A life skills portfolio for special needs students usually includes stories that are related to specific social skills. Discover how anecdotal records are kept for special needs students with help from a special education teacher in this free video on special education students.

Watch:  http://youtu.be/hx2v6nhWsqo

Expert: Julie Peebles
Bio: Julie Peebles graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science in special education and learning disabilities.
Filmmaker: Rendered Communications

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News Update, Aug. 13, 2011

Girls Rule! is pleased to announce that The Etiquette Imperative was selected to provide etiquette coaching to the Bud Billiken Royal Court again this year, and the organization's Director, Ladon Brumfield was named the court's Royal Escort!

 The Etiquette Imperative provided poise and grace, chivalry, presentation, dining,  social and communication etiquette coaching to the 2011 Bud Billiken Royal Court in preparation for their interviews with the media, elegant dining experiences, introduction to the Mayor of Chicago and other dignitaries and the world wind of activities they experienced leading up to their coronation and Chicago's historic city wide back to school celebration - The 2011 Bud Billiken Day Parade!

Tune in to the 2011 Bud Billiken Parade on Saturday, August 13, 2011.  The parade will be telecast on WGN and ABC at 10:00am Central time. 

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Work It Out Wednesday QOTD:

"When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others." -Peace Pilgrim

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Mind Over Matter Monday QOTD:

Respond, don't react. Because, people who fly into a rage, always make a bad landing.

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Triumph Over Trials Tuesday QOTD:

Don't give up. If you quit right now, you quit every day the rest of your life.

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'Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another.'
~ Walter Elliott

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Put Your Records On
by Corrinne Bailey Rae 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XWyD98rd14

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 "My son is really embracing manhood since the classes. His holds his head a little higher and puffs is chest out a little more when helping me with bags or when opening doors. It's like he takes pride in those behaviors."

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"So, who do we want our daughters, nieces and the future women of this country to grow up to be, the President or a Playboy bunny? We need a collective effort from women and men to not only stop this ludicrous sexualization of young girls, but emphasize the benefits of being smart and accomplished."

Watch:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/carol-roth/teach-girls-to-be-smart-n_b_929689.html

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Ages 7 years and up.

Patients, dedication and a realistic game plan are the things that are needed to help children develop effective time management skills and help them realize their own true potential in school...and in life.  It's never to early to begin to teach children how to manage their time effectively.

Use colors to signify level of importance
One way to demonstrate the level of importance of various tasks is to assign colors to each activity based on their level of importance. This will in turn remind them of which ones are of the higher priority and lower priority.

A way to keep time
A tool that can be used to help your child keep track of time while they work and play is to have them use a kitchen timer or clock, this allows them to monitor their activities more closely while considering its priority.

Positive Feedback
When children make smart decisions in their time management they should be rewarded. One way to do this is to give them extra play time or reward them with treats.

Record daily activities
Allow your children to record their daily activities with writings and illustrations by providing them with colored pencils, crayons and a notebook. With these tools they can better recall what they've accomplished in regard to their time management goals.

Results you can see
Make lists of tasks on a white board or chalk board if you prefer using color coded markers and mark off or erase those tasks as they are completed. They will have a great sense of achievement as they work their way through a day of high productivity.

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Nov. 1, 2010

I did not arrive at this moment by accident, but by appointment. Every moment of praise, success, disappointment and failure has contributed POSITIVELY to the the woman I am today. I can. I will. I must fearlessly move forward.

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HALLOWEEN HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS

For many people, autumn events like Halloween and Harvest Day are fun times to dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, attend parties, and eat yummy treats. These events are also opportunities to provide nutritious snacks, get physical activity, and focus on safety. Below are tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for trick-or-treaters and party guests.

Going trick-or-treating?

	Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.
	Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
	Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
	Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.
	Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you.
	Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent skin and eye irritation.
	Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
	Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
	Only walk on sidewalks or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
	Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
	Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats unless you know the cook well.
	Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult. Otherwise, stay outside.
	Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

Expecting trick-or-treaters or party guests?

• Provide healthier treats for trick-or-treaters, such as individual packs of raisins, trail mix, or pretzels. For party guests, offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, and cheeses.
• Use party games and trick-or-treat time as an opportunity for kids to get their daily dose of 60 minutes of physical activity.
• Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles that could result in falls.
• Keep candle-lit jack-o’-lanterns and luminaries away from doorsteps, walkways, landings, and curtains. Place them on sturdy tables, keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, and never leave them unattended.
• Remind drivers to watch out for trick-or-treaters and to drive safely.

Follow these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for everyone!

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There's no getting around it. Mastery of life, social and communication skills are critically important to the self development of young ladies. The wonderful thing is that girls don't have to master them all at once. We can develop these skill-sets over time.

Here is our list of 101 Skills Every Girl Should Master Before Entering the 9th Grade. Some are tasks, some of skills....all are based upon and neatly woven into Girls Rule! programming for girls ages 7 - 18.  Recognizing that all girls do not experience the same adult modeling, instruction or social, life and communication skills modeling, we have designed this list to meet girls where they are,  addressing both remedial needs and advanced ones.

