Archive for February, 2008
HOW TO MAKE A CULTURALLY COMPETENT KID
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Friday, February 22nd, 2008
The research we used to build this online course clearly shows that culturally competent educators and mentors are better able to effectively connect with kids.
Someone who is culturally competent has the self awareness, and respect for others that allows him or her to work well with a variety of kids, families and community members. Many adults these days have lots of opportunities to develop the knowledge and abilities they need to interact successfully across cultures, but, how do we make a culturally competent kid? How do we, as mentors and teachers, encourage acceptance and respect for cultural differences in school, and in our communities?
One of the primary keys to cultural competence is self-awareness. So, it makes sense that, when we encourage kids to learn about their own culture and heritage, we build a foundation they can use to understand others. At the same time, learning to be comfortable sharing information about your cultural heritage can be a great way to strengthen a relationship.
So, please tell me, whether you are a mentor, parent, teacher or friend, if you have an afternoon to spend with a kid – what would you do to create a fun, inexpensive experience that encourages you to connect to each other and your community, and make you both more culturally aware and comfortable?
Please share your ideas, because as Martha Stewart (almost) says, and our research shows, cultural competence is a good thing (and I believe it can be a fun thing as well.)
Watch this space for some great ideas.
Topics: Culturally Competent, Quality Time | No Comments »
Quality Time
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Tuesday, February 12th, 2008
Quality time is a key to building relationships, but finding ways to spend quality time with a kid can be a challenge. Here’s an idea: Learn to do something together.
Whether you learn to cook a new dish, explore new software, figure out how to use a digital camera, learn to skateboard, take an art class, or learn more about a subject you both enjoy (art, dinosaurs, cars, history, computers) sometimes its important to remember that mentors don’t always have to be teachers. In fact, a great way to strengthen your relationship is to become fellow students.
Learning together can be an opportunity for a mentoring pair to get to know each other in new ways, and help create a bond that will build your relationship. Of course, it may also be an opportunity to learn a new skill, or new facts, discover a new passion or talent, or simply spend a really great day or hour doing something you both enjoy.
With this in mind, this blog will regularly feature ideas that you can use to enrich the time you spend with your mentee. Let’s start small.
TIP:
Did you know that many TV programs have websites that contain great learning resources, in depth information, photos, curriculum ideas, games, quizzes and things to do?These sites are always packed with information, related to specific programs, and subjects. Whether you use the sites on your own to find ideas, or visit them with your mentee, you may be surprised at all the great things you will find.
The Discovery Channel website is packed with something for everyone.
This Day in History on the History Channel website may be just the inspiration you need to get a conversation started.
I invite you to share your ideas, your stories about learning together. And I invite you to add your information about upcoming classes, events or programs that mentors and kids may enjoy together to this blog. Check back again soon for lots more ideas.
Topics: Things to do | No Comments »
In the New Year: RESOLVE TO GET INVOLVED
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Tuesday, February 12th, 2008
A recent Oregonian article, Putting the Men Back in Mentoring, describes the struggles of Oregon mentoring and volunteer groups to find men to who are willing to be mentors for boys. Though numerous studies show that a relationship with an adult role model can help build self esteem, and even help to keep an at-risk kid in school, the article states that boys often wait for years to find a match.
To get the New Year off to a positive start, make this the year that you become a mentor. There are many ways to get involved, with boys and with girls. Which ever way you choose, you are sure to make a positive difference in the life of a child and in your own life as well.
To learn more about some of Portland’s mentoring organizations, to find applications to get involved, to get help finding a match, and for resources and ideas for things to do, check out some of these programs:
Mentor Portland is a Program of Boys & Girls Aid. The organization works to create, communities that value children and families and are committed to their success and growth. Mentor Portland program activities give mentors and youth constructive ways to get to know each other better and develop their relationship. Best of all, they are always provided at no cost!
Mark your calendar to learn more about Mentor Portland
Attend a Monthly Info Session: for anyone interested in learning more about our program! These are scheduled every month from 6:30 - 7:30 pm at Boys & Girls Aid The next meeting is January 8, 2008.
Laurelwood Brewery Event
Thinking about becoming a mentor? Want to learn how you can positively impact a youth? Stop by to learn more about Mentor Portland and to enjoy good food and good conversation at Laurelwood Brewery
Tuesday January 15th
Anytime between 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Laurelwood Brewery
5115 N.E. Sandy Blvd.
Portland, OR 97213
For details, visit the website at http://www.mentorportland.org/
Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest
This organization believes that by becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, you can turn little bits of magic into big moments in a child’s life.
You can get involved by attending Big’s Night Out in Clackamas County, an evening of fun and socializing at a local restaurant for all Bigs and those interested in becoming a Big.
Mark your calendar for the last Wednesday of each month from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm Call the Clackamas County Branch office for monthly location at 503-742-2043. For details, visit the website at http://www.mentorportland.org/
To learn basic skills involved with mentoring youth, attend Mentor 101, a free training course presented by the Oregon National Guard. The course will cover effective communication skills, stages of the mentoring relationship, listening skills and more. January 9, 2008, 6:30 p.m.
Please contact Oregon Mentors to register: 503-517-8990 or info@oregonmentors.org
More Events of Interest:
Children at the Center: Envisioning Schools, Families & Communities that Serve Our Youth
Join City Club’s series of six community dialogues to explore key questions in education and human development. The series is intended to generate fresh and imaginative thinking about educating and nurturing our youngest citizens – from birth through adolescence – in schools, families and communities.
The series will be facilitated by Ba Luvmour, co-director, EnCompass Families and Kasi Allen Fuller, assistant professor of Mathematics Education, Lewis & Clark College and researcher, Inverness Research Associates.
For questions about the series contact Ba Luvmour at (503) 287-1785. RSVP and payment to Kim Adams McCool at (503) 228-7231 x103 or email kim@pdxcityclub.org.
Do you have suggestions for ways to get involved? Are you part of a program you would like to tell others about? Can you recommend a resource, activity or project? Do you have a question about mentoring? Use this blog to get connected.
Topics: Resources for Mentor | No Comments »
WELCOME and Please Watch this Blog Space
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Thursday, February 7th, 2008
Welcome to the blog space for the online course, Making Connections: Strong Relationships Help Keep Kids in School.
The Making Connections blog is the place for mentors, teachers, counselors - anyone who works with kids at risk of dropping out of school - to find timely and relevant information and resources to help you meet the needs of the kids you work with.
The research this course is built upon makes it clear that relationships are the key to keeping kids in school. Relationships are also essential for teachers, mentors and volunteers. . We’ve designed this blog, and the course it supports, to take full advantage of the web’s ability to link ideas, information and people. We hope that stories and the ideas you find here will motivate you to build and maintain strong relationships with kids
Communicating on this blog will make it easy for you to connect with others; to build online relationships and receive support, answers and ideas when you need them. Please use this blog to comment, question and interact with class participants, with me, and to all who contribute here.
We need your input We hope that you will use this space to share stories of your successes with kids, descriptions of the challenges you face in your work, and the goals that you have for affecting positive change in the lives of the kids you work with.
Please also, share your ideas, inspirations, concerns, resources, questions, frustrations, recommendations and requests for help. Your input will help us make this community strong, as we continue to develop this site.
Visit often; there is lots of great information and material coming soon.
Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »