Introduction

Multiple Intelligences and Your Preschooler NEW

Do you know how you learn or how your preschoolers learn? This workshop will help you:

• assess your own learning style based on eight experiential stations;
• discover Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences theory; and
• learn to actively engage preschoolers by integrating multiple intelligences into their daily lives.

Active participation required!

“Very informative and motivating for me to be working with my kids and working with all multiple intelligences.” — Candice Thompson, Southwinds MOPS

“I loved the interactive part – it was a ton of fun!” — Jessica Quiambao, Southwinds MOPS

“Engaging. Real life examples of applications.” — Lori Reid, Southwinds MOPS

Home for the Holidays

The bumper sticker reads, “Wake me up when the holidays are over.” Jostling diaper bags, cribs and young children, eating more than our stomachs can hold, and wrapping endless gifts left my husband and me wishing we’d slept through the holidays instead of celebrating in five different locations. Over the years we learned better ways.

This topic helps mothers resolve the stress, exhaustion, and disillusionment they often face during holidays. Because this talk promotes preparing in advance for the holidays, it is not offered during November and December. Home for the Holidays examines:

• How good traditions can improve family relationships;
• Possible alternatives for going “home” and tips for celebrating happier holidays;
• Ideas for children’s Christmas activities and creating inexpensive gifts; and
• Keeping Christ the center of Christmas by focusing on others.
• Optional: Small group discussion.

Positive Parenting

How many times a day do you say, “Don’t do that,” “Stop it this minute,” or, “No, and I mean it”? It’s easy to fill your day with nagging. If you sense your kids are tuning you out, they are. During this practical topic, parents will learn:

• 10 Reasons Parents Say No;
• To Re-state what you Want your child to DO versus telling them what you DON’T want them to do; and
• 9 More Alternatives to No
• Which Results in a More Positive Parent.
• Practice time included!

“Great advice and examples. Loved having a handout so my husband can read it later.” –Alison, Ripon MOPS

“This topic really helped me realize things I could be saying to my strong-willed child in a much more positive and constructive way.” –Mom, Ripon MOPS

“I Can Do It:” Responsibilities for Young Children

Sometimes parents try holding onto their children and keeping them from growing up. Although your children will always be your “little princess” or “little prince,” they also need to begin learning responsibilities that lead them to living independent, successful lives. Topics include:

• Giving choices, the first step in decision making;
• Developing preschooler’s thinking skills;
• Fostering independence and initiative by teaching simple chores;
• Countering the myth, “It’s easier to do it myself”; and
• Ensuring success while making chores fun.
• Features responsibilities (chore) chart for 2 to 5 year olds.
• Optional: Small group reflection questions.

“I loved the easily applicable ideas & suggestions. Great practical advice I can go home & use with my toddler today!” —Amy Mohler

“Presentation was very practical & well addressed. Easy to implement with resources. The information was not overwhelming.”

“I loved all the chore ideas & how Marian spoke about doing them. I think it was amazing.” —MOPS moms, Big Valley Grace, Modesto, CA

Guiding Young Children’s Behavior (Toddlers & Preschoolers)

My 15-month-old toddler bites other children. My two-year-old throws herself on the grocery store floor, embarrassing me with her tantrum. My four-year-old son hits others. This practical presentation is for parents of toddlers and preschoolers. Parents will investigate:

• Common toddler and preschool behavior challenges;
• The difference between guidance and discipline;
• Inappropriate and ineffective methods; and
• Guidance principles and techniques including: redirection, natural consequences, ignoring, and positive reinforcement.
• Optional: Small group discussion.
• Option: For groups with MOMSnext, this talk can be combined with school-age guidance. Separate discussion questions are provided for both groups.

“Dr. Marian Fritzemeier spoke to our MOPS/MOMSnext group this year. I asked her to specifically talk about positive parenting and disciplining. She met my expectations and then some. She gave us so many great tools to use in parenting. She made a big impression on all the mommies, and we hope to have her back next season.

