August / September 2015 Guidance

We will start the year by learning what to do when someone starts bugging you. We will talk about how to handle conflict and other problems in a way that helps you keep your friends and have more fun in school.

In Grades 1, 2 and 3 we will be learning how to stay in control and react appropriately when someone is bugging us. We will talk about about how using the 5 steps of ignore, walk away, talk friendly, talk firmly, and get help keep us in control. We will learn how and why each step works so well and talk about the real value of not giving the other person power over your own emotions. We will also learn about times when you do need to get help right away.

We will also be learning how to identify how other people are feeling. We will practice ways to recognize certain key feelings 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 successful at making and keeping friends. 

We will be working through the books You Are A Social Detective by:Michelle Garcia Winner and Pamela Crooke, PhD and What is a Thought? by Amy Kahofer and Jack Pransky. We'll learn about the concepts of social thinking and how our own thinking can create opportunities or problems. We'll learn how our own thoughts have a powerful effect on our lives. 

We will also begin empathy training using the Second Step Curriculum. This will help children learn how to understand and manage their feelings. Research shows if children can "read" the emotions of other children in various social situations they are more likely to make good choices and be successful at making friends.