Adolescent Summer Group Session 1

Welcome!  Today we had a chance to review a few basics, the group met Sophie, a 17 month old Samoyed, and learned a little bit about web publishing.  We also discussed the different kinds of community outings and group members voted, holding up 1, 3, or 5 fingers to indicate how much they preferred a particular activity (1 lowest, 5 highest).  Why only three choices?  Five would have been overkill and, by requiring them to raise their hand each time, they practice participation, which for some appears somewhat challenging.  Laser Tag, as usual, was a top favorite, however mini golf increased in popularity when I reminded them this could include some time in the arcade.  Going to the zoo was voted down, so we won't be doing that with the adolescent group.

We reviewed how LUNCH Points works as well as the three different kinds of raffles that will be held.

Rules:  One of the things that we always do in group is figure out a few rules to get along with each other.  They came up with the following, so far:

1. Be positive and considerate with each other;
2. Have fun, but not by being mean to others;

Nicknames:  We chose nicknames, which is how the group members are referred to online

JV - "Sarge"
KV - "The One"
IL - "Buffalo"
TF - "Woof"
BS - "Jester"
WF - "?"

We reviewed that it is necessary to have a group nickname to earn LUNCH Points and participate in raffles, as well as to have projects posted.

On to lunch.... We have gone out for Chinese, Italian, Mexican, BBQ, Pizza, American-Style, Japanese, as well picnics.  They decided there might be more, but that covered it for now.

We ended up going to Chipotle and did a quick screen capture exercise to let them practice summarizing and providing short, quick bits of information  (see the video below):




In listening to the video, you may hear some questionable comments.  If you recognize your child's voice, WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT BRING THIS UP TO HIM!  We will address it is subsequent meeting, but if you bring it up, it may create a negative reaction.  Our goal is positive practice, decision making, and rehearsing, not critiquing their behavior.

After lunch we looked at some sample animations and a couple of new programs I have purchased to use in group.  Then, it was off for a rare dessert treat, this time, frozen yogurt.

Group ended right on time at 2:00pm and all of the parents picked up right on time.  Nice!  There was significantly more socializing going on by lunchtime.  Next meeting they will select behaviors to target and rewards they wish to earn, plus a couple of participants have websites they wanted to show the group.