Hi parents,
Last night we had all the kids except one. We begin the session by going into Gelsons market and the kids shopped for “walking snacks.” Our planned activities was then to go to Office Depot where the kids were instructed that they each could spend up to five dollars. We carefully explained the five dollars meant $5.00, not $5.03 or $5.28. They were informed that they had to pay attention to the price of the item and that, if they did not know what it was, they could ask us and we would tell them. However, if they selected an item that was over five dollars they would lose the ability to purchase anything. Also, we explained that the item they chose would be subject to counselor approval.
It was interesting to watch your kids walking around, trying to make a decision. We let them know that they could look at an item and even take it with them and walk around and look for other items. In essence, it was a shopping training exercise. There was no whining, no begging, but some of your kids had an extraordinarily difficult time making up their mind to make a purchase. Some of the kids who successfully made purchases acted as models. I let the kids know they had 20 min. to make the decision and then gave them an additional 5 min after that. Four out of the seven kids were able to make purchases such as a colorful desk scotch tape dispenser, flashlights, colored pencils, and other similar school supplies. Some of the kids were disappointed that they could not purchase “toys” but I explained this was not a toy store rather a supply store. Similarly we did not allow kids to purchase candy. A couple of the kids who were unable to make a decision by the end of the time were clearly disappointed, but did not make too big a deal out of it and we moved on from there and returned to the office.
Once back in the office I let them know that Sophie was here asked if they wanted me to let her out from her kennel. Most indicated “yes,” and Sophie came out surprisingly calmly and walked in a counterclockwise circle, pausing from child to child. She did her little “sit up in the chair" trick and a couple of your kids practiced giving her commands. One of the nice things about this exercise is, for children who speak more softly, it gives them an opportunity in a nonthreatening way for them to raise their voice volume and speak more assertively.
Our final activity of the session involved reviewing the LUNCH Points program, updating the video tutorial (which will be used for all three groups), however we did not get to have your children identify their own “special behavior.” This is the one behavior they think is most and port to focus on and, when you choose this behavior, it gives them extra raffle ticket points. You access the program clicking on www.lunchgroups.com, then Current Families, then LUNCH Points, and finally on Enter LUNCH Points. There is also a form to use manually if you do not have a computer.
I inadvertently misplaced my dictation notes from last session and will get that up here as soon as I can find. Meanwhile, my goal is to have all blogs up within 48 hours of the time group.
We meet again on October 19. Also, there will be a parent dinner during the fourth week of October. Our first parent meeting in the office will occur in November. If you have any comments or questions please feel free to contact me.
Best wishes,
Bruce
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