Monday Message
Learner Spotlight: The Libbrecht Family
The Libbrecht brothers, Logan (7) and Nathan (5), are not just family but also really good friends. These brothers enjoy homeschooling together through iLEAD Exploration and have been doing so for the past three years.
It takes a certain kind of kid to gladly and willingly give up his time and share his possessions in order to teach friends a new skill. Logan, who’s in 2nd grade, and Nathan, a kindergartener, routinely do this and embody the kindness and care that their parents model to those around them. You can find these boys any given afternoon at the beach teaching friends who don’t know how to surf the tricks of the trade. They give up their surfboards so that those around them can learn. These boys understand that when people around them are having fun and learning new things, then everyone is having fun. Their enthusiasm for the beach is infectious. They also work hard with their mom to accomplish the daily tasks of their academics day in and day out. The Libbrecht brothers certainly demonstrate that giving of themselves and caring for others is a win-win for everyone.
Logan and Nathan definitely love being active and outdoors. In addition to surfing and swimming, they enjoy skateboarding, biking, baseball, soccer, fishing, hiking, camping, running, snorkeling, climbing trees, exploring new places, building all sorts of things, conquering obstacle courses, and working out with their dad. The boys also participate in Awana Club, co-op, and Sunday fellowship at their church. They also spend time on intricate Lego builds and creations, paintings, piano, board games, and tool/workshop activities and on further developing their athletic skills.
Logan has a unique interest in operating mechanics, such as remote-controlled cars, drones, electric scooters/bikes, and robots. Nathan’s unique interest is in animals. He loves to learn about them and care for them. He has tamed a feral kitten to be his pet, taught the family’s foster puppies new tricks, and finds lizards and geckos to gently catch and release.
Although gratitude is something everyone can grow in, Logan and Nathan demonstrate their gratitude often. Logan appreciates hard work and enjoys showing gratitude by helping around the house. He is quick to make his brothers an egg breakfast, mow the lawn for his grandpa, or mop the floor for his mom. Although Nathan loves to receive gifts, he also shows gratitude in giving whether he is sharing snacks or toys with his brothers, giving away his toys, or practicing the subtle art of thinking first of others.
Monthly SLO: Gratitude
November is the perfect time to reflect on the things that we are thankful for. This month, the schoolwide learner outcome is gratitude. Expressing gratitude encourages a positive mindset, reduces depression, and increases connectivity. Below are a few articles that you may want to take a look at to better understand why gratitude is an important part of our character education and how you can incorporate it into your daily life.
Gratitude Poster
Fall Webinars
The high school team will share an overview of dual enrollment and present the advantages of taking community college courses while in high school. Join us for this helpful webinar on November 6, 2020, at 10 AM. Register here.
Updated Webinars flyer with linksPet Show and Tell
Now is your chance to show off that pet of yours! Please register for the upcoming Pet Show & Tell on November 5 at 1:00 p.m. by visiting here.
You can also register by clicking on any upcoming events on the flier.
VirtualEvents_Fall2020Halloween Fun
Thank you to all who submitted photos of this year’s creative costumes. Please take a moment to see our learners all dressed up in their Halloween best!
Learner Spotlight: Jedaiah Pierce
Jedaiah Pierce has the “first things first” habit down pat. This 6th grade iLEAD Exploration learner starts his day with a plan and makes a checklist of everything he plans to do for the day. He does schoolwork first, then chores, and then it’s playtime.
This active eleven-year-old was born with cerebral palsy, which affects the left side of his body. However, Jedi has not let this stop him from doing things he loves. Even though some activities may take him more time and effort, he keeps the growth mindset at the forefront of his mind. He plays soccer, rides horses, plays Fortnite, swims, and wants to learn archery. He has been doing physical therapy and occupational therapy since he was six months old. He has had five years of equine therapy (PT/OT on horses). He is constantly trying new things to help strengthen his arm and hand. Two years ago, Jedi started having seizures related to his cerebral palsy. Although this was scary, Jedi has been courageous in the face of this development and takes active measures to improve the health of his brain. He always has a good attitude with doctor visits and bravely faces uncomfortable procedures.
