College Sponsors Love, Logic Workshops
(Press Release 12-17-08)
Hank Mooney, Office of Public Information

Laughter and sometimes tears filled the room as nationally recognized Love and Logic  trainer Dr. Bob Sornson recently spoke to parents and teachers during two workshops sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College's GEAR UP for a Brighter Tomorrow grant.

"What children need from us is clear expectations," explained Sornson. "They should be expected to complete chores for the family, maintain respectful speech, and have learning time. They also must feel a sense of belonging and have a sense of purpose."

Sornson was a master story teller as he shared real-life stories that provided wonderful examples and ways to raise and teach children with logic and love.

"We must allow our children to make mistakes," added Sornson. "If we always bail them out, make excuses, or allow them to escape the consequences of their actions, we are teaching them no matter what they do, no matter how they treat others, no matter what. . . it's okay. And it's not! We must prepare them for the 'real world' where consequences must be faced."

Sornson is known for developing programs which support early learning success, and is the founder of The Early Learning Foundation. He is a favorite consultant to schools, parents, and education leadership groups across the country. He was a classroom teacher and school administrator for over 30 years. His writings on parenting, teaching and classroom culture integrate Love and Logic with powerful teaching and child development practices. He is committed to the idea that practically every child can build a solid foundation for learning and for life.

With the pressures of greater curricular demands, Sornson suggested instead of teaching harder, faster, and more, the answer lies in becoming a highly-effective classroom teacher. How? Set clear and high expectations. Students need to feel safe and have a strong positive relationship with their teacher. They need to feel cared for within the classroom. A pleasant, work-oriented climate must be established. Students should understand and support classroom procedures. Instructional level and variance should be considered in the design of instruction. And, the teacher must model respectful, relationship-building behaviors throughout the day.

Love and Logic is a philosophy founded by Jim Fay and Foster W. Cline, M.D., and is based on the experience of a combined total of over 75 years working with and raising kids. It provides simple and practical techniques to help teachers and parents have less stress and more fun while raising responsible kids. Love and Logic offers many useful techniques that teachers and parents can begin experimenting with immediately. Examples include locking-in sadness or empathy before delivering consequences, setting limits with enforceable statements, sharing control through lots of small choices, building relationships with the One Sentence Intervention, neutralizing arguing with the Brain Dead technique, and the Anticipatory Consequence.

Eastern Oklahoma State College received a $6.7 million federal GEAR UP grant and is in the third year of implementation. Eastern has partnered with 23 area schools to provide students, teachers, and parents with additional educational opportunities. The event was coordinated by GEAR UP Professional Development Coordinator Lorrie Russ.

Bob Sornson Caption:
Dr. Bob Sornson, trainer for Love and Logic, during the parents' night workshop sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College's GEAR UP for a Brighter Tomorrow grant.

Bob Sornson & Cherish Marshall Caption:
Wilburton's John G. Shero Jr. High Counselor Cherish Marshall pleads with Bob Sornson, trainer for Love and Logic for leniency during a role-playing activity at the teachers' workshop sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College's GEAR UP for a Brighter Tomorrow grant.