I was able to take home stuff and get my husband on board with implementing some of her advice. I’m so grateful she was able to be our speaker. Huge impact on my life!! Thank you.” — Tracy Mota, River Oaks Grace MOPS & MOMS Next coordinator

It’s Not Just Small Stuff: The Importance of Routines

Every day we do things simply out of routine. But it isn’t “just routine” for children. Parents of toddlers to five-year-olds will leave confident and prepared to improve and/or initiate new routines. Parents will discover:

• Benefits of routines for parents and children;
• The importance of consistency and commitment; and
• Strategies for creating daily routines.
• Optional: Small group discussion.

Heart of the Home

Does what I’m doing as a mother really matter? Are my sacrifices making a difference? Will motherhood always seem this difficult? This topic is for mothers who choose to delay their careers or work from home and raise their children. Mothers will feel encouraged about this important job. Mothers will explore:

• Advantages of being a “keeper of the home;”
• Setting the home’s thermostat;
• An attitude checklist; and
• Working towards their hearts’ ambitions.
• Optional: Small group discussion.

A Parent’s Heart

Your blotchy, wrinkled newborn baby lies in your arms. Quickly forgotten is the pain of childbirth and angry threats. Parents begin their journey believing, “We’ll be the best parents ever.” But somewhere in the busyness of life, parents can become sidetracked and lose track of priorities. A Parent’s Heart features eight key parenting responsibilities that help parents focus on what’s important. Small group discussion questions direct parents towards selecting one key area and creating an action plan that facilitates improvement.

“A Parent’s Heart was an overall guide to parenting. A new technique I tried as a result of these classes was… making sure that I have individual time to talk with my 13-year-old and our 4 ½-year-old.”

The Physical Perspective: Physical Fitness, PMS, & Passion

What do Physical Fitness, PMS, and Passion have in common? They are often areas of mother’s lives that get overlooked while busily caring for her family. The significance and strategies for physical fitness; proactive ways to deal with PMS; and restoring/maintaining marital passion are all candidly addressed in this practical presentation. Optional: Small group discussion.

Parents of Young Children Topics Rev 6 2 2016 pdf

The Friendship Factor

What kinds of friends do you want for your children? There are many ways parents can influence their children’s friendship choices. Parents explore:

• Benefits of friendships;
• Developmental milestones of friendships, ages 5 to 10;
• Friendship groups, including children at risk.
• Handout: Books on School-Age Friendships.
• Optional: Small group discussion.

Behavior Guidance for School-Age Children

My first grader calls girls names. My third grader loses recess time for classroom misbehavior and lies. My fourth grader taunts neighborhood kids and refuses to complete chores. My fifth grader is…well, you get the idea. Learn what’s behind children’s behavior and practical tools that work. Highlights include:

• Common school-age behavior challenges;
• What doesn’t work;
• How choices and decision making can improve behavior;
• Increasing self-regulation; and
• Effective strategies, including: natural consequences, withdrawal of privileges, ” when…., then….,” and reinforcement.
• Optional: Small group discussion.

Sex Education Begins at Home: School-Age Children

Is the way you learned about sex how you want your children to learn? When does sex education begin? How are you teaching your children about sexuality and sex education? Even today, many parents feel uncomfortable answering these questions. This session promotes parents as the primary sex educator source from kindergarten through pre-puberty development. Topics frankly addressed include:

• Tips for talking about sexuality and sex;
• Ideas and resources on developmentally appropriate information; and
• Laying the foundation for later sexual decision making.
• Optional: Small group discussion.

Peer Pressure: The School-Age Years

Do you experience peer pressure? Most people do to one degree or another. So what’s peer pressure like for our children? This workshop begins by comparing peer pressure “then” and “now.” Peer pressure has changed dramatically since you were a kid and is beginning earlier. Parents will explore:

• Parental challenges with peer pressure;
• What peer pressure looks like;
• Reasons school-age children give in to peer pressure;
• Ten parental roles in reducing negative peer pressure; and
• Teaching children strategies to resist negative peer pressure.
• Optional: Small group discussion.

“Your class on Peer Pressure helped me as a Christian parent to direct and guide my daughter when there are so many pitfalls in junior high and high school.”

