I work with and the students I teach.  I look forward to spending days learning about and exploring God's creation through the many subjects of teaching.

What do you like to do when you're not hard at work?

When not working, I spend most time with my wife and children.  I love the outdoors during all of the seasons.  In the winter months, you can find me at one of the ski resorts with my kiddos.  I love to ride my motorcycle and explore the nooks and crannies of Utah.

What is one thing your students and/or coworkers may not know about you?

My wife and I are each one of eight children.  Our children are five of twenty-five combined cousins.

CAST AND CREW

Picture this: You are in the ICS Black Box Theatre. You are likely eating a snack from the concession stand and immensely enjoying the performance right your eyes. But what you don’t see is what’s going on backstage (behind-the-scenes), where unseen members of the show work quietly to create a seamless masterpiece on the stage.

One of the most rewarding parts about working backstage during production is helping and watching the actors and actresses thrive. From the constant set changes, quick costume changes, or the last-minute safety pins to hold a costume together before an actor runs on stage, I’ve learned the little details matter. Helping everything get in place may be stressful, but getting to help the actors put on the show is amazing. 

I remember feeling particularly content in my behind-the-scenes role during Seussical The Musical Jr. which took place fall of 2018. By the time the show was over, I knew almost every line in the whole show. This tends to happen when you’re backstage! My favorite song was always Solla Sollew because the other crew members and myself would silently dance backstage. So the next time you’re enjoying the show with snacks in hand, be reminded of those of us holding down the proverbial fort behind the curtain and quietly dancing.

Written by Lucy Cole, ICS Sophomore

I AM STRONG: KENADIE JACKSON AND MSLT

Middle School Worship Night

One of the services that our Middle School Leadership Team (MSLT) does is plan monthly events to encourage community within the middle school student body.  Kenadie Jackson has taken that objective to a new level when it comes to showing strength in leadership. She came to me in early October to ask if MSLT could start a middle school Worship Night at ICS once a month.  To be honest, I was a little reluctant about this at first because that would mean two events per month (instead of one). After discussing it with her, providing guidance, and per approval, she took the challenge of making this monthly Worship Night happen. She has not missed a beat with planning for these services and has taken it very seriously.  Kennadie has stood strong in recruiting monthly speakers, the praise team, and even student techs to run the soundboard. Along with the help of MSLT, she has been working tirelessly to make sure that everything runs smoothly.

With that being said, Friday, December 6th was our second worship night, and it was wonderful, to say the least. God was truly glorified.  Although the original plans for the night changed due to unforeseen circumstances, Kenadie did not let that stop the night from happening. With MSLT suggestions and guidance, a plan was formed.  She really demonstrated how strong and committed she was to the task of making this night honoring to God and a blessing to everyone who came. It was beautiful to see her remain calm and strong in spite of the last-minute changes.  What a lesson to learn early, especially as a teenager!   

For the above reasons, I see Kenadie as a student in middle school who has demonstrated a level of strength and tenacity, especially when it comes to MSLT and demonstrating her love for Christ. I am one proud teacher. Thanks, Kenadie and MSLT for all of your hard work in making this middle school Worship Night especially pleasing to God and an awesome experience for middle schoolers and their guests.  I can hardly wait to see what February’s worship night brings.  

Written by Pam Smith, MS English teacher & 6th Grade Homeroom teacher

COURAGE TO RUN THE (STATE) RACE

I am typically not the optimist.  I tend to see the worst before I see the best.  It’s definitely not the trait I’m most proud of, especially in light of parenting.  Josephine is my 5th grader, and to see her now, you’d see her giggling with her friends in the hallways, dressing up her cat at home, making mug brownies on a Friday night, and very occasionally cleaning her room.  I have memories of a very small underweight baby Josie who was very meek, mild and at times even listless. A series of tests as part of a “failure to thrive” diagnosis showed that Josie had a severe kidney issue, indicating her kidneys were permanently scarred and function only at 60% and 40% capacity.  She eventually needed surgery, days after her second birthday, landing her a 2-week stay at the Children’s Hospital in Buffalo, NY.  

