We All Have Dreams for our Children
07 Friday Apr 2017
Posted Teen Struggles
in07 Friday Apr 2017
Posted Teen Struggles
in07 Friday Apr 2017
Tags
Disheartened…that is how I describe my feeling this week as the monstrosity of what had taken place in our small town set in. J., the very girl I had known since she was in Elementary school, whom I taught as a high school freshman and now was the very girl whose photo and name was associated with attempted murder. None of it made sense. That wasn’t the girl I knew. Immediately my thoughts shot back to her smile, her laugh. The carefree student who seemed wise beyond her years yet too young to know better. The last time I saw her, she showed me her Engagement ring. As she left, I said the same thing I always say to students…”Make good choices.”
I can’t help but think about The day these children were born. I’m sure their parents kissed them and thought of the lives they would live. ..No where on the list was “drug dealer”, “accomplice” or “Attempted Murderer.” I am sure their parents had so many dreams for their children. This tragedy brought out some of the worst behavior….Judgment. I found myself requesting “Sensitivity.” As adults, we must lead by example. I know that these students have participated in heinous behavior. However, I also know that four families are hurting and their lives will never be the same. I pray we can be sensitive and do what we do best…band together in crisis in our small community.
I wrote this two years ago-it was too raw at the time to post-
Once again, I turn to my computer as the words of my 18 yr. old punched the breath out of me. “Mom, I hope the rest of my Class (of 2017), makes it to Graduation.” After experiencing the loss of two dear friends, both to suicide in the last two months and the attempted murder two yrs. ago I couldn’t help but wonder, “What the Hell is wrong with us as a society? Attempting murder, nor suicide knows no boundaries…These students were loved.
BUT, as a society or even community, we don’t talk!Instead of discussing the serious matters, finding resources and helping one another, we crawl into our own homes, hope and pray we are “doing it right.” We are embarrassed, hurt, waiting for anyone to reach out- but it’s rare and they probably won’t.As one dear friend said to me when we were going through our own HELL, “People are too wrapped up in their own lives to be concerned with anything you are going through.” He was right. Other than the few people we chose to share our pain- only one person called to check on us. I will admit that I know, first-hand, how painful life can be in our “close-knit” community.
I believe we are meant to support and lift each other up-not compete.We are meant to reach out and BE THERE through good and painful times.
For whatever reason, It seems if a child is troubled at school, find a new school; if struggling with friendships, find a new group, if struggling in school, get help…
BUT, do they go? In our society, we have plenty of schools and awesome teachers and guidance counselors.
Still, Kids kill themselves. They end a temporary problem with a permanent solution…and we are left to pick up the pieces of a community that will never be the same… Noah Corl and George Davies parents and families don’t get another moment with them and neither do we.
Since their untimely deaths-I have been in turmoil. A feeling of uneasiness mixed with helplessness because I wasn’t teaching in their school and wasn’t there for my fellow teachers. I wish I could say these are the only suicides that have touched lives, but they aren’t. Every year while teaching- somehow Suicide touched student’s and therefore, my life.
So how do we make our children resilient? It begins with a few questions-
Where is the Inner Peace? Where is The Calm to KILL the Chaos? Where is the Relaxation to squash the “Monkey-Mind?” Where is the “Teen Success” to counter the Bad Choices?Where is the Tutoring to combat Academic Struggles and “Zen” Teen Groups to Combat Anxiety and Teen Angst and Family Support and, and, and…
It’s somewhere-out there. Yet Suicide continues to grab hold of our community.
So what’s the Solution to this Growing Problem? Trust myself and the words of my current and former students.
Goal One: “Eden and Einstein Academy” must become a Non-Profit – I need your expertise to make this happen.
Goal Two: Honor the Memories of Noah Corl and George Davies by Offering a Calendar of Stress Management Options for Students/Families in the form of Yoga & Art Classes, Teen Motivation & Success Classes, Executive Functioning/Social Skills, Tutoring and a POTS Group (Parents of Teens;).
Goal Three: Inspire other Professionals to join the movement supporting our efforts .
Goal Four: Purchase “Grant Writing for Dummies” and offer programs to all for Free & Donations!
Goal Five: Open Pilot Program in a centrally located area. Share/Spread Love & Support!
