How to talk to your students about Phase II and graduation
Volunteers - please note that while we have spoken to all Phase II parents about what it entails, we have not discussed the idea with students. We ask that you lead this discussion since you know the student better. Below, please find our recommendations on how to introduce the idea of Phase II with students.
How to introduce your student to Phase II
*Note: It may take you several sessions to cover everything mentioned here, especially if you are helping them do research about programs they can join after they leave SBC.*
Explain the Basic Idea of Phases. Students should understand:
SBC is introducing the phase system for the first time this year. This is a new concept.
In Phase I, which is what they were on in the past, they were focusing on one of three foundational skills: reading, writing, or math.
In Phase II, which is what they are on now, they will learn skills like time management, effective communication, and goal setting.
Please make sure your student knows what these terms mean!
Students will start meeting with their buddies less frequently in the second semester so they can practice their skills. They will graduate from the program and stop seeing their buddies regularly at the end of the ‘23-’24 academic year.
Students will have opportunities to keep in touch with their buddies even after graduation.
If you want graphics as you explain this idea, you can find them here.
Celebrate their accomplishments and frame it as a challenge.
Students should understand that they were invited to be on Phase II because they did well in school last year. SBC believes they are ready for a new challenge. Children should feel proud!
Students should see time management, effective communication, and goal setting as skills that prepare them for high school, college, and adulthood. They are some of the most critical skills a student can learn!
Invite them into the discussion
Since the goal of Phase II is to foster student independence and self-sufficiency, invite the children into the conversation:
What classes are you taking this year?
What note-taking system do you use for each subject? (i.e., do they have a dedicated binder? Folder? Notebook?)
How does your (ELA/ Math/ etc.) teacher give you homework? Do they tell you verbally during class? Put it on Google Classroom?
How can you check your grade for _____ subject?
Do you use an online or physical planner? Which one? What kind of information do you put in it? What do you like about it? What could be better about the system you use?
Do you know how to find your teacher's email? Have you emailed your teacher in the past? (For younger students, please ask if they have asked their teacher or parent for help OUTSIDE of class).
Is extra support available at school (ex: peer tutoring or teacher office hours)? Have you used these resources before?
What is your goal for this school year? How do you think you can achieve it?
What are your goals beyond this academic year? How do you think you can achieve them?
What do you hope to achieve by the time you graduate from SBC?
You should continue asking your students these questions to watch their evolution.
Decide on a time-management tool together
Having a good system for time-management will be key. SBC wrote an article on different time management tools you can consider, which you can find here.
Start the conversation about their plans after SBC
Even after learning executive functioning skills, children benefit from having access to resources. We have compiled a list of resources you can share with families below.
Helpful Tips
We strongly recommend that you invite parents into this first discussion. If your family only speaks Spanish and you want a translator, please reach out to Guadalupe Nufio at gnufio@a-b-c.org.
Please note that Guadalupe will be there strictly as a translator. We think the child should hear the message from you, since you are the one who will be leading these sessions.