Before entering the 9th grade, every young lady should be able to:
(Tasks listed are in no particular order and not all inclusive)

1. Respect adults
   
   
2. Disagree without being disagreeable
   
   
3. Properly groom her nails, hair and body from head to toe
   
   
4. Understand what her clothing and personal style choices tell the world about her
   
   
5. Hem a skirt/pants
   
   
6. Sort and wash clothing
   
   
7. Boil an egg
   
   
8. Navigate the public transportation system
   
   
9. Select the proper undergarment for her outfit
   
   
10. Listen to a friend
    
    
11. Master her emotions
    
    
12. Say no "gracefully"
    
    
13. Read a newspaper
    
    
14. Plan a meeting or gathering
    
    
15. Use a map
    
    
16. Answer the phone properly
    
    
17. Prepare her own breakfast
    
    
18. Say "please" and "thank you"
    
    
19. Handle conflict with poise and grace
    
    
20. Write a check
    
    
21. Set a table for a family or holiday gathering
    
    
22. Respect the role of teachers
    
    
23. Plan a schedule of weekly activities
    
    
24. Set goals
    
    
25. Pack her clothes for a three day trip
    
    
26. Create a budget
    
    
27. Calculate sales tax
    
    
28. Dress for her body type
    
    
29. Dress appropriately for formal, informal and casual events/activities
    
    
30. Properly use eating utensils
    
    
31. Make a dinner reservation
    
    
32. Read a bus or train schedule
    
    
33. Schedule a doctor appointment
    
    
34. Properly measure over the counter medication dosages
    
    
35. Attend church on their own
    
    
36. Complete a job application
    
    
37. Speak confidently and clearly
    
    
38. Register for summer employment
    
    
39. Take a proper telephone message
    
    
40. Write a 3 paragraph letter
    
    
41. Walk away from an argument
    
    
42. Know her clothing measurements
    
    
43. Read, write and understand how to use a table of contents
    
    
44. Properly count, fold and protect her own money
    
    
45. Shop for the best deal
    
    
46. Cook a balanced meal
    
    
47. Recite a prayer
    
    
48. Respect herself in all situations
    
    
49. Iron her own clothes
    
    
50. Clean out a refrigerator
    
    
51. Clean her room
    
    
52. Protect herself from an aggressor
    
    
53. Select ripe fruits and vegetables
    
    
54. Follow written and verbal instructions properly
    
    
55. Speak proper English
    
    
56. Understand how to read and pay a utility bill
    
    
57. Honor her word
    
    
58. Call or hail a cab when alone
    
    
59. Shop for groceries
    
    
60. Change a light bulb
    
    
61. Tell the truth
    
    
62. Properly dust furniture
    
    
63. Baby-sit younger siblings for a day or night
    
    
64. Make decisions that honor her body
    
    
65. Create a document on a computer
    
    
66. Understand formal, information and casual dining etiquette
    
    
67. Order breakfast, lunch or dinner from a menu
    
    
68. Perform CPR
    
    
69. Send a parcel post package
    
    
70. Wrap a gift
    
    
71. Lead a project or committee
    
    
72. Speak publicly
    
    
73. Re-sew a button onto a garment
    
    
74. Put on nylons without running them
    
    
75. Utilize library reference materials
    
    
76. Use a Thesaurus
    
    
77. Be a contributing team member
    
    
78. Resolve conflict non-violently
    
    
79. Deal effectively with various personality types
    
    
80. Trust and believe in herself
    
    
81. Respect others
    
    
82. Walk away from gossip
    
    
83. Deal with jealousy
    
    
84. Own her esteem
    
    
85. Navigate challenging situations
    
    
86. Open a savings account
    
    
87. Send a thank-you note
    
    
88. Be a gracious hostess
    
    
89. Attend school regularly without incident
    
    
90. Give a proper handshake
    
    
91. Be a respectful guest
    
    
92. Calculate the proper tip on a $25 bill
    
    
93. Mail a letter
    
    
94. Properly introduce herself to others
    
    
95. Understand when to use proper English vs Slang
    
    
96. Conduct herself properly at the Theater
    
    
97. Navigate social networking sites safely
    
    
98. Honor her values
    
    
99. Pick friends who enhance her life
    
    
100. Properly use a Dictionary
     
     
101. Calculate wages, taxes and a paycheck
     

What other skills do you feel are important for young ladies to master before entering the 9th grade?

Ladon Brumfield
Girls Rule!
Inspiring girls to blend...OUT!
http://www.girlz-rule.org/

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Girls Rule! Affirmation of the Day: I will not "play myself small" to make others comfortable.

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Girls Rule! Affirmation of the Day: I will keep doing what I believe is right...even if I am the only one doing it.

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Girls Rule! Affirmation of the Day:

I will not "cut a deal" when it comes to my morals. The standard I've set is sufficient.

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The frequency of divorce in modern society has not made the process any easier for those involved. The circumstances of separating and breaking off a marriage, however, still call for basic consideration, respect, and honesty.

The following etiquette issues frequently arise during a separation.

Telling others.

A separation is not publicly announced. A couple should explain the situation to family and close friends, and word will spread. If the couple reunites, there is no public announcement.

Names and rings.

The wife continues to use her husband's name (if she has taken it), and both spouses usually continue to wear their wedding rings.

Change of address.

If the separation is lengthy, the spouse who moves out of the home should give his or her new address and phone number to anyone who needs to know, such as an employer.

Social invitations.

The couple usually refuses any invitations addressed to "Mr. and Mrs." If they do attend the same social or business functions, they should behave as normally as possible and not draw others into their problems. Most adults make accommodations for separated couples by not inviting them both to the same social events. So don't get upset if mutual friends fail to include you in a party to which your spouse has been invited. Chances are, the friends are not choosing sides but are trying to avoid a difficult situation for everyone. Your time will probably come.

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Girls Rule! Affirmation of the Day:

My worth does not reside in my face, figure or fortune. My real worth resides in the premium I place upon my character.

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I cannot control everything that happens around me, but I can control how I react to it.  I will take ownership of my own feelings.

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This Little Light of Mine...

I will not dim my light just to walk in step with others. I fully embrace my truest self.

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