Care to join in the efforts to STOP STUDENT SUICIDE? Contact: 321-960-6162 or eden@edenandeinstein.com
05 Wednesday Apr 2017
Posted Teen Struggles
inI had Mrs. Cook in High School as an Intensive Reading teacher. I remember special things that she did. The first, I remember telling her that we are clearly dumb if we got put into an intensive reading class. She very quickly proved me wrong. She explained the stresses of test taking and introduced us to accomadstions. The second, she explained the possibilities of college no matter who you or where you came from. She has an awesome story of getting herself to college. I remembered that story when I applied for my first student loan to try and achieve my Master’s in Education at Florida State University. I work a lot of hours to put myself through school. I didn’t have that mind set until I met her. I enjoyed her teaching so much that I did my practicum hours for my prerequisite Teaching courses. Now, I am 2 years away from graduating with a Bachelor’s and Masters in Exceptional Education. Kyle H- former SHS student
Kyle was one of those students you NEVER forget! My first memory of him was asking me if I knew “Fireman Jim.” I figured a joke was coming when I answered, “No.” He proudly announced, “He’s my Dad.” Kyle and his classmates were some of the most memorable! That 1st year in Room 1305 welcomed a Fun-loving, spirited, dramatic, and, at times, naughty group of kids. I can’t help but smile when I think of them. I can’t wait to visit Kyle’s Class. A few years ago, he did Practicum Hours in my classroom. In a serious moment, he laughed as he told me that “I must have been shocked when I heard, HE wanted to be a Teacher.” I told him then, and I repeat now…I’m not shocked..He will understand how HIS students feel. He will know what to say when they Announce to the entire class on the first day ” We must be dumb if we are in THIS Class.”Here’s to you, “Mr. Habovick!” I wish you a career full of characters and moments that remind you why you became a teacher. You will learn far more from your students than you will ever teach them. My Best, Mrs. Cook
27 Sunday Dec 2015
B-R-A-V-E! You ever have that moment where you wake up in cold sweats, breathing heavy with your heart pounding out of your chest? Moments later-Thankfully, you realize, it was only a nightmare-all is well and you return to sleep?
With my heart pounding, my year left me jumping off the highest cliff without a safety net. Luckily, I can swim. AND, I did. However it was a year reminding me of my favorite lines from a beloved Dr. Suess book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.” I read it on last day of school to each class for a decade.Lines such as “You’ll see some things that scare you right out of your pants”… “Kid, you’ll Succeed…98 3/4 percent guaranteed” … “Except when you don’t-cause sometimes you won’t”
I welcomed my 43rd year of life, walked away from my 10 year teaching career while learning how to survive HEARTBREAK like no other, Drove my children to school with rocking morning “Sing-Alongs”, Opened a Studio for Children’s Yoga & Academic Success (Eden’s Little Yogis and the 1305 Practice for Academic Coaching/Tutoring under ONE NAME: “Eden and Einstein Academy,” ), tutored Struggling Readers, Public Speaking & Virtual School Students, taught tons of children’s yoga classes, moved classes to my studio, learned about true friends & found MY TRIBE, learned the power of Meditation, began my “Life Coaching” Certification (specializing in Academic/Life Coaching for ALL Students and Adults with ADD) and through it ALL, Learned what “my Best” means.
So, as I continue to live MY BEST, it’s not the standards of others I conform to, but instead, comes from a place of creating life with more TIME available to “Suck the marrow out of” with my children and husband- doing things I love-a life of Service.
2016 has a whole lot up it’s sleeve-I look forward to watching its “Unravelling” transpire. I invite you to do the same.
May BLISS and Curiousity be yours in 2016.