Kind and generous, Jedi is friendly with everyone. He loves life and loves to have fun. He is also really funny and likes to joke around. Jedi is the youngest of three boys. Jedi’s parents are both teachers and his beloved older brothers are in high school where their dad teaches. He lives in Joshua Tree near Joshua Tree National Park, so hiking is one of his favorite things to do. His favorite national park, however, is Yosemite. Jedi also enjoys Fortnite, watching gaming YouTubers, Marvel and DC superheroes, soccer, and traveling, but he also loves coming home to his family’s three dogs.
Jedi’s first year homeschooling has been a success so far. He had been in public school since kindergarten, but his family decided last year (pre-pandemic) that they would homeschool him this year for several reasons: to spend more time with family, to have flexibility for medical appointments and sick days, and to enjoy the atmosphere of school at home.
Jedi has achieved so much in his life. One of his favorites was winning first place for his science project at the local district and then being selected to go on to the county science fair. Congratulations, Jedi!
Inspiration: Mud Kitchen Fun
By Nicole Huguenin
Director of Arts Integration and Play Maker, Maker Learning Network
Are you running out of ideas to entertain your bright learners at home? We have just the thing for you: Why not build your family’s very own mud kitchen?
Mud kitchens are so much fun for your kids! Not only do they completely engage children and provide you with some much-needed extra time, but they also encourage the following:
- Exploration
- Creativity
- Imagination
- Social Skills
- Role-Playing
- Fine Motor Skills
- Math
- Sensory Play
- Wonder and Joy
Did you know that dirt is healthy for your kids? Find out “The Dirt on Dirt” and the many health benefits of mud!
How to Make a Mud Kitchen
Mud kitchens can be as simple as a bowl, a stick, some dirt, and some water. They can also be a little more elaborate. Click here for our collection of mud kitchen ideas on Pinterest! Let your child’s imagination guide them in their mud kitchen adventures. See what you can find from this list:
- Cupcake Tins
- Wooden Spoons
- Mashers
- Whisks
- Spatulas
- Metal Bowls
- Wooden Bowls
- Sifter
- Small Pans
- Mortar and Pestle
- Colanders
- Ladles
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Rolling Pin
- Pots and Pans
- Expired Spices
- Dried or Old Flowers
Mud Kitchen Supply Ideas
Items for mud kitchens need not be new. They can be things from around the house, or you can ask friends and relatives if they have any. Thrift stores are also a great place to find things for mud kitchens. See what you can find from this list:
- Cupcake Tins
- Wooden Spoons
- Mashers
- Whisks
- Spatulas
- Metal Bowls
- Wooden Bowls
- Sifter
- Small Pans
- Mortar and Pestle
- Colanders
- Ladles
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Rolling Pin
- Pots and Pans
- Expired Spices
- Dried or Old Flowers
Remember: “Kids are 100% washable!” —Lisa Latimer, iLEAD Agua Dulce School Director
Have fun! #GETMUDDY
Be sure to share your mud kitchen photos with us here!
Fall MAP Testing
We wanted to remind you that our MAP testing window is coming to a close on October 30. We hope you take this opportunity to gather information regarding your learner’s progress.
MAP2020Design Your Own Pumpkin Bot
This Halloween, take pumpkin carving to a different dimension by creating your very own pumpkin bot. Children can be given the opportunity to design their mini “pumpkin bot” using nuts, bolts, and anything else they have on hand to work with. Their imagination is the limit! There is no cutting involved, only innovation! Pumpkin bots are encouraged to live with the designer afterward! Have fun creating!
Upcoming Educational Events
We are very excited about the upcoming virtual events listed below! Please register for the upcoming Pet Show & Tell on November 5th at 1:00 p.m. by visiting here. Now is your chance to show off that pet of yours!
You can also register by clicking on any upcoming events on the flier.
VirtualEvents_Fall2020Learner Spotlight: Slater and Preslee Casaus
Do you need dog training? No problem! What about a custom-made skateboard? Again, no problem! iLEAD Exploration learners Preslee and Slater Casaus have you covered. This sister and brother duo, who have only just begun their homeschooling journey, definitely demonstrate the growth mindset and a commitment to putting first things first!
