Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful--so bundle up!  It may be cold and it may be snowy but that doesn't mean you can't head outdoors for a little fresh air and fun in the albeit chilly, sun

--Build a snow fort, snowmen/women, snow pets, snow robots etc.--

--Go sledding! Saunders Park and Crane's Pond have excellent hills for downhill fun--

 --If we don't get any snow you can still have fun outside.  Ride bikes, go for a walk, play catch. 

--Watch for Eagles!  Head out to Oakland Mills and watch for Bald Eagles.  January and February are excellent months to spot eagles at the dam-- 

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January Birthdays

Happy Birthday

Mentees

Sarah, Joey, Trace, Briana, Tina, Alannah, Garrett, Thomas

Mentors

Jackie, Diana, Cameron, Maddison,

Mila, Kiley

No Guts, No Glory

Helping Your Mentee Set Goals

Learning to set goals is important for kids as it teaches them to think about, plan for, and achieve a successful future.   So how does a mentor help a child who has only ever lived in the "right now?"

Discuss what a goal is--something you want to achieve or get better at. Talk about your own goals. Some kids have never been exposed to anyone who thinks about or plans for the future.  Talking about your goals helps kids realize theirs.

Help squelch those self-limiting thoughts--labels kids have applied to themselves (I'm bad at sports, reading, etc.) and the labels others have assigned (she's shy, he always misbehaves).  Focus on what your mentee does well and praise the strengths you see.  If your mentee mentions he/she gets in trouble at school for not sharing, help point out and praise when he/she does share and plays well with others. 

Help think through the goal setting process--A goal is I want + What + When 

Identify the what and when--I want to get 8 of the ten words right on the spelling test on Wednesday

List the steps needed to reach the goal--get the list of words, review all the words every day, write each word ten times each night, have practice quizzes on Monday and Tuesday.

Track Progress, Evaluate, and Congratulate--Help your mentee make a chart to track the progress of goals, especially the long-term ones.  Evaluate the outcomes.  Was the goal met? Why or why not? If you were to plan the process over, would you do anything differently?  Always congratulate you mentee when goals are met as well as praising your mentee's progress and positive steps. 

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Keeping kids safe and secure is a top priority for Club M, our mentors, and the families we serve.  But how do you keep your child or mentee safe in today's world? 

Club M is hosting a two-part meeting for Mentors, parents, and kids to discuss child safety, abuse prevention, and talking to kids about tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs. 

Part 1:         6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

January 19th at the ISU Extension Office

Mentors and Parents Only

Part 2:         5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

February 9th at the ISU Extension office

For families of Mentees, Kids, and Mentors

Dinner and Childcare provided

Part one is just for mentors and parents and focuses on talking to your mentee about avoiding drugs and alcohol; how parents and mentors can identify and help victims of abuse; and how parents, mentors, and other caregivers can protect themselves from risky situations.  We will also cover program policies and procedures for reporting unusual situations.

Bring the kids for part two.  We'll be talking to kids, parents, and mentors about child safety.  How kids can keep themselves safe and what kids can do if someone is hurting them or a friend.  This session will feature different presentations based on the age of the child.