Praise God, Josie’s issues are no more, and she quickly returned to life as an active toddler.  Her personality, however, was still a bit reserved as I think she had so much to overcome from the constant infections she endured since birth.  Josie was very slow to talk and had speech therapy for a year to bring out simple words like “red” and “bed.” Finally, she spoke. Clearly. And it turns out she had a lot to say.  

Josie is part of an active family and has participated in various team sports through the community.  This year, her 5th-grade year, she was excited to join the Middle School Cross Country team at ICS. My pessimistic mind admittedly was often more focused on my 7th grader and her efforts as I viewed the 5th graders participating more for the experience than actual competition.  But as the season wore on, Josie stepped it up. She showed courage at each race, putting in her best and ending red-faced. The regional race determined who would go to the state meet. Josie’s time qualified her to represent her team at the state level. Her reaction to this accomplishment made my mom's heart soar.  She was very meek and didn’t want a big deal made of it. She wanted to remind others that it is a team sport. Her humility almost melded into embarrassment when talking about it with peers, teachers, and others.  

We showed up at the state meet where the competition was bigger in numbers and in literal size.  I could sense Josie’s trepidation. She was frolicking with the team waiting for the race to start, but there was definitely some reservation and thought as she prepped to run her heart out.  I couldn’t help but reflect back to her earlier seasons of childhood and to think of my timid Josie now out there bravely giving everything she had to a brand new sport. The team ended up taking first place in the state.  I had two daughters on that winning team, and as they were accepting their trophy, I looked at my friend and fellow cross country mom, Becky Schumacher, and felt a shared unspoken wave of gratitude and pride. I’ll let my kids sit in humility over their accomplishments.  But as their mom, for this season, I’m going to be optimistic and proud. Not just for their academic or athletic achievements, but for all the times they choose courage in the face of the unknown, courage to compete against older kids, courage to stand up for what is right and courage to run the race that is set for them.  I don’t typically love surprises, but I loved it when Josie surprised me this past cross country season with an attitude full of bravery and courage.  

By Jennifer Adema, ICS Mom, and ICS Admissions Coordinator

WHAT WE DO HERE IS IMPORTANT

My friend and colleague, Andrew Hobbs, when asked why he dresses so nicely for school responded, “because what we do here is important.” That response perfectly encompasses my reflections on the week of the production of Sound of Music.

I have had the great honor to become a theater mom. I am still learning from the veteran theater moms what this role looks like, but it is something that I have embraced more and more with each performance. At the very least, a theater mom must ensure that her child is present for rehearsals and stays motivated to push through the intense schedule. As I have witnessed, however, ICS theater moms go above and beyond this not-so-minimum effort. For this performance and others before it, Jennifer Little organized every detail around production. Her tireless efforts to ensure that every need was filled inspired this team of volunteer parents (Angie McGuire, Tamara Hawks, Danielle Scott, Mark Russell, Romana Brown, Rex Pickett and so many more) to use our abilities to help with costuming, hair and make up, set painting, and keeping students fed. Ultimately, though, the driving force behind our mom (and dad) efforts lies in the passion that we see in our children. This passion has been planted by Tess Tally.

Mrs. Tally is teaching our students more than how to act and sing. She is teaching them how to be professional. I was able to be backstage during two of the six performances. While I have recognized qualities of professionalism in my students before, never have I been able to see those qualities in action quite as I did on those occasions. As the two and a half-hour show was being performed on stage, the backstage area was alive with a methodical busyness. Crew members made ready props and set pieces to move on and off stage in the dark and re-taped microphones that had loosened off cast members’ cheeks. High school and middle school cast members helped their elementary school castmates with quick changes. Habit-clad girls worked hard to make sure Taylor Little (Maria) was in and out to make her cues and to hold back the curtains for Kylee Salazaar’s (Mother Abbess) wheelchair as she made her entrances and exits. What impressed me most was the hushed focus on each student’s face. I could perceive no nervousness, just the determination to do their absolute best. And as the final measures of “Finale Ultimo” rang out, cast and crew as well as their gifted director, harmonized beautifully--some on stage, some backstage. All were singing, showing their passion and perseverance through song.

