Middlebury Elementary & Jefferson Elementary:
Grades 1, 2 and 3 we have been learning how to stay in control and react appropriately when someone is bugging us. We talked about how using the 5 steps of ignore, walk away, talk friendly, talk firmly, and get help keep us in control. We learned why each step works so well and the value of not giving the other person power over your own emotions. We also talked about times when you need to get help right away. Also in Grade 1 at Jefferson we have been learning how to identify how other people are feeling. We practiced and learned ways to recognize certain feeling in other people and how to respond to various feelings. This empathy training builds a foundation that enables children to understand each other better and helps them become more sucessful at making and keeping friends.
In Kindergarten at both schools: We learned that a counselor is a person you can talk to who will help you find ways to make problems smaller. We read the books "Hands are Not for Hitting" and "Words are Not for Hurting". Each class signed a promise paper which will be posted as a reminder to not use our hands or words to hurt each other. We have also begun empathy training. This will help children learn how to understand and manage their feelings. Research shows if children can "read" other childrens emotions in various social situations they are more likely to make good choices and be successful at making friends.
