by Tom Shefchunas | Oct 21, 2015 | Be Present, Students
I’ve been thinking about the power words have in our relationships with children and students. It is truly amazing what a few carefully-worded and well-timed statements can do to a life. I know that is true in my life. I know that it is true in the lives of the...
by Tom Shefchunas | Jan 9, 2014 | Create A Safe Place, Students
As a small group leader you have to get used to hearing bad news. When you are doing life with people over time… life happens. And, if you’ve done a good job of creating a safe place you will hear people share their hurts, pains, disappointments, and frustrations....
by Gay Tucciarone | Dec 16, 2013 | Be Present, Create A Safe Place, Preschool
It was one of those semi-chaotic Sunday mornings in preschool world… A visitor hiding in the corner A juice spill on table two And a child who is a semi-regular attendee not just crying… wailing. Our semi-regular attendee soon became an escapee of the...
by Gina McClain | Dec 10, 2013 | Be Present, Elementary
“They say you have to earn the right to be loved; no, love is unconditional. If you love someone, they don’t have to earn it. But, the right to tell someone that you love them? That has to be earned. You have to earn the right to be believed.” (C. JoyBell C.) Jana is...
by Gay Tucciarone | Dec 2, 2013 | Be Present, Preschool
Recently, I had a funny reminder about something which, as a preschool small group leader, I need to take very seriously. This summer my entire family was on a great vacation at the beach. One of my daughter-in-laws (who is expecting her first baby in November) asked...