Before taking the stage, all participants in a show directed by Tess repeat these words, “A professional does his best when he doesn’t want to. A professional does his best when he doesn’t have to. A professional does his best all the time because he can.” It is no wonder, then, that our students demonstrate the professionalism that is well beyond their years. This lesson is so valuable. We want our students to do everything wholeheartedly, for God’s glory. We want them to take joy in hard work done well. Tess Tally is modeling this through the stage, our teachers are teaching this in the classroom, and our coaches expect this on the courts and fields. Because we believe what we do at Intermountain Christian School is important. 

Written by Becky Schumacher, HS English Teacher

ICS CAPTIVATES PRESTIGIOUS COMPOSER

In December of 2007, I took a group of high school band students to Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, CO. There was a relatively new event for select high school musicians called Best of the West. One of the special components of Best of the West is that CMU commissions a composer each year to write a piece of music for the university’s Wind Symphony to perform. This composer is in residence during the event and works with the high school musicians as they perform one of his pieces for the Best of the West finale concert. It is truly a highlight for our students each year.

This past December during the Best of the West, I was having a conversation with Benjamin Taylor, the commissioned composer for the year. As we talked about various things that directors and composers talk about, Benjamin became more and more intrigued with ICS and the band program here. He then said, “Nathan, can we talk about maybe working together on something soon?!” The following week we spent a little over an hour on the phone talking further about the ICS band program and how it has been able to offer unique opportunities to our students. We went on to talk about the possibility of a direct commission for ICS. After speaking with various supporters of the ICS Music Department, the funds were lined up and we were able to commission a piece to be written for the ICS Symphonic Band. To the average person, a commissioned band piece doesn’t sound like a very big deal. On the contrary, it is a huge deal! When I mentioned to Leon Chodos (Utah Symphony bassoonist), Graeme Mutchler (Utah Symphony bass trombonist), and Josh Reimann (Eastmont Middle School Instrumental Director) that we were commissioning a work for the band they each reacted with great excitement. Leon stated, “Most music students never experience being part of a commissioned work throughout their schooling and even through the university level!” This year, the ICS band students in 5th through 12th grades get to be part of a once in a lifetime experience! One very special aspect of this commission is how Dr. Taylor is going to work through this with our students.

Often, when a band work is commissioned, the composer is paid and then writes the piece of music and sends it to the group to be performed. Not so with this piece! Dr. Taylor is going to do a couple of Skype sessions with our band students during class time this fall to introduce them to the process and give them an idea of how he goes about composing a piece of music. Throughout the fall he will keep us up to date with the progress of the piece. Then, in January, we will have a final Skype session where he will present us with the finished product. Our students will be able to have input on portions of the piece as well as naming the work. We will begin rehearsing the music in January in preparation for our Spring Instrumental Concert on April 30, where we will perform the world premiere of the work. Dr. Taylor will be coming to ICS to work with students on final touches and then be presented for the premiere concert. To learn more about Dr. Benjamin Taylor, visit his website at benjamintaylormusic.com.

By Nathan Hope, ICS Music Director

TOP 5 REASONS WHY BEING A MULTI-SPORT ATHLETE IS IMPORTANT

“Are my kids doing enough? Are my kids doing too much? What about college… Doesn’t my kid need to focus on the sport they excel at the most in order to get a scholarship?” There has been much said on both sides of the issue of the multi-sport athlete. There are coaches who would encourage an athlete to only participate in a single sport (usually the one they coach) year-round. There are parents who feel like the kid needs a break and should only participate in one sport. There’s the kid who wants to do it all. What is the “right way?” I have a few things I’d like to bring out in the open and at the end you can determine where you stand for yourself. 

It is a fascinating thing that this topic was never really discussed when I was growing up. There seems to be a shift that has happened between my generation and the new millennials as it pertains to “play.” What I mean is that we played differently than kids do today. When I was growing up we played outside. We played basketball, football, baseball, soccer, street hockey, and four square. We climbed trees. We had relay races. We “hopped fences” with loose dogs to retrieve balls that had gone over. We ran from stray pit bulls in route to the neighborhood park.