 Parents of School Age Children Topics Rev 6 2 2016 pdf

Parenting Adolescents: The “Happy Hormone” Years

Are you worrying about the adolescent years? Most parents do, but learning about this developmental stage can help reduce your fears and increase your understanding of the many wonderful milestones that await your adolescent. In this workshop, Dr. Fritzemeier shares ten tasks of adolescents. Successfully completing these tasks prepares your adolescent to enter the adult world confidently with the life skills necessary for living independently. Includes small group activities.

“I like to remain ‘in the dark’ and this class reminded me that doing that isn’t the best parenting method. I’d also like to say…thank you for being so candid with your own stories… it helps us a lot as new parents to know that we aren’t alone.”

Peer Pressure: It’s Not All Bad

What’s peer pressure like for adolescents today? It isn’t what it used to be. As our children enter adolescence and spend more time away from home, we have less influence on their busy lives. This talk features the effects of both negative and positive peer pressure as well as practical ways parents can help teens resist negative peer pressure. Optional: Small group discussion.

Warning! Keep Off the Roller Coaster

Do you feel like you’re riding an emotional roller coaster with your preadolescent or adolescent? Caused by hormones and rapid physical growth, adolescents must deal with their changing emotions and social development. Find out how you can stay grounded during the ride of your life. Topics cover:

• Strategies for helping preadolescents and adolescents explore their unique identity development;
• Causes of conflict with parents and parental influence;
• Peer relationships;
• Functions of friendships;
• Social skills; and
• Dating.
• Optional: Small group discussion.

“What Were You Thinking?”

How many times have you muttered, “What were you thinking?” Adolescents develop advanced reasoning as well as abstract thinking skills. They actually “think about thinking.” These powerful cognitive changes give parents the opportunity to help mold their adolescents’ thought processes before they leave the nest. Discover why parents and their children are more likely to argue during adolescence. In this workshop, you’ll also:

• Define cognitive development;
• Explore the stages of adolescent cognitive development;
• Learn how these changes affect teens; and
• Receive practical pointers for parents.
• Optional: Small group discussion.

“What’s Happening to My Kid’s Body?”

Mention the word puberty and many parents are terrified. Puberty is a rapid change in development and maturation involving hormonal and physical changes that take place primarily in the early adolescent years. This workshop equips parents to know what to expect for both males and females. Content includes:

• Factors influencing physical growth;
• Typical sequence of pubertal development;
• Developmental concerns for pre-adolescents and adolescents;
• Challenges around early and late developing adolescents; and
• Parents’ roles and responsibilities.
• Handout on sex education resources available.

Promoting Abstinence in a Sex Crazed World

How did you learn about sex? Where are you in the process of teaching your adolescent about sexuality, sex education, and abstinence? This session promotes parents as the primary sex education source from pre-puberty throughout adolescence. Ideas and resources about developmentally appropriate information, sexual decision making, promoting abstinence, and difficult topics are addressed with frankness. Optional: Small group discussion.

“Abstinence was a good reminder to be in constant conversation with your kids about sexual issues. This class was very informative and eye-opening.”

“But Everybody Else Is . . . “

Today’s adolescents view morals and values from a very different viewpoint than past generations. Helping adolescents embrace their own morals and values are keys for helping them transition into adulthood with solid beliefs. Key areas include:

• Contexts of moral development: schools and parenting;
• Adolescent decision making and risk taking;
• Integrating character education into daily living;
• Helping adolescents clarify values;
• How volunteering and service learning facilitates moral development; and
• Steps in moral training.
• Optional: Small group discussion.

“I’m Not Sure About God Anymore.”

Today’s adolescents are bombarded with a vast array of spiritual beliefs and religions. Helping adolescents embrace their own spiritual development and beliefs about God are keys to helping them transition into adulthood and “own” their faith. Content includes:

• James Fowler’s Stages of Faith Development;
• Five dimensions for spiritual development;
• Contexts of moral development: both schools and parenting;
• Keeping your teens involved in church; and
• How significant others contribute to the foundation for making moral choices.
• Optional: Small group discussion.

