Resources for Mentor
« Previous EntriesSolutions to the Dropout Crisis radio webcast Tuesday, June 16
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Tuesday, June 9th, 2009
Solutions to the Dropout Crisis radio webcast, to be broadcast live on Tuesday, June 16, at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. (12:30 PDT)
Mentoring is one of the most effective and certainly the most economical dropout prevention strategies. But in order to have positive effects, mentoring needs to incorporate the right elements, i.e., The Elements of Effective Practice.
Kate Schineller, VP of MENTOR, will present a full program about mentoring, including who needs mentors; what the research says; and program design and planning. She will then introduce listeners to a successful mentoring program for children of prisoners, the Caregiver’s Choice Project, a demonstration project of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and administrated by her organization, MENTOR.
Materials including the slide show/PowerPoint are available online now! On the day of the broadcast, go to http://www.dropoutprevention.org/webcast and select this program. You may participate live and call in questions of our guest. If you are unable to join us on the 16th, listen to the archived version or subscribe to our program on Itunes.
Any questions, contact ndpc@clemson.edu.
Topics: Dropouts, Recommended Resources, Resources for Mentor, Upcoming Events | No Comments »
MENTOR Releases Toolkit on Mentoring Immigrant Youth
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Saturday, May 30th, 2009
MENTOR is offering a new, free resource titled Mentoring Immigrant Youth: A Toolkit for Program Coordinators to help mentoring organizations better understand and serve America’s growing immigrant and refugee youth population.
A projected 30 percent of all U.S. children will be immigrants or children of immigrants by 2015. And, according to mentoring expert Dr. Jean Rhodes, these youth are more likely to face stress related to exclusion, poverty and separation from family. Strain is placed on the parent-child relationship during assimilation, as well - creating an important need for caring adults and mentors to advocate for and foster resiliency in this population.
Developed with funding from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the toolkit has 10 modules addressing topics such as population characteristics, an immigrant youth needs assessment, recommendations for working with these populations, defining program parameters, cultural competence tips and matching mentors with immigrant youth. The kit should be used as part of the larger How to Build a Successful Mentoring Program Using the Elements of Effective Practice.
To download this free resource, go to mentoring.org/immigrantyouth/.
This article from Oregon Campus Compact - a statewide membership organization connecting community engaged colleges and universities with resources, convening the state for collaborative work and advocating for the civic mission of higher education.
Topics: Resources for Mentor | No Comments »
Art and Culture: A Natural Connection that Builds Understanding
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Monday, May 4th, 2009
This week students are turning their focus to Cultural Competence. What better way to learn about and appreciate the values, skills and practices of another culture than to look at the art produced by its people? So, I am reposting this blog to make it easy to find these great resources.
Art has always played an important role in shaping and recording cultural history and lifestyles. Art also plays an important role in making kids happy and comfortable in school. I know that for lots of kids, the opportunity to create art can help engage him or her in school, and open a door to learning across disciplines.
Recent visits to some schools in Portland make it clear that art is happening in the schools, but for some kids (kids like I used to be) there is never enough art in a day.
Here are some ideas for strategies that teachers and mentors (especially in after school programs) can use to stimulate interest in other cultures, while also providing opportunities for students to see and experience many forms of art.
Bring samples of art into your space. Bring objects, slides, photos, posters, fabrics. You get the idea. For example, a unit on African art might include masks, wood carvings, beadwork, jewelry, fabrics and more. Any of these can become a starting point to open a conversation about both the art, and its uses in its culture.
Talk about what you see, ask:
- What are these things used for?
- What materials are they made of? Where do these materials come from?
- Are they part of every day life or are they meant to be displayed in a museum or a temple?
Teachers may want to pose some questions as research. Invite kids to visit the library, explore books and art sites on the internet, and talk to family and community members to find out what they know about African art. Then, encourage them to share what they’ve learned - in words, or by creating a piece of art.
Mentors (and of course, teachers too) may want to take advantage of parents or other community members to take part in the conversation, and share some of their favorite art as well. :
In the course of a conversation about African art, kids may learn that in most African cultures art is used to express religious beliefs, to teach behavior, to communicate history and to proclaim an individual’s status in the community. What about art in other cultures?