My BEST,
Eden
17 Friday Jul 2015
Posted Teen Struggles
inI had Mrs. Cook in High School as an Intensive Reading teacher. I remember special things that she did. The first, I remember telling her that we are clearly dumb if we got put into an intensive reading class. She very quickly proved me wrong. She explained the stresses of test taking and introduced us to accomadstions. The second, she explained the possibilities of college no matter who you or where you came from. She has an awesome story of getting herself to college. I remembered that story when I applied for my first student loan to try and achieve my Master’s in Education at Florida State University. I work a lot of hours to put myself through school. I didn’t have that mind set until I met her. I enjoyed her teaching so much that I did my practicum hours for my prerequisite Teaching courses. Now, I am 2 years away from graduating with a Bachelor’s and Masters in Exceptional Education. Kyle H- former SHS student
Kyle was one of those students you NEVER forget! My first memory of him was asking me if I knew “Fireman Jim.” I figured a joke was coming when I answered, “No.” He proudly announced, “He’s my Dad.” Kyle and his classmates were some of the most memorable! That 1st year in Room 1305 welcomed a Fun-loving, spirited, dramatic, and, at times, naughty group of kids. I can’t help but smile when I think of them. I can’t wait to visit Kyle’s Class. A few years ago, he did Practicum Hours in my classroom. In a serious moment, he laughed as he told me that “I must have been shocked when I heard, HE wanted to be a Teacher.” I told him then, and I repeat now…I’m not shocked..He will understand how HIS students feel. He will know what to say when they Announce to the entire class on the first day ” We must be dumb if we are in THIS Class.”Here’s to you, “Mr. Habovick!” I wish you a career full of characters and moments that remind you why you became a teacher. You will learn far more from your students than you will ever teach them. My Best, Mrs. Cook
25 Thursday Dec 2014
Posted Teen Struggles
inThe success over the past semester with sixteen students has been remarkable. This summer I continue to reflect on what each student was able to accomplish. Grades improved from 30% up to 134%- increasing grades from D/F’s to A/B/C’s, families found peace and students developed good habits and routines… The 1305 Practice Way.
August, 2005, Satellite High School, Classroom #1305~
Struggles. The word used most in every Parent Conference I’ve ever taken part in. “He struggles in school,” “She struggles to keep up, “My child struggles with the teacher and/or content.” Year after year as I taught Negative and Positive Connotations, students would be asked “Does the word STRUGGLES have a Negative or Positive connotation?” “Negative” would be said with conviction. I knew they understood.
The idea of “The 1305 Practice” was developed out of necessity, while teaching at SHS in Room 1305 when I was faced with a “Struggle” of my own. My 1st day teaching and in walked 25 students. They took a seat and from the looks on their faces, THEY were ready to make me “Struggle.” I assessed the situation. Twenty-Five Struggling Readers, a few had a bad day or were sick & failed FCAT, some had Learning Disabilities, IEP’s, 504’s, Social Anxiety, Attention Issues and Attitudes. The one commonality that threaded my new class…They didn’t want to be in “Intensive Reading Class.” The term, “Fake It ’til You Make It” became my Mantra. I welcomed them, attempted to make a joke or two and asked them what they hoped to learn. Their responses included, “Nothing,” “I shouldn’t be in this class” and a slew of other phrases. With a heavy heart, I announced how happy I was that they were there and that if they would trust me, I would take them on a journey. Suddenly, they erupted into laughter and made it clear, they didn’t know me, believe me or want to give me a chance.
I made it through that class period and the next five periods. At the end of the day, I was exhausted, filled with angst but one thing was certain, I wouldn’t give up. I made a decision. I would do whatever it took to ensure their success. As I made positive parent phone calls that evening delivering the same message to each family: I was happy to have their child in my class! At the other end of the phone, I was met with responses of laughter, disbelief and some tears.
The next day as students walked in, I could tell by the looks on their faces, they knew I was not “The Enemy.” Over the coming days and months, a wonderful relationship was formed with each student. I met them Where they were in their Education & Attitude and vowed to take them Where they needed to be! I WOULDN’T GIVE UP-THEY WOULDN’T EITHER. That year, I developed “My Style, My Way” and what has become the 1305 Practice. I loved each of the students in 1305; THEY were MINE…My “Sweathogs” to love, support and encourage. They would WORK for me when they wouldn’t for others. I could “Mom Them” about their “Jerky Behavior” in other classes and encourage “Their Best.” Overtime, CHANGE came. That year, my 9th-12th grade Struggling Students with Attitudes, Horrible Habits and No Routines developed their own style through The 1305 Way. They: 1) Got Organized, 2) ‘Learned the Dance’ of each of their Teachers & the Value of Relationships, 3) Developed Study Habits, 4) Made Respecting Family a Priority, 5)Gained Confidence & Intrinsic Motivation, AND 6) Got rid of the Excuses and Learned to ‘Make Good Choices.’ Today, these students are Business Owners, College Graduates, Hairdressers, Chefs, Active Military Members, Mechanics, Childcare Teachers, Dental Hygienists and more. I am so proud of them! THEY discovered their Intrinsic Motivation and their way to a fulfilling life.