There was an understood reality that you played whatever everyone else was playing and you actually tried to be good enough to win. We didn’t need it to be an official game on a team because we were getting out of it what has proven to be beneficial for us that day. This form of play developed in us a competitive attitude that carried over into whatever field we ended up exploring. The benefits that we actually experienced parallel to what studies have shown. The bottom line is, the multi-sport athlete (MSA) is the way to go. 

Here are the TOP 5 REASONS WHY BEING A MULTI-SPORT ATHLETE IS IMPORTANT:

1. Injuries

One of the reasons why I endorse this philosophy is that MSA’s tend to get injured less often. Playing a single sport year-round forces athletes to use the same muscle groups and movements repeatedly. Studies have shown that strengthening different muscle groups through multiple sports is healthier. There was a study conducted that looked at NBA first round draft picks. It examined how many of them played a single sport in high school versus those who played multiple sports. The result was that players who played multiple sports were less likely to be injured than the single sport athlete. 

2. Competitors

I’ve also learned that college coaches are actually more interested in players who play multiple sports because they have more of a tendency to always compete. Coaches like Jim Harbaugh (University of Michigan) and Urban Meyer (former Ohio State coach) are two among many coaches who only recruit MSA. Harbaugh actually has his recruits play dodgeball, field baseballs, and play soccer at his camps. He says that “youngsters aren’t playing multiple sports as they once did, so you like to test them that way.”

3. Versatility

Multi-sport athletes are often more versatile and more capable of picking up new skills than those who play one sport. They usually can adjust to different positions faster and more effectively. Many recruits are asked to change their position when they arrive to college particularly for football. This has proven to be beneficial for players in that they usually achieve very high accolades personally and their versatility follows them to the pros where they’ll be asked to change positions again. 

4. Growth

Another benefit of the MSA is that they have more potential for improvement. When athletes play one sport, they run the risk of reaching their “ceiling” much faster than the MSA. The reason is because when you’re an MSA, you are forced to stop playing a sport when the season is over. This means you wouldn’t train for an entire year; leaving you with more room to grow and improve. One of my favorite things to tell athletes is this: “NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE ABILITY TO GET BETTER!” You can always improve and playing multiple sports will ensure that you have to work at it. 

5. Coachability

Another factor to consider is that MSA’s have the potential to be more coachable than their single sport counterparts. This reality is an extreme benefit and probably got my attention more than any other. Every sport is different and typically requires a certain style of coach for each one. For example, my coaching style probably won’t work for golf. I remember playing for Coach Rick Majerus and how difficult it was on so many levels. I remember wanting to quit and thinking, “this is not worth it.” Fast-forward to today and I realize that since playing for Rick, I have been able to play for any coach and work for any boss! He prepared me to deal with any type of personality and style. 

This blog clearly lands on one side of the argument and I’m not naïve enough to say that this line of thinking doesn’t come with some valid push back, but I ascribe to the philosophy of the MSA and have adopted it as part of our athletics philosophy and value system at Intermountain Christian School. Here is how it reads:

“We value our multi-sport athletic approach. We believe there is great value in our athletes participating in multiple sports and are committed to encourage and integrate this philosophy into our school’s culture.  With this approach, our athletes are able to gain different kinds of skills they can apply from one sport to the next. This approach has also proven to enhance hand-eye coordination, balance, endurance, explosion, communication, and athletic agility. The athlete is also able to avoid injuries from overuse.”

Written by: Tim Drisdom, Athletic Director at Intermountain Christian School

Sources: 

USA Today

High School Sports

Jamie Duffek, NCSA

"5 Reasons"

Michelle Smith EspnW.com

The Michigan Daily

2016

"5 Reasons College Coaches Love to Recruit Multi-Sport Athletes"

TOP 4 WAYS TO BEAT THE SUMMER SLUMP

Almost twenty years ago I met Andrew Pudewa, founder of the Institute for Excellence in Writing. Since my first introduction to Pudewa’s belief in writing, I’ve been one of his biggest fans. He states, “The auditory environment will have a greater impact on the way children speak and write then on anything we ever do educationally.” Embrace the previous statement and make this summer a game changer for your family. Turn the lifestyle you live today into a “reading culture” lifestyle for tomorrow. Make a daily effort to breathe in the simple statement above. Be attentive to what your child is hearing. Allow the truth Mr. Pudewa shares infuse into your home’s atmosphere. After all, God calls us to be attentive to what goes into our brain, and hence into our heart. His gift of hearing “packs a powerful paycheck.”

