Churchill Weekly Digest - Upcoming Events

Date: Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Time: 6:30pm

Location: Churchill School and Center | Kristy Baxter Auditorium

If you're wondering how your bright, motivated little kid became such an unmotivated adolescent, you're not alone. Fortunately, help is at hand! In this encouraging guide, psychologist and learning expert Ellen Braaten explains that kids who have lost the will to do anything (other than play video games) need more than simple encouragement or the “right” school, teacher, or coach to get back on track. Instead, Dr. Braaten helps you understand the myriad of biological, psychological, and social factors that affect motivation, and get to know your own child's unique strengths, weaknesses, and personality traits better. Gain vital tools for tackling the motivational problems that are so pervasive today--and build a plan to boost your child’s confidence and engagement in life.

RSVP by emailing lcarpenter@churchillschoolnyc.org

About the Author

Ellen Braaten, PhD, is Executive Director of the Learning and Emotional Assessment Program at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Associate Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School (HMS), and Visiting Professor at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. She has been affiliated with MGH and HMS since 1998. Dr. Braaten is widely recognized for her expertise in pediatric neuropsychological and psychological assessment, particularly in the areas of assessing learning disabilities and attentional disorders. Her research and numerous publications focus on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, gender and psychopathology, intelligence, and assessment. She has published numerous books for professionals and parents, including Bright Kids Who Couldn't Care Less and Bright Kids Who Can't Keep Up.

Date: Thursday, November 30, 2023

Time: 7:00pm

As parents, we are often told to ‘read aloud to our children’. But what, when, and how should we read? This presentation helps to unpack the data, trends, and research about read alouds, what the International Literacy Association has called “the cornerstone of effective literacy instruction.” You will leave with practical, easy-to-implement ideas on how to support your children’s language comprehension at home through read alouds - regardless of your children’s age. Be ready to breathe new life into your read alouds and understand their lifelong benefits.

About the Speaker

Molly Ness is a former classroom teacher, a reading researcher, and a teacher educator. She earned a doctorate in reading education at the University of Virginia, and spent 16 years as an associate professor at Fordham University. The author of five books and numerous articles, Molly serves on the Board of Directors for the International Literacy Association. She is the founder of the Coalition for Literacy Equity. In 2022, Dr. Ness joined Learning Ally as the Vice President of Academic Content.

Date: Monday January 22, 2024

Time: 7:00PM

ADHD is a complex neurobiological disorder that affects both children and their families. Recent research has shown that parents of children with ADHD experience increased rates of anxiety, depression, stress and marital issues. Stress alone can strain relationships and make it harder to parent consistently and to problem solve flexibly. So when children have ADHD, it often affects their relationship with their parents, and their parents’ relationship with each other.

Broad-based ADHD care integrates behavioral, educational and medical supports that help both children and families move beyond these challenges. Dr. Bertin’s talk will include an overview of ADHD care, non-medical as well as medical. It will also offer an introduction to mindfulness, a research-based and accessible approach to help parents reduce stress and promote their family’s well-being.

About the Speaker

Dr. Bertin is a developmental pediatrician and author of How Children Thrive, Mindful Parenting for ADHD, Mindfulness and Self-Compassion for Teen ADHD and The Family ADHD Solution, which integrate mindfulness into the rest of pediatric care. He is a contributing author for the book Teaching Mindfulness Skills to Kids and Teens. Dr. Bertin is on faculty at New York Medical College and the Windward Teacher Training Institute, and on the advisory boards for the American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders, Common Sense Media and Reach Out and Read. For more information, please visit his website at www.developmentaldoctor.com.

CENTER WORKSHOPS

Bright Kids Who Couldn't Care Less: How to Rekindle Your Child's Motivation

Making the Most of Your Read Aloud: Supporting Literacy at Home for All Readers

ADHD and Family: Getting Families Back on Track