Letting Go

What are your memories of leaving home? Whether we want to think about it or not, our children will eventually leave our nests. Letting go actually begins long before high school graduation. Parents will receive tips for letting go when teens reach late adolescence. A “Declaration of Independence” for young adults is presented. Facing the realities of letting go and small group discussion questions answers the question, “Is there life after children?”

Parents of Adolescents Topics Rev 1 22 2018

Parenting & Birth Order

Ever wonder why children with the same parents are so different? Or why you relate better to one child than another? This workshop helps parents understand how to best connect their own birth order with each child and his/her unique position in the family’s birth order. Where a child places in the birth order has a powerful effect on self-esteem, emotional development, and sense of well-being. Participants will examine:

• Factors that determine and influence birth order;
• General characteristics of first born children, middle children, and last born children; and
• Parenting tips for connecting with each child’s birth order.

Integrated activities provide parents opportunities to understand birth order dynamics and how their birth order affects relationships with their children.

“Very real perspective of how children are parented and how my birth order effects how I parent my children.” — Denise Hayes

“Marian pressured us in a fun way. Helped me poke fun at myself. Loved the stories ‘from the child.'” —Becky Bouscal

“Down-to-earth and easy to understand. Made it all realistic and applicable. Gave me ideas for how to improve my parenting.”—Jeni

It was fun to hear about birth order and how I can see it

 

Home for the Holidays

The bumper sticker reads, “Wake me up when the holidays are over.” Jostling diaper bags, cribs and young children, eating more than our stomachs can hold, and wrapping endless gifts left my husband and me wishing we’d slept through the holidays instead of celebrating in five different locations. Over the years we learned better ways.

This topic helps mothers resolve the stress, exhaustion, and disillusionment they often face during holidays. Home for the Holidays examines:

• How good traditions can improve family relationships;
• Possible alternatives for going “home;”
• Tips for celebrating happier holidays; and
• Keeping Christ the center of Christmas by focusing on others.

Optional: Small group discussion. Resource Books on Holiday Traditions available on my web page.

Note: Because of the timeliness of this topic, this presentation must be BEFORE NOVEMBER 1st.

Raising Responsible Adults

New parents ponder milestones like walking, talking, the first day of school, the prom, and graduation from a prestigious college. Many parents dream of the future, but only plan for the present. What’s your long-term plan for raising responsible adults? This presentation is the foundation of the speaker’s book series and helps both single and married parents:

• Consider raising a child to become both independent and interdependent;
• Create a parenting mission statement; and
• Learn age appropriate responsibilities for children at different developmental stages.
• Small group activities woven throughout the presentation facilitate parents’ planning.

 Positive Parenting

How many times a day do you say, “Don’t do that,” “Stop it this minute,” or, “No, and I mean it”? It’s easy to fill your day with nagging. If you sense your kids are tuning you out, they are. During this practical topic, parents will learn:

• 10 Reasons Parents Say No;
• To Re-state what you Want your child to DO versus telling them what you DON’T want them to do; and
• 9 More Alternatives to No
• Which Results in a More Positive Parent.
• Practice time included!

“Great advice and examples. Loved having a handout so my husband can read it later.” –Alison, Ripon MOPS

“This topic really helped me realize things I could be saying to my strong-willed child in a much more positive and constructive way.” –Mom, Ripon MOPS

Parents in Any Parenting Stage Topics Rev 6 2 2016 pdf

Foundations of Restorative Practices in Schools

Traditionally, restorative justice has been used for juvenile offenders. However, because of consequences of school districts’ Zero Tolerance policies, many schools are turning towards Restorative Practices to keep students in school so they can change their behavior, learn and graduate. This three-day seminar for public or private schools includes:

• Day 1: Principles & Practices of Restorative Practices in Schools;
• Day 2: Action Strategies for Restorative Practices in Schools;
• Day 3: Implementing Restorative Practices in Schools.
• For more details, refer to the link under Speaking for Implementing Restorative Practices in Schools.