1. HEAR TOGETHER

Gather the family together and hear “story” read aloud.  As a busy parent, who hopes to create a reading culture for your family, you might need to multi-task while read-aloud is happening. Instead of being the voice reading the story, allow an audible device (car, Audible App or CD player) to play that part. While prepping for dinner, folding laundry or driving to dance class, you, along with your children, will have the opportunity to hear exceptional vocabulary and the templates of beautiful language patterns.

2. PLANT THE SEEDS FOR GREAT CONVERSATION

The auditory environment you create will work its magic more deeply than anything else you can do academically. Here’s the kicker though. Take this seriously and you’ll not only serve your children academically, but you’ll also plant the seeds that will lead to great conversations. Story will give you the nourishing soil in which characters come alive.  Your family will connect with intimate friends, whom you soon love and admire. Without leaving the house you’ll travel to wonderful places together and experience history in ways that will penetrate your skin and become a part of who you are. And all of this combined will be a magnet pulling you into great conversations you would otherwise not be blessed with.

3. MEMORIZE TOGETHER

When it comes to competent communicators, speaking is the other side of listening. Hearing reliably correct syntax and sophisticated language patterns is powerful, but memorizing eloquent language is ultimately better. Encourage the memorization of poetry because it provides an unusual and formal way of speaking which children might not hear otherwise. They’ll hear and then be required to speak in a unique form of communication. Also, excerpts of great speeches from years past provide useful and powerful communication patterns and language templates. Scripture and songs also serve the purpose of accessing powerful language patterns and vocabulary. Grab some friends and form a poetry club and create the stage for a future Intermountain Christian School Champion Speech and Debate team. These simple acts will help your student become a more competent communicator.

4. LET THEM SEE THE JOY OF READING

Sarah McKenzie, author of The Read Aloud Family, clearly, confidently and consistently encourages the entertainment factor when it comes to reading. If your children are going to become avid readers, the people they love, admire and count on must also be people who read for the mere joy and entertainment found in reading. Before going to bed at night, ask yourself, “Did I enjoy ‘story’ today? Along with my children, did I enjoy time with a book today?” Children, who grow up in families where adults clearly love reading, follow suit and define themselves as readers. Viewing reading as their “family culture” they recognize the joy story provides. In their world, it makes complete sense that story is a daily event “their people,” the people they love and admire, do every day.

NOT CONVINCED IN THE POWER OF STORY YET? READ ON…

This should be enough to convince you, but there is more. Providing an environment such as this will supply a reservoir of eloquent language patterns for your child to use when called upon to write. Good writing is good communication. Make certain your child is immersed in language-rich soil, encourage his or her listening, speaking, reading and thinking in an environment which will boost his ability to write in years to come. Louis L’Amour, a western author says, “A writer’s brain is like a magician’s hat, you can’t get something out of it unless you put something into it first.” Be intent on providing quality literature during your daily read-aloud time. We do not become fluent through “small talk” and we certainly don’t hear it in the form of today’s media choices. We find it in quality literature.

Even if listening, reading, and writing is the only goals you reach for this summer, your child would benefit greatly. But that’s just the surface stuff. Underneath listening, reading, and writing glistens the gem of clear, unobstructed thinking. If we want our children to think well, they must be given the opportunity to ask themselves questions. Practicing listening, practicing reading, and practicing writing gives your child the opportunity to ask insightful, searching questions. We do it on the run, we do it without knowing but every time we listen to “story,” read “story,” and write “story,” we are inevitably asking ourselves questions which lead to constructive thinking.

