October 2014 Guidance

In Kindergarten at both schools we will be learning about feelings and why they are important. We will be 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 social choices.  They will also be more successful at making friends. 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 thinking about how to know how people will feel about certain things.  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 will be learning all about anger.  We will learn about managing our anger and why it helps you to stay in control even when you don't want to. We will learn it is possible to stay in control even when it feels like you can't.  We will read the book When I Feel Angry by Cornelia Maude Spelman.  We will also learn and practice ways to calm down  by using self-talk, deep breaths, counting, and a safe place.  Be sure and ask your children which strategy works best for them.

In Second Grade at both schools Will be talking about managing our angry feelings.  We'll see that even when hard things happen you can do things that help you stay in control.  The students will see that if you learn to stay in control you will usually have a happier life.  We will read the gook: The Very Angry Day Amy Didn't Have by Lawrence E. Shapiro and Charles Brenna.  We'll also talk a little bit about attitude and how it can help us or hurt us.  We will be learning about staying in control when our feelings get really strong. We will learn 4 strategies that students can use to calm down

In Third Grade at both schools we will learn about bulling. We will watch the video But Names Will Never Hurt Me by Thomas Brown.  We will learn where bullies get their power from, how to safely take power away from bullies, 6 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.