TODAY, The 1305 Practice is based on each of these Principles which has helped change lives for almost 10 years. In 10-weeks, I will meet you & your student where you are at, and take you where you need to be. Parents/Guardians will be shown how to Empower, NOT Enable your student through an effective System of Expectations-Consequences-Routines and Rewards. Teens will learn new habits and create routines for school and home life. I will create an Individual Strategic Modification Plan for your student which includes: Daily Routine, Expectations, Consequences and Reward System. It’s that “Little Instruction Manual ” we wished we had the day your child came into your life. Throughout the weeks, a different Topic will be presented weekly beginning with Setting Goals and Ending with Making Good Choices. This program will make their life easier through the implementation of successful practices and Transform your Family by REPLACING CHAOS and ANXIETY with CALM. After the Complimentary Consultation, the 10-week Program Schedule includes:
Week 1:Up to 2 hours: Data Gathering to develop Individualized Strategic Modification Plan and Set Goals (Student and Parents/Guardians Attend- bring student backpack/class binders) $195 ISMP and Practice Wk. 1.
Week 2: 1 hr. 15 min. Review of the ISMP and Topic: “Getting Organized and Developing Good Habits/Student Accountability Schedule” (Student / Parent Attends)$55
Week 3: 55 min.Topic: “Relationships with Teachers Matter” (Student Practice) $55
Week 4: 55 min. Topic: “Respect My Family, Respect Myself” (Student Practice) $55
Week 5: 55 min/$55 Topic: ” Intrinsic Motivation” (Student Practice) $55
Week 6: 55 min. Practice “Making Good Choices in School and Life” (Student/Parent Attends to discuss Maintenance Program) $55
Maintenance Week 7-10: 55 min. Depending on Recommendations: Student is paired with a partner (Peer Support) for 4 appointments or Student stays in Private Appt. ($55)
Additional Services Offered~
Discounted Weekly Small Group Tutoring: $15/hr. 1305 Members OR $30/hr. Non-1305 Members
Private Tutoring: $50/Hr.
“1305 Life” Membership/$95 month (after the completion of the Program) Includes: Discounted Tutoring, Group Mtg offered but not mandatory, Weekly Student Accountability, Invitation to all 1305 Activities, On-going Parent and Student Support
IEP/504/RTI Meeting Consultation and Support ($75/hr.)
Virtual School Task Management
College Entrance Process Management Including: Student Resume’ Development, Application(s) and Essay Completion
Interested? Call Mrs. Eden Cook at 321-960-6162 or submit a request form. I look forward to helping your student become the Best Version of him/herself!
My Best, Eden Cook
20 Thursday Nov 2014
Posted ADD, ADHD Help, Parent Help, Parent Teen Support, Teen Struggles
inTags
Struggles. The word used most in every Parent Conference I’ve ever taken part in. “He struggles in school,” “She struggles to keep up, ” The teacher seems to struggle with my child,” “My child struggles with the content,” “My child struggles with the teacher.” Year after year as I taught Negative and Positive Connotations, students would be asked what connotation the word “Struggles” has. Hands would go up and the simple word, “Negative” would be said with conviction, by each student. I would smile, as I knew they understood.
“The 1305 Practice” was developed in 2006 when I was faced with a “Struggle” of my own. My 1st period class of 25 students walked into Classroom 1305, took a seat and from the looks on their faces, THEY were ready to make me “Struggle.” I assessed the situation. Twenty-Five Struggling Readers, a few had a bad day or were sick & failed FCAT, some had Learning Disabilities, IEP’s, 504’s, Social Anxiety, Attention Issues and Attitudes. The one commonality that threaded my new class was CLEAR…They didn’t want to be in “Intensive Reading Class.” The term, “Fake It ’til You Make It” became my Mantra that day. I welcomed them, attempted to make a joke or two to break the ice and asked them what they hoped to learn that year. Their responses included, “Nothing,” “I shouldn’t be in this class” and a slew of other phrases. With a heavy heart, I announced how happy I was that they were there and that if they would trust me, I would take them on a journey. All of a sudden, their phrases turned to laughter as they made it clear. They didn’t know me, believe me or want to give me a chance.
