Monday, September 30, 2013

October Guidance

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


In Kindergarten at both schools 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 childrens emotions in various social situations they are more likely to make good social choices, and be successful at making friends. At Jefferson this month we will begin to learn how to tell if something was an accident, or if it was something done on purpose. We will learn and practice how to say I'm sorry in a meaningful and appropriate way. We will learn and practice other ways to show people we care as well. We already know if you don't show people you care many people think you don't care.....and those people don't have as many friends.

In First Grade at Jefferson we have been 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. This month 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? How do you make new friends? What can you do when someone rejects you?
At York in first grade we have 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. This month we will focus on calming down from strong feelings and staying in control when we get upset. Students will learn and practice techniques that can help them is they use them.

In Second Grade at both schools we will be learning about staying in control when our feelings get really strong. We will learn strategies that students can use to calm down, and how important our attitude is.

In Third Grade at both schools we will learn about bulling. We will learn where bullies get their power from, how to safely take power away from bullies, strategies to use with bullies, and when to get help. Students will also make a commitment to do their best to help make our school bully free.