We are all looking for exemplary behavior from our kids. Does that mean we will get it ? Of course not. The beginning of the year may seem rough but the kids will soon learn the routines that help keep them organized and listening. The Flag Ceremony, Pledge, Falling in - these help reinforce good behavior for the scouts. You may hear us say things like, "I can wait." This is where we wait quietly for some "non-listening" behavior to stop. In this way, the scouts learn not only to pay attention, but to feel comfortable telling each other, "Hey, we're supposed to be listening right now."

In Buttonball Lane School, when they want the kids to be quiet, they just happen to use the same signal we do, which in our case is the cub scout salute. Two fingers up in the air. If you see us doing this please do it too and help support us.

Behavior takes everyone's active participation. We may not notice things happen because you might be watching your child but we are watching thirty of them. If you notice your child is struggling please feel free to give them a gentle reminder that the group needs them to focus.

As a last resort we may ask a child to, "Go find your adult and take a break." This means we want them to stop participating in the current activity for about two minutes. You can sit with them and talk to them, or take them out into the hallway, but they should stay with you for two minutes. They can return directly to the activity when done.

The kids are full of energy, they have listened all day long to teachers and parents, had dinner, and are now ready for some fun with their friends. That is normal !

Growth