October 2012

This Month in Guidance we are learning many things that can help us be better prepared to learn academically.


In Kindergarten we have been talking about feelings and why they are important. We have been practicing "reading" other people’s feelings. Research shows if children can "read" other children’s emotions in various social situations they are more likely to make good choices, and be successful at making friends.

In First Grade at both schools we are learning about feelings. We have focused on how what we say and do make other people feel certain ways. We have learned every day you make yourself look friendly or mean by what you say and do. At York also talked about bullying. What is it and where do bullies get their power from? We also learned ways we can work together to take power away from bullies. At Jefferson we are learning how to predict the feelings of others. We are learning what to do when you and your friend are playing and their feelings change to be different than yours. How can you be a good friend and keep your friends?

In Second Grade at both schools we will be learning about how powerful are words are. We will see how our words change what other people think and feel about us. We will also begin learning about staying in control when our feelings get really strong. We will learn strategies that students can use to calm down.

In Third Grade at Jefferson we will begin to study strong feelings of anger.  We will clearly see how you can make choices that allow you to stay in control.  We will learn that even when you don't feel like it, you can control your anger. At York we will be exploring how making excuses instead of taking responsibility can cause problems in your life. Students will learn the importance of stepping up and taking responsibility for their work and their actions.

September 2012

In Kindergarten and First Grade at York and Jefferson: we are starting to learn about feelings.  Reasearch shows that kids who can tell how other kids are feeling (reading social situations) have more friends and are more successful in school.  Together we are studying how to read facial expressions and body language. 

In Second Grade at Jefferson: we will be learning empathy training and exploring why it helps to be careful with our words.  We will see how our words impact other people and how that in turn can impact us.

In Second Grade and Third Grade at York: we will learn about bullying.  We will talk about what makes something bullying and how to respond to it.  We will see that bullys get their power from the people around them.  We will learn ways to work together to take power away from bullys.

In Third Grade at Jefferson: we are learning strategies for taking responsibility and the importance of not making excuses for poor choices.