Happy New Year Everyone!
What usually comes with a new year? Resolutions. Some people love them, some people hate them, but I’m sure we can all agree that January is a great time to make changes. If not now, then when?
This month at Ardmore, staff and students have been actively discussing goal-setting and living healthier lifestyles. Teaching children how to make SMART goals is effective in instilling confidence, encouraging problem-solving, and helping them to achieve success. Although it may be tempting, don’t set the goals for your child. Work with your child collaboratively to develop the goals. They will be more likely to achieve their goal(s) when they have input and it’s what they want.
A SMART Goal means:
S Specific What do you want to achieve? Who, what, where, when, why?
M Measurable How will you measure success? How often will you check?
A Achievable Is the goal doable? Do you have the necessary skills and resources?
R Relevant How does the goal align with your other goals? Why is the result important?
T Time What is the time frame for accomplishing the goal?
You can find many great SMART goal templates online to help with brainstorming and refining your goals.
At the January assembly, the Grade 2 students taught the whole school some simple ways to live a healthier lifestyle. Here are some great ideas they shared:
- Have hobbies
- Brush your teeth
- Go to school
- Spend time with pets
- Help your younger siblings
- Eat less sugar
- Eat more vegetables
- Do your laundry
- Go outside
- Exercise
- Play sports
Check out this link from Alberta Health Services with suggestions and support on how to live a healthier lifestyle https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=tw12165
We’re here to support you! If you have any questions or want additional resources, please reach out to Mrs. Webb, Student Advocacy Counselor, at danielle.webb@nlsd.ab.ca or by phone (780) 826-5144.