RESOURCES
There are so many wonderful resources to help you bring Art and Culture into your classroom or program; you may find your biggest challenge deciding where to begin. Here are two reall good ones:
Global & Multicultural Resource Center
The centerpiece of the World Affairs Council’s statewide K-12 program is the Global & Multicultural Resource Center. Housed at Portland State University, the Center enhances international and multicultural education in both schools and the community. Our resources and programs are available to teachers, students, parents and organizations in both Oregon and SW Washington.
Be sure to check out the Culture Boxes provided by this program http://www.worldoregon.org/more/education/resources.php
“Our Culture Boxes on over 90 countries are brimming with maps, lessons, and hands-on treasures from musical instruments and traditional clothes to toys, games and easily transportable props. A typical box or set of boxes contains:
Books, lesson plans, maps, audio/video tapes, posters, CultureGrams, files, newspaper clippings, AND hands on items in the following categories: food, shelter, daily life, arts & crafts, dress, beliefs, toys & games, music & dance, language, and more…”
For more information on our Culture Boxes, Reference Library and programs, please see our website: www.worldoregon.org/more/education/index.php
Donations to the boxes from your travels are more than welcome!
Multicultural Lesson Plans
Art based lesson plans written by teachers. These are great recipes for success.
TELL US:
What do you do in your classroom or program? Share your ideas for projects and resources on this blog?
Topics: Culturally Competent, Resources for Mentor, Resources for Teacher, Things to do | 1 Comment »
Great Resource Guide for Multnomah County
By Danielle Miles | Friday, April 24th, 2009
The best compilation of resources our team of 12 Social Workers & Skills Trainers could find…
Resource Guide (everything from food to counseling) for Mid and East Multnomah County (East Portland, Gresham, Fairview, Troutdale, etc)
“Where to Turn” 2008-2009, put out by Mt Hood Community College
http://www.mhcc.edu/docs/docsHeadStart/WheretoTurn.pdf
Topics: RESOURCES, Recommended Resources, Resources for Mentor, Resources for Teacher | No Comments »
A new website designed to help families and service providers
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Friday, April 24th, 2009
I found this excellent and useful resource in the Oregonian on April 23. Since it was only in the local Southwest Metro section, I am hoping this information will reach a broader audience. I think this is a valuable addition to the Making Connections resource list.
TIP: Teachers can direct parents to this site.
The Family Education and Support Network has launched a new website, designed to serve as a “one-stop parenting resource for parents and service providers in Clackamas County and surrounding areas.
The site links parents with programs and resources on parenting advice, and connects them with other parents and caregivers. It also gives organizations that provide such services a way to reach parents.
It features a searchable directory of resources on parent education, health care, emergency services and more. Listings can be searched by city, child’s age group and by language, including English and six others.
The network encourages organizations that provide services to post their information to the directory. In addition, the site features a calendar of up-to-date information on classes, play groups and other events for parents and providers. Organizations can submit events to the online calendar.
Topics: RESOURCES, Resources for Mentor, Resources for Teacher | No Comments »
Resources: Outward Bound for Adventure
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Wednesday, March 18th, 2009
In the final lesson of the Making Connections course, students are asked to suggest some resources that they find valuable.
Students have offered lots of great ideas that will be enhancing the resources available within the course, but with spring popping up all around, I think it is a good time to share some of the recommended resources specific to outdoor, adventure, and experiential education, though, (as it was pointed out) “the information and strategies could probably be applied to a lot of K-12 classrooms.”
Outward Bound Goes to the Inner City
This journal article describes a program at the Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center in Boston (Massachusetts) that supplements the traditional program of ropes and rocks with community service, giving urban students opportunities to try out new leadership skills in local neighborhoods.
Buchanan, D. (2000).Educational Leadership v 50 Dec 1992/Jan 1993 38-41.
Expeditionary Learning Schools Outward Bound
(ELS) is a national, non-profit organization that opens new elementary, middle and college-oriented secondary schools, and partners with existing schools, to improve student achievement; build student character; enhance teacher practices; and instill a positive school culture. The ELS approach promotes rigorous and engaging curriculum; active, inquiry-based pedagogy; and a school culture that demands and teaches compassion and good citizenship.
Adventure Education and Outward Bound: Out-of-class experiences that make a lasting difference
This article examines the effects of adventure programs on a diverse array of outcomes such as self-concept, locus of control, and leadership.
