Dear Parent,
Your child has been recommended by his/her teacher to participate in a discussion group that I will be running at school. The purpose of this group is to give students an opportunity to learn more about themselves by talking with peers about their thoughts, feelings and ideas. In this group they will learn how they are like other people, what makes them special and uniquely themselves, and will discover a feeling of pride and confidence in being themselves.
Early adolescence is a stressful, difficult time. Children go through dramatic physical changes that really transform how they see themselves and how the world sees them. In addition to the obvious physical changes, young teens are developing sexually, mentally, emotionally and socially. Their social world becomes very important at this time and confusing too, as they face complicated situations, decision, choices and pressures.
The teenage years are a time when young people try to define and understand themselves. It is a time of many questions: what makes me who I am?, is it okay to be me?, where do I fit in?, where am I heading in life?. Teens who know themselves and can talk about their feelings are able to cope better with those feelings. They are able make healthier, more careful decisions, to understand others and communicate better. I hope that being part of this group will help them on that path.
The group will meet once weekly during the next marking period, during music or art class. If you and your son/daughter decide that s/he will participate, please sign the permission slip below and return it to me as soon as possible.
If you have any questions, please call me at ___-____.
_____(Name of student)____ has my permission to participate in the group.
(Parent signature) (Date)