Preslee is a very sweet 6th grader with a big heart for all animals. She is continuing to grow in every aspect of her life. She has a passion for writing. She has millions of notebooks full of stories. She is great at keeping reminders and organizing what needs to be done daily. Her future looks bright, and she hopes one day to be a teacher. She loves training her beloved malti-poos, Maggie and Racer. Maggie knows over six tricks! Preslee is also currently learning to rollerblade.
Slater never gives up even when his work gets hard. He keeps pushing himself to learn new things and strives to learn outside his comfort zone. He loves math, and his long-term vision is to one day be an architect. He loves all sports and recently learned how to surf, after crashing many times in the ocean. He never gave up and kept getting back up. He started racing BMX at the age of three, and this has taught him the mindset of hard work. With his dad’s help, he also made his own skateboard and skateboard ramp!
Growth Mindset: Ted Talk
We are excited to present our next TED Talk for the month of October on growth mindset!
If you have any thoughts that you would like to share, we would really like to hear from you on our Instagram and Facebook pages.
As you watch the video, some great questions for family discussion include:
- Has there ever been a time when having a fixed mindset gets in your way or stopped you from reaching your full potential?
- Is there a goal that you really want to accomplish? Share your goal with your family and ask them to support you in keeping a growth mindset about it!
- Have you ever had to shift frustration into a growth mindset?
Make a Difference Day
“You’re never too small to make a difference,” Greta Thunberg once said.
And she’s right! Anyone can make a difference. All it takes is some small scale planning and a step in the right direction. This Make a Difference Day, an annual event taking place on the fourth Saturday of every October, is the perfect time to take that step. Here’s how you can start:
- Perform an act of kindness
- Volunteer in your community
- Support a cause you care about
- Give someone an uplifting compliment
Virtual Halloween Parade
It’s not too late to join the fun! The deadline has been extended to October 23!
HalloweenParadeFall Webinars
Interested in learning about your child’s learning modalities? Join us for a webinar on October 21 at 12:00 p.m. Register here.
Updated Webinars flyer with linksUpcoming Educational Events
We are very excited about the upcoming virtual events listed below!
- Please register for Skribbl Pictionary on October 23 at 2:00 p.m. by visiting here. Also, please note that we have extended the registration deadline for Let’s Cook to 10/23.
Digital Citizenship Week and Virtual Book Club Kickoff
Digital Citizenship Week and Virtual Book Club Kickoff
iLEAD California strives to foster a community where our learners are digital citizens. Being a good digital citizen is about understanding the best way to connect and collaborate with others. Now more than ever, fostering digital citizenship is essential.
When we go online, we’re participating in a world where we can be instantly connected to thousands of people at a moment’s notice. When learners connect with each other from a distance, it can affect the way they behave. For example, their actions can feel removed from consequences or discovery. When people are anonymous, it’s easier to behave irresponsibly, cruelly, or unethically.
iLEAD is participating in the annual Digital Citizenship Week as a way to help our families generate conversations about what it means to be a good digital citizen, stay safe in the online world, and utilize the wonderful tools 21st-century technology has to offer to the best of their abilities.
We’ll be focusing on 5 main topics for discussion and learning this year:
- Media Balance and Well-Being
- Media/Online Literacy
- Building Relationships and Communication as a prevention technique to Bullying, Digital Drama, and Hate Speech
- Using Digital Footprint and Identity to Foster Digital Leadership
- Digital Privacy and Security
Each topic will include family-centered activities and discussion guides to support this driving question: “How do I demonstrate through my actions that I’m a good digital citizen?”
We encourage you to submit activities and reflections to stories@ileadschools.org.
Join in a parent virtual book club this fall!
iLEAD California is offering a network-wide virtual family book club as part of our efforts to join in the national movement to foster digital citizenship. We’ll be reading Raising Humans in the Digital World: Helping Kids Build a Healthy Relationship with Technology by Diana Graber.
Book Club Kickoff: Thursday, October 29, from 6:30-7:30 PM
Book Club Discussion and Reflection: Thursday, November 29, from 6:30-7:30 PM
With weekly emails throughout the month for guided questions, resources, and asynchronous discussion.
Click HERE to register.