John A. Hattie, Herbert W. Marsh, James T. Neill, Garry E. Richards, Review of Educational Research v 67 Spring 1997 43-87.
Cowstails and Cobras II: A Guide to Games, Initiatives, Ropes Courses, and Adventure Curriculum. Karl Rohnke, Project Adventure, Inc. in cooperation with Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, Dubuque, Iowa, 1989.4. ISBN 0840354347, 9780840354341
Topics: Outdoor Education, RESOURCES, Resources for Mentor, Resources for Teacher | 1 Comment »
Mentoring Programs Change Lives
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Monday, March 16th, 2009
Mentoring was in the news this weekend, or at least, in the Parade magazine tucked into my Sunday Oregonian. With so many people losing jobs (and gaining extra time) I thought this article was a timely and upbeat reminder of how making a difference in one life, can create positive outcomes in unexpected ways.
A two-page spread, Mentoring Programs Change Lives, by Kevin Sessums , illustrates perfectly one of the key reasons for offering this course and resources to support mentors and potential mentors. As the article subtitle states, when one person mentors, two lives are changed. But it is not always easy.
Sessums’ article is his story, about his relationship with one (lucky) boy, but it is also the story of how his time with his mentor has enriched his life. And, it is an open invitation for YOU to get involved in a relationship which has so much potential for so much benefit.
You Can Mentor A Child
Millions of young people want or need mentors, and mentoring groups encourage people to donate time according to their own comfort level. Many programs are flexible about scheduling and offer support to mentors in the early stages.
“I think for a lot of people there is a bit of trepidation—even fear—in establishing a mentor relationship,” says Judith N. Vredenburgh, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the nation’s largest mentoring organization. “It’s not a natural one at first. It usually takes three to six months for trust to develop. That’s what we are here for—to offer structured support for these relationships in the early days—with the safety of the child our most important concern.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters serves 255,000 children through its 394 affiliates across America. Its successful Mentoring Brothers campaign enlists African-American men in its programs. Though 35% of the boys who are mentored are African-Americans, only 15% of mentors are.
In this and many other mentoring programs, children are matched with adult volunteers—after background checks and a careful interview process—based on location and common interests. Many matches develop into lasting friendships.
How to Give of Yourself
Mentoring a child can have a powerful impact. It doesn’t require a financial commitment but rather a willingness to give your time and share your experiences. Here are some organizations to consider.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America bbbs.org
The oldest mentoring organization, with more than a century of service, it serves children 6 to 18.
Foster Grandparent Program seniorcorps.gov
Works with Americans ages 60 and older who are able to mentor a child for up to 40 hours a week.
Mentoring Children of Prisoners: Caregiver’s Choice (mentoring.org/caregiverschoice
Brings together mentors and children whose parents are incarcerated.
For other mentoring opportunities in your area, go to mentoring.org
Topics: How to Help, Mentor Stories, Resources for Mentor | 1 Comment »
At least one answer to the question, What Should I Do Now?
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Friday, December 19th, 2008
When I first considered writing this recommendation for a website, I worried that it was not a good idea because not all kids have access to computers. However, after a week of snow and cold, and plenty of time to think back to my days as a parent with young snow bound kids at home, I decided that ANYTHING I can do to make the time at home more fun, less BOOOOORING, and more educational is worth the blog space. And, once the kids are back in school and once again in after school programs and mentor relationships, this site will still be worth knowing about.
PBS Kids Go is a lively and kid appropriate website filled with fun, educational and holiday things to do - for kids, with kids, about kids. Each game or activity on the site is related to PBS characters such as Arthur, Maya and Miguel, and the Cyberchase kids.
The site has really well designed things to do. In this season of cold and winter breaks away from school, after-school activities and mentor programs, (not to mention a full week of snow days so far), the games on this site are a wonderful way to keep kids involved and learning. I think many of them artfully combine learning (science, cooking, culture, mysteries, even economics) and fun. Kids can save their scores and login to continue a game they enjoy.
The site also has lots of holiday music and videos, eCards that let kids send greetings and keep in touch with friends, Speak Out (an opportunity for kids to share their ideas), resources for teachers and parents, videos in English and Spanish, TV schedules and lots more. Basically, it contains the answer to the age old question - what should I do now?