“When the District decided to begin training our sites on Restorative Practices, it was important we found a contractor who was knowledgeable, engaging, and able to persuade our staff to see the importance of using an alternative approach to school discipline. Youth for Christ exceeded our expectations in all of these areas. Their trainings were of top quality, activity-oriented, and they used a collaborative coaching model to assist our sites in moving forward. I would highly recommend contracting with Youth for Christ to any District interested in implementing Restorative Practice.”

— Mark Herbst, Senior Director, Educational Services, K-6th,

Modesto City Schools

Work Smarter, Not Harder: Creating Grading Rubrics

Do you dread grading students’ papers? Are you tired of students turning in work that doesn’t meet your criteria? Do you wish students would take more responsibility for their grades? Then this workshop is for you. Learn:

• Purposes and advantages of grading rubrics;
• Different types of criteria for various disciplines and examples; and
• Hands on time to create a grading rubric for an assignment.
• The workshop ends with strategies for implementing and evaluating rubrics.
• Once you create grading rubrics, your grading will take less time and become more objective.
• Note: Requires computer access for participants. Participants bring 2-3 various assignments so they can create a grading rubric during the workshop.

The Teacher’s Classroom Management Toolbox

The number one challenge for many educators is classroom management, including guidance and discipline. Many educators are frustrated with pressures stemming from the Common Core and students’ behavior challenges. This workshop covers:

• Effective classroom management strategies; and
• Fifteen guidance techniques that include what educators can DO and SAY to proactively handle behaviors so they can focus on teaching.

Bullying 101: Helping the Bully, the Bullied, and the Bystander; How Educators Can Help Break the Cycle of Violence

This research-based, interactive workshop guides educator’s efforts to make a difference and advocate against bullying as they learn the differences between the bully, the bullied, and the bystander. Long-term and short-term effects on all three groups are identified as well as effects on the brain. Proactive prevention using school-wide, classroom, and program approaches are explored as ways to break the cycle of violence. Presentation includes:

• • Stat Alerts with updated relevant statistics, video clips, “meet” bullied children, an attitude survey, small group activities, and using children’s literature for changing behavior.

Note: Because of developmental differences and developmentally appropriate practices at different ages and grade levels, this presentation focuses on ONE of the following: primary grades, or upper elementary grades.

Summaries for P-K-12th Grade Educators Topics Rev 6 6 2014 pdf

 

Work Smarter, Not Harder: Creating Grading Rubrics

Do you dread grading students’ papers? Are you tired of students turning in work that doesn’t meet your criteria? Do you wish students would take more responsibility for their grades? Then this workshop is for you. Learn and experience:

• Purposes and advantages of grading rubrics;
• Different types of criteria for various disciplines and examples; and
• Time to create a grading rubric for an assignment.
• The workshop ends with strategies for implementing and evaluating rubrics.
• Once you create grading rubrics, your grading will take less time and become more objective.
• Note: Requires computer access for participants. Participants bring 2-3 various assignments so they can create a grading rubric during the workshop.

Creating a Super Syllabus

Learn how to create a student learning-centered course syllabus in this workshop. Key components include: course description, expected student learning outcomes, textbook and materials, general course information, course requirements, course calendar, and legal aspects of syllabi. Participants are asked to bring a copy of a syllabus or a course outline for one of their courses.

Have a Great First Week: Setting the Tone

This workshop is filled with creative ideas for having a smooth and successful first week of classes. Participants will learn about organizational tips, interactive get-to-know you activities, using textbooks the first week, and overall classroom management ideas.

Engaging Learners through Interactive Activities

Are your students bored and performing poorly? Are you tired of giving the same lectures? Maybe it’s time to consider implementing some interactive activities that engage students and improve their comprehension and retention. This interactive workshop features:

• Research on teaching methods;
• Learning styles and class format;
• Benefits and steps for implementing active learning; and
• A variety of active, engaging strategies.

