A Workshop with Dr. Michael Thompson, Psychologist and Author
Morning Session: Best Friends/Worst Enemies: Friendship Development, Popularity and Social Cruelty in Childhood
Afternoon Session: Coming to Grips with Underachievement in Boys

Always a favorite of educators and often hailed as the expert on boys, Dr. Thompson will address social cruelty among kids as one of the most difficult things that adults have to confront in raising or educating children. Experienced teachers can be confused about how to protect a child in class, for fear of putting a rejected or controversial child in "the limelight." They can also feel defensive when parents of neglected or victimized children come to the school for help.

What do social relationships in school predict about happiness in adult life? What is the normal sequence of child friendships, from the parallel play of the two-year-old to the intimate self-disclosure of the adolescent? Why do cliques form and what are the differences between boy and girl groups? Why are children scapegoated and how can their parents and school protect them? Dr. Thompson will draw on research to highlight the differences between friendship and popularity. He makes suggestions about the management of social problems in schools and makes the case that while all children yearn for popularity, it is friendship that helps children survive and thrive.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
All Educators PK-12

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Program registration deadline is February 9. No refunds after that date. Please see the complete VAIS cancellation policy under the Professional Development Tab.

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS:
VAIS has a block of rooms at the Omni Hotel, 1000 Omni Boulevard, Newport News, VA for the rate of $89.00 plus tax. To make reservations, please call the Omni directly at 800.843.6664 and indicate you are with the VAIS group. The VAIS rate will be available until February 4, 2010.