PBS Kids Go is part of PBS Kids – which offers an even broader array of activities, music, games and more, related to PBS children’s programming. This site and the related PBS Parents and PBS Teachers is definitely a resource that mentors, teachers and parents should be aware of.
Do you have any favorite resources to recommend to help kids make the most of time away from school? Tell us … use the comment feature below. Thanks
Topics: Recommended Resources, Resources for Mentor, Resources for Teacher, Things to do | No Comments »
Mark your calendars! OSBA 62nd Annual Convention
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Monday, November 3rd, 2008
Oregon School Board Association
62nd Annual Convention
November 13 - 16
Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront Hotel
Every child deserves a future that embraces a world of new opportunities and knowledge. Our schools must prepare every student to succeed in the world, providing the skills and insight that will help them adapt and learn throughout their lives. As leaders in our schools and communities, you must believe in the promise of the future - and you must believe your work helps to make every future count. Click here for information and registration
Among the many offerings at this year’s convention, (click here to view the schedule of events) two are related to our project, Making Connections:
1. Making Connections: Strong relationships keep kids in school
Making Connections is an online relationship-building tool created by Oregonians for Oregonians who work with kids. One-on-one students/adult relationships make students more successful in school and more likely to graduate. Making Connections was developed to lower the turnover rate among adult professionals and volunteers. Panelists explain how the lessons, activities and support from peers helped them create connections with students, improve their experience and enrich their community.
Time: Friday, November 14 at 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Location: Willamette Room
Presented by: Emma Burkhart, teacher, Rigler Elementary
Brendan Bassett, lead program coordinator, Metropolitan Family Service
Toni Plato, program administrator,
Portland State University
Jeff Renfro, project manager: Making Connections, Innovation Partnership
I will be presenting on Saturday – I hope to see you there.
2. The third R: Relationships
School districts need relationship help! This session explores the importance of relationships to schools and community. Although research shows that rigor, relevance and relationships are the keys to educational success, the first two get the bulk of our time and money. This session teaches you how to achieve this essential competency and explores how school districts can support teachers and mentors in building strong, culturally competent relationships. The content and strategies are based on research collected by a panel of 30 community leaders and professionals from education, business and government.
Time: Saturday, November 15 at 2-3:30 p.m.
Location: Medford Room
Presented by: Tobi Kibel Piatek, education consultant,
Portland State University, Graduate School of Education
Topics: Resources for Mentor, Resources for Teacher, Upcoming Events | No Comments »
Teaching Tolerance: A Great Magazine (and website) for Free
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Monday, August 18th, 2008
I am just back from the Minority Affairs Conference where I had the chance to speak to two groups of educators about the importance of creating relationships - not only to keep kids in school, but to strengthen school, family and community bonds. I will be writing more about the conference later, but today, I want to share a great resource I discovered tucked into my bag of goodies.
Teaching Tolerance is a magazine “dedicated to reducing prejudice, improving intergroup relations and supporting equitable school experiences for our nation’s children.” The Teaching Tolerance website is another powerful resource. It features information for teachers, for parents, for teens and for kids.
Published twice a year, Teaching Tolerance magazine “showcases innovative tolerance initiatives in schools across the country. ” The Association of Educational Publishers has named it the 2007 Periodical of the Year, and it is FREE for educators.
The magazine, which is well designed and written, features articles, stories, interviews and more. But of special interest to teachers and mentors working with kids is the Activity Exchange - an array of excellent, easy to use curriculum ideas that work in the classroom or after school program - NOW.
In the latest issue, the theme is Anti Bias Activities. These ideas include Identity Posters - a simple and effective plan to “start the year off right and stop teasing” (about ‘different’ names) before it starts. This is perfect for grades K-6.
Riding With Rosa is another idea - this one allows kids (grades 3-6) to go back in time and sit on the bus with Rosa Parks and consider how they might have responded if they were on that bus too. These are just two of the great ideas that will help any educator explore challenging topics in interesting and engaging ways.
Also, Teaching Tolerance will publish YOUR good ideas. To find out how you can share your ideas in print, go to http://www.tolerance.org/teach/magazine/getpublished.jsp
To learn more, to order your free subscription, and to explore the huge array of free and excellent resources available, visit the website - and, while you are there, take some time to discover the other free resources that can work with your kids.
Topics: RESOURCES, Resources for Mentor, Resources for Teacher | No Comments »
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