Summaries for College Professors & Faculty Topics Rev 5 16 2014 pdf

Year 1: Foundations of Restorative Practices in Schools

An innovative and interactive three-day seminar equips school sites to implement restorative practices that typically increases student responsibility and decreases suspensions and expulsions. The morning sessions:

• Introduce the concepts of restorative practices and restorative discipline;
• Provide new tools that can reduce the need for school exclusion and juvenile justice system involvement in school misconduct; and
• Strategies that enhance the school environment to prevent conflict and restore relationships after conflict.
• The afternoon component features reflection, team activities, and planning. By the end of the three sessions, sites are prepared to implement their site plan.
• Presenters schedule a pre-site observation and interview before the first session and coordinate follow-up after the sessions to foster implementation.
• Each school site chooses a dynamic cross-section of seven to nine participants for their seminar implementation team.
• School sites are encouraged to plan for implementation throughout the entire school, but restorative practices can also be implemented partially.
• Year 1 Sessions include: The Foundation of Restorative Practices in Schools; Restorative Practices in Schools: and Implementing Restorative Practices in Schools.

“Releasing teachers from their classrooms for professional development can be delicate. If they are going to spend the time, they want it to be relevant, engaging, delivered by competent trainers, and include some practical take-aways they can apply in their classrooms the next day. All of these were true of the Restorative Practices training provided to MCS by Youth For Christ. It has been a valuable experience that I would not hesitate to repeat. Positive approaches to student discipline are critical pieces in changing schools and communities. I can think of few training topics that hit so close to the core of having the potential to change the educational trajectory of our youth.”

— Mike Henderson, Senior Director, Alternative & Vocational Education, Modesto City Schools

Year 2: Leading Change with Confidence

Another one-day of training and consultant’s hours lead site teams towards further school-wide implementation. Topics include:

• Challenges with Change
• Why Change Fails
• 8 Steps for Change Process
• Roger’s Diffusion Model of Innovation
• Maintaining the Gains

Year 3: Collaboration, Continuity and Community

Working towards full implementation, Year 3 training includes one full day of training and additional hours with consultants. Focus includes:

• Follow-up on Eight Steps for the Change Process (Year 2)
• Trouble-shooting
• Collaboration Concerns
• Expanding Leadership Skills
• Continuum of Practice
• Extending RP to Parents and the “Community”

Seasons of Time: Time to Rest – Space to Heal

With increasing progress and technology, Americans were promised easier lives and more time to relax. But that’s not what happened. Our fast paced culture pressures women to take on: one more option, one more problem, one more commitment, one more expectation, one more purchase, one more debt, one more change, one more job, one more decision. Sound familiar? This reflective topic is based on the book Margin and Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Using seasonal photographs and symbolism, this practical presentation features restoring margin to our lives. Topics include:

• Seasons of overload;
• Eight prescriptions for restoring seasons of time with margin; and
• Personal “Seasonal Reflections” included throughout.

“I love everything you do! I always take away valuable information that applies directly to my life and helps re-focus me! Thank you.” —Tori, Oakdale, CA

“Very relatable! Relevant! Great communicator, great timing and discussion questions.” –Annalisa Christian, MOPS of Murphys

“Very real and relatable. Informative and helpful methods for gaining balance”. — – Mom, MOPS of Murphys

The Physical Perspective: Physical Fitness, PMS, & Passion

What do Physical Fitness, PMS, and Passion have in common? They are often areas of a mother’s life that get overlooked while busily caring for her family. The significance and strategies for physical fitness; proactive ways to deal with PMS; and restoring/maintaining marital passion are all candidly addressed in this practical presentation. Resource Books on Biblical Marriage and Sex available as a handout. Optional: Small group discussion.

Rainbow of Refreshment

When was the last time you woke up rested and excited about the new day? Did something spontaneous for a friend? Had a date with your spouse? Are you consumed with “shoulds” or “musts.” Are you exhausted? This practical presentation features how women can live a refreshed lifestyle whether at work, at play or at worship using the acrostic REFRESHMENT. A few key components include enjoy, friends, health, time and what is enough? Optional: Children’s Rainbow of Refreshment Activity for mother-child events.

“I really enjoy how relatable Dr. Fritzemeier is! This is the second speaking engagements I’ve been to of hers… I love the lighthearted and practical advice and support she brings.”                                                                                                 — Tori

Women’s Topics Rev 6 2 2016 pdf