Learner Spotlight: Adrian Staab
After a particularly disappointing loss in a jiu jitsu tournament, someone told iLEAD Exploration learner Adrian Staab: “You never lose; you only learn.” A third grader who has earned a yellow-white belt in jiu jitsu, Adrian took this message to heart and came to understand that losing isn’t the end of the world; it’s just an opportunity to learn and grow. Now he happily applies this growth mindset to other aspects of life.
Homeschooling for Adrian started four years ago as a necessity since he had a problem with his esophagus that could cause him to choke easily and his parents didn’t feel comfortable sending him out to school. Homeschool not only provided a safer option but also the opportunity for outside classes with incredible teachers. Some of his favorites have been LEGO engineering, marine biology, Spanish, and theatre.
Another benefit of homeschooling is that Adrian can travel more easily with his family. Since his parents own their business that requires them to travel often, homeschooling allows Adrian to travel with them. The family believes travel is wonderfully educational, and it has enabled Adrian to visit many museums, learn about other states and countries, socialize with many different types of people, and so much more.
When it comes to “first things first,” being kind is the first and highest value for this family. Once, after Adrian won a jiu jitsu match a few years ago, the child who lost started crying and got really upset. Rather than celebrate his victory, Adrian immediately patted the other child on the back and gave him an encouraging speech about how great he did and how he should always believe in himself. Adrian’s parents were so proud that he put someone else’s feelings above his need to celebrate at that moment.
Adrian has won three gold medals in jiu jitsu tournaments. He is the highest-ranked child in his Muay Thai class. He also enjoys speech and debate, playing piano, and helping his parents with their business.
Homeschooling has shaped who Adrian is today. Having the option to customize Adrian’s learning, learn through travel, and focus on his growth has been awesome for the Staab family.
7 Habits: Put First Things First
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey focuses on the principles of fairness, integrity, honesty, and human dignity. At iLEAD, we believe consistent development and growth are vital to one’s well-being and to our community as a whole! The concepts explored in this book can be useful for people from all walks of life at all ages, and they deserve to be revisited! We hope you find our brief summary of each habit in upcoming Monday Messages useful, and we encourage you to explore the habits at a deeper level by demonstrating and practicing them in your own environment.
Habit 3: Put First Things First
Habit 3 is all about prioritization. While people’s priorities vary, prioritization is good as it allows us to gain new perspectives. It is essential that each of us develop our own habits and priorities to meet our own goals.
Putting first things first is the physical creation of one’s goals. Learning how to prioritize one’s activities according to one’s goals is essential for turning goals into a reality. Proper prioritization helps one work more effectively because it eliminates needless work, or at least arranges it appropriately. According to Covey, prioritization is about learning how to manage yourself.
Covey promotes the Time Management Matrix (also known as the Eisenhower Matrix) for identifying and arranging priorities. This matrix helps people to focus on identifying higher-value tasks and accomplishing results by first classifying their daily activities by urgency/importance, and then approaching them based on the quadrant of the matrix in which they fall. Using this matrix, one’s daily activities can be categorized into four quadrants:
Quadrant 2 is about having personal leadership and focusing on the important tasks that have long-term effect. This quadrant reflects one’s life goals and desires, which are linked to one’s life purpose. It is the magic quadrant on which people should focus, and yet it is often the most neglected.
There are two reasons why Q2 tasks are often neglected. First, Q2 tasks (for example, taking care of one’s health or pursuing one’s dreams) don’t often present visible urgency until it is too late. Second, Q2 tasks require more time and energy investment before one sees results. Unfortunately, this conflicts with modern society’s desire for instant gratification.
We encourage you to spend some time this school year evaluating your time and priorities and try plugging them into the matrix! Keep in mind that Q2 tasks reap the most reward in the long run. Think of time spent in Q2 as sowing seeds for an abundant future harvest!
Update: PFT Test
On September 18, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law SB 820. SB 820 prescribes that, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to comply with state and local health guidelines, the yearly administration of the Physical Performance Test (PFT) for 5th, 7th and 9th grades shall be suspended for the 2020-21 school year. Therefore, iLEAD will not administer the PFT in the spring of 2021.
90-Second Newbery Film Festival
Calling all elementary schoolers, junior high kids, and high schoolers! The 90-Second Newbery Film Festival is an annual video contest in which young filmmakers create short movies that tell the entire stories of Newbery-winning books in about a minute and a half. Full details can be found here.