I made it through that class period and the next five periods were more of the same. At the end of the day, I was exhausted, filled with angst but one thing was certain, I wouldn’t give up. I made a decision. I would do whatever it took to ensure their success. As I made positive parent phone calls that evening delivering the same message to each family: I was happy to have their child in my class! At the other end of the phone, I was met with responses of laughter, disbelief and some tears.
The next day as students walked in, I could tell by the looks on their faces, they knew I was not “The Enemy.” Over the coming days and months, a wonderful relationship formed with each student. I met them Where they were in their Education & Attitude and vowed to take them on a Journey to Where they needed to be! One thing remained clear- I WOULDN’T GIVE UP-THEY WOULDN’T EITHER. That year, I developed “My Style, My Way.” I loved each of those students in 1305; THEY were MINE. My “Sweathogs” to love, support and encourage. They would WORK for me when they wouldn’t for others. I could “Mom Them” about their “Jerky Behavior” in other classes and encourage “Their Best.” Overtime, CHANGE came. That year, my 9th-12th grade Struggling Students with Attitudes, Horrible Habits and No Routines:
1) Got Organized, 2) ‘Learned the Dance’ of each of their Teachers & the Value of Relationships, 3) Developed Study Habits, 4) Made Respecting Family a Priority, 5)Gained Confidence & Intrinsic Motivation, AND 6) Got rid of the Excuses and Learned to ‘Make Good Choices.’ Today, these students are Business Owners, College Graduates, Chefs, Active Military, Mechanics, Childcare Teachers, Dental Hygienists and more. I am so proud of them! THEY discovered their Intrinsic Motivation and way to a fulfilling life.
The 1305 Practice is based on each of these Principles. In 10-weeks, I will meet you & your student where you are at, and take you where you need to be. Parents/Guardians will be shown how to Empower, NOT Enable your student through an effective System of Expectations-Consequences-Routines and Rewards. Teens will learn new habits and create routines for school and home life. I will create an Individual Strategic Modification Plan for your student which includes: daily Routine, Expectations, Consequences and Reward System. It’s that “Little Instruction Manual ” we wished we had the day your child came into your life. Throughout the weeks, a different Topic will be presented weekly beginning with Setting Goals and Ending with Making Good Choices. This program will make their life easier through the implementation of successful practices and Transform your Family by REPLACING CHAOS and ANXIETY with CALM. After the Complimentary Consultation, the 10-week Program Schedule includes:
Week 1:Up to 2 hours: Data Gathering to develop Individualized Strategic Modification Plan and Set Goals (Student and Parents/Guardians Attend- bring student backpack/class binders) $195
Week 2: 1 hr. 15 min. Review of the ISMP and Topic: “Getting Organized and Developing Good Habits/Student Accountability Schedule” (Student / Parent Attends)$55
Week 3: 55 min.Topic: “Relationships with Teachers Matter” (Student Practice) $55
Week 4: 55 min. Topic: “Respect My Family, Respect Myself” (Student Practice) $55
Week 5: 55 min/$55 Topic: ” Intrinsic Motivation” (Student Practice) $55
Week 6-10: 45 min.-1 hr. Practice “Making Good Choices in School and Life” $55
Additional Services Offered:
Discounted Weekly Small Group Tutoring: $15/hr. 1305 Members OR $30/hr. Non-1305 Members
“1305 Life” Membership/$95 month (after the completion of 10-week Program) Includes: Discounted Tutoring, Weekly Peer Meetings , Student Accountability, Monthly Invitation to listen to Guest Speakers, On-going Parent and Student Support
IEP/504 Meeting Consultation/Attendance $75/hr.
Virtual School Task Management
College Entrance Process Management Including: Student Resume’ Development, Application(s) and Essay Completion
Questions? Call Mrs. Eden Cook at 321-960-6162 or submit a request below. I look forward to helping your student become the Best Version of him/herself!
My Best, Eden Cook