I’m now twenty years deeper into my passion for language arts and am more committed than ever to share my love of reading and writing with children. It is my hope this message will impact your life as well. If it does, I’m fairly certain your children will respond one day with a “thank you.” I had a mother who read to me, where she opened the door to the love of reading that I have long-embraced. She carved out time for me to read, made wise decisions for each gift of a book and encouraged me to read to others. My mother showed me and helped me understand the power of story.

Here at Intermountain Christian School, we are all about community, and in order to foster that value, we would love to glean any wisdom on any book titles, applications, or authors from our readers! Please comment below!

Written by Shelly Davidson, ICS Librarian

The Teacher Effect

Let’s take a trip together- traveling into your memory-mind’s eye. Do you see whose face appears when I ask who was your favorite teacher? Did you take it back to your kindergarten days with his/hers undoubtedly kind smile, or perhaps that one awesome basketball coach who pushed you harder than any other during sophomore year? Do you have him or her in your mind? Now hold on to the feeling- not the image of their face, but the feeling they left in your heart which you are revisiting now- The peace you received during that rough personal time, the laughter bubbling up because they had a killer sense of humor, or the immense pride you feel in yourself at this moment because you know your life could have turned sideways if they had not crossed your path at that exact moment they did. Welcome to the teacher effect.

I would argue that whether you were a total school-loving, high-performing nerd to the max (like myself) or the kid who couldn’t wait to bust through the doors of your school for the last time and never look back (like my husband)- No matter where you stand on the grading scale, there was that one teacher who you had and currently have this undeniable fondness for. For me, it was my third-grade teacher, Mrs. Greer. She was the eldest teacher I ever had, and my goodness gracious her strict disposition was palpable, but she had this effect on me throughout the remainder of my schooling days that set the tone for my drive toward achievement. I was drawn to her teaching style- her almost military-like standard of focus really hit a note for me and to this day I still sing her praises (obviously).

Let’s return. We’re here watching our children make their own relationships, evaluations and memories with teachers of their own. A greater sense of appreciation has hit us as we see from the parenting perspective how each teacher molds, uplifts and pushes them to greatness better than we can ourselves. This year alone, I never knew how monstrously impatient I could be until attempting (ahem, *failing*) to help my son learn to read. That is, until Mrs. Brown came along to take the reins with a calm confidence, followed with Mrs. Veldhuis coming in with the assist (like a perfectly timed “alley-oop”) in “Reading Intervention.” With months of frustration internally building and often times spilling over at my son’s expense, he came home from school one day, sat himself at the counter and began to read me a book as I prepped dinner. Slowly and all at once, my kindergartner was reading and I wasn’t sitting next to him painfully going through each. and. every. word with him. HALLELUJAH! Something clicked for him in that classroom, at the side of his teachers, that spurred a realization to greater achievement than I was able to. As a parent, welcome to the teacher effect.

Being on the outside looking in to a life building within and around your children is one of the hardest realities of becoming a parent. But, man oh man, when I see the beauty through pain, the accomplishments through hardships, and the blessings through steadfastness, I experience that same calm confidence that Mrs. Brown had brought to the table. The stronghold of control in making sure my kids are okay easily slips away. I have the calm confidence in the molding of their minds and characters because of their teachers.

They are cared for.

They are loved.

They are heard.

They are stretched and challenged.

They are held to a higher standard.

They are becoming who they are in large part due to their teachers.

3 John 1:4

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in

the truth.”

Remember that teacher in your memory-mind’s eye? The good work he or she has done in your own life is the same good work your son or daughter’s teacher is doing right this very moment. The teacher effect is generational. I encourage you, do not hold back your tongue in thankfulness for those men and women who show up displaying God’s goodness in your kids’ lives. May the position of gratitude in your heart be expressed outwardly toward them today. If she were still alive today, I would track down Mrs. Greer and thank her for instilling a love of learning in my life, for giving me a king-size Snickers bar when I finally mastered my times tables and for keeping me in line when I was easily distracted by my crazy friends. Go thank a teacher today and let him or her know that their impact is tangible, life-bringing and ever so important.

Comment below who your favorite teachers were and share on Facebook!

Written by Erica Smith, ICS Mom