Empathy vs. Sympathy

“No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” ~Theodore Roosevelt

Empathy and sympathy are two very different concepts.  As humans, we often confuse one with the other.  When we are trying to help students learn to be resilient, we (as adults) must offer empathy, not sympathy.  What is the difference, you may ask.  Empathy is essentially understanding and caring offered when we truly know or try to understand what the child is going through.  Sympathy on the other hand is that feeling of care and concern that accompanies trying to make someone feel better.  Empathetic adults understand and may have experienced the same thing the child is going through, but the child has to learn how to make him/herself feel better.  Sometimes, for example, that comes through having consequences or making amends.  We have a tendency to want to lessen the consequences of poor decisions by children (that’s sympathy). 

Children who have loving, empathetic adults in their lives learn to take risks and struggle successfully, but children with only sympathetic adults learn to feel helpless and struggle without success.  Empathy is caring in a powerful way and children want the adults in their lives to be loving and powerful people.  We should all take stock in our responses to children to see how much empathy we offer, as opposed to sympathy.  Making that shift from sympathy to empathy is one sure way to help develop resiliency in children. 

If you are interested in the science of empathy there are some interesting perspectives at:

http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/empathy/definition

Have a great week!

Mrs. Baier

All 3rd grade roads lead to Rome...

“How is it possible to say an unkind or irreverential word of Rome?  The city of all time, and of all the world!” ~ Nathaniel Hawthorne

If you recall one of the key components of Classical Education is making connections and from time to time I like to highlight those connections in our curriculum.  Third graders at Eagle Ridge Academy spend a good amount of time studying Roman history and mythology.  The third grade teaching team is very purposeful in integrating this study in other subjects.  Students see and use Roman numerals, create their own ancient Roman newspapers, and draw classic Roman architecture in art.  These are just a few things to done to make those connections. Enjoy the pictures below and maybe learn a little about ancient Rome!

Have a great week!

Mrs. Baier

The Power of Words

“Raise your words, not your voice.  It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.” ~Rumi

I have a number of friends who have done a plant growing experiment with their children, recently.  It is not your typical grow a plant from a seed experiment.  It has a dual purpose.  The idea of the experiment is to show children the power of words and actions.  You plant one set of seeds (green bean seeds grow quickly) and have your children talk to the plants with encouraging and loving words.  You plant another set of seeds and have your children talk meanly to them, yell at them, or ignore them.  Make sure to make it scientifically valid by using same type of container, equal number of seeds, water the same, same temperature, same sunlight, etc…  Below are pictures from the experiment (yellow=kind words, blue=mean words).  You may be amazed at the results.  It helps kids realize how powerful words are and that they cannot be taken back once said.  It is also a great way to have the dialogue as a family!  Consider doing it this spring to bring the conversation into your house!

Due to lack of participation, we will not have the final parent coffee/book study for the school year.  We had no one show up for the last get-together.  If you have ideas for parent coffees or other parent/principal get-togethers, please send them to me (mbaier@eagleridgeacademy.org).  I would like to revamp the concept for 16-17 and am eager for suggestions.

Attention School of Grammar Students!
Mr. Anderson is issuing a special Spring Break Drawing Challenge. This optional challenge is a great way to practice your drawing skills and have some fun making art over break. Each student that turns in all nine complete drawings to Mr. Anderson by Friday, April 9^th will receive a certificate of completion. ONE lucky winner will be drawn to receive an additional prize! You can find and download the Spring Break Drawing Challenge form at Mr. Anderson’s website. Happy drawing!

Have a wonderful spring break!

Mrs. Baier

Exploring the World

“Everyone is an explorer.  How could you possibly live your life looking at a door and not open it?” ~Unknown

First graders have been exploring different habitats and the animals that live in those habitats this year in science.  They have learned about forests, meadows, oceans, freshwater ponds and lakes, tundra, and underground habitats.  Most recently, they have been studying the savanna.  They have connected their science study to writing, reading, and even classroom art.  Below you will see writing projects and elephants made using those important cutting and drawing skills.  Just another example of integration at its finest at Eagle Ridge Academy.

Friday is Historical Character Day at Eagle Ridge Academy.  Your child’s classroom teacher should have sent home specifics about the day for your child’s grade level.  It is a great way to have students live as some of the historical characters they study in our Core Knowledge curriculum!

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Baier

Working Together

“Coming together is a beginning.  Keeping together is progress.  Working together is success.”            ~ Henry Ford

What a wonderful turn out for parent/teacher conferences last Friday.  I am so appreciative of the teaming parents and teachers do at Eagle Ridge Academy for the success of the students.  Supporting each other to help your children grow in all areas is the key to our community.  I hope these conversations continue well beyond your conferences.  What child cannot succeed when the adults in his/her life are dedicated to working together to support his/her needs.  I appreciate the work you do together on a daily basis (not just at conference time), and hope you realize the possibilities are endless for your child when you develop those collaborative relationships.  Thank you for fostering those relationships by attending conferences!

Mr. Anderson has been decorating the Lower School office again!  This time we have some fantastic first grade Aztec Sun Calendars.  Students have learned about the Aztec Sun Calendars, as well as symmetry and texture in art class.  Here are some of their finished products.

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Baier

Observations

“It would be possible to describe everything scientifically, but it would make no sense; it would be without meaning, as if you described a Beethoven symphony as a variation of wave pressure.” ~ Albert Einstein

A Classical Education values deeply curiosity and wonder in students, particularly in the School of Grammar.  One of the easiest places to encourage curiosity is in science.  While students are exposed to the truths of science, they also continue to develop their powers of observation.  Giving them opportunities to observe nature and other truths of science is key at a young age.  We want them to be able to describe things scientifically, but we also want them to connect the power of language to describe the truth, beauty, and goodness they discover in science.

Recently, our kindergarten students have been using their powers of observation and description in science.  Each classroom has been hosting a habitat of earthworms.  Once students put on their scientist hats, they had to use their science vocabulary (not gross, icky, or eww…).  It was a chance for them many of them to challenge themselves in handling their scientific specimens and a chance to develop new words for description.

Last Saturday was the annual Lower School Variety Show.  It was a wonderful time for our students to show off some of their talents and build confidence in performing in front of others.  We had songs, dances, magic tricks, and speeches, just to name a few.  Thank you to Mrs. Nimchuk and Mrs. Ortgies for organizing such a wonderful community event!

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Baier

Age and Wisdom

“In Western Civilization, our elders are books.” ~ Gary Snyder

We have all heard the talk about age bringing wisdom and I fully believe this is true.  In society we do need to honor our elders and learn from them.  Bringing the young and old together is a way to start to make those connections.  Our kindergarten teachers have taken a step in this by having students visit The Colony (an assisted living facility in Eden Prairie) each year.  The students take this trip in February to connect the kindness and love associated with valentines.  It is a delightful time of sharing cards, stories, and songs.  Much is gained by the senior citizens and our students!  If you know of an elder who would be interested in volunteering at our school, please make the connection.  It is another way for our students to learn, connect, and receive their wisdom.

Next week is Pillar week.  The schedule for days in the Lower School has been sent home by your child’s teacher and is available  here.

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Baier