January Classroom Guidance

In Kindergarten we are learning how to apply what we have learned about calming down.  We are learning about ways to calm down when we are waiting for something, or when we are disappointed and don't get our way.  We are seeing that staying calm helps you have more fun, more friends, and avoid problems.

In First Grade at York we learned that being a tattletale is no fun.  We learned that tattling can make us lose friends.  We also learned how to tell when something is a kid sized problem and when we need to get help from a grown-up.  We read the book Don't Squeal Unless it is a Big Deal by Jeanie Franz Ransom.  We also took a quiz together to practice identifying which category various problems fall into.

In First, Second, and Third Grades at Jefferson we are learning about how to make our world better by spreading kindness.  We saw how kindness can make a big difference and how we each have an important part in making our world a better place.  We read the book Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson.

In Second Grade at York we are revisiting the topic of bullying.  We are reviewing where the bully gets power from, how to take power back from the bully, what bystanders can do to help targets, and how we all play an important role in bully prevention.  We read the books One by Kathryn Otoshi, and Say Something by Peggy Moss.

In Third Grade at York we are learning about 6 thinking errors our brains can make that make us feel like giving up, getting upset, or feeling bad.  With the help of the Strong Kids Curriculum, we are understanding how we can change our thinking to produce a better attitude and have a better life.

December 2014 Classroom Guidance

Jefferson and York Kindergarten: 

We are learning ways to calm down from strong feelings
(deep breaths, counting, safe place and self talk)  We are seeing why we need these strategies, how they help us, and practicing them.  This helps us to be more likely to use them when we need to stay in control.  We are also learning that staying in control helps you have more friends and do better in school.

Jefferson and York First Grade:

We are learning effective ways students can respond to bullies.

Jefferson and York Second Grade:

We will read Simon's Hook and learn 5 effective ways to handle teasing. Each student will make a specific plan to handle teasing in an effective way.  We will also go to Fish School and get a "Fish School Diploma"  http://www.grandmarose.com/neighborhood.htm  

Jefferson and York 
Third Grade:

We are playing the game "Make Your Plan" and learning effective ways to calm our brains and our bodies down in stressful situations.  At York we will also read the book "Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed" by Emily Pearson.  We will learn about the power of kindness.

November Guidance

In Kindergarten at both York and Jefferson we continue to learn about feelings and how to show others we care.  We are learning other people can have different feelings about the same thing.  We are practicing reading emotions and social situations.  In November we are learning about intentions. We will learn how to tell if something was done by accident or on purpose, and what to do if you accidentally hurt someone. 

In First grade we are learning how to calm down from strong feelings.  We are learning 10 ways to calm down and practicing at least 4 effective strategies to manage anger.  

In Second Grade we are learning and practicing steps to solve problems.

In Third Grade we are learning more ways to stay in control when we get angry and upset.  

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.

August / September Guidance 2014

It is great to be back! Summers seem to go by quicker every year! 

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.

Also in Grade 1 at Jefferson we will 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 sucessful at making and keeping friends.

In Kindergarten at both schools: We will learn what a school counselor does and why listening is important. Listening always shows other people you care about them. If you do that you will have more friends. Listening also helps you learn a lot more! We are also learning that a counselor is a person you can talk to who will help you find ways to make problems smaller.

We will read the books "Hands are Not for Hitting" and "Words are Not for Hurting". Each class will sign a promise paper which will be posted as a reminder that we promise not to use our hands or words to hurt each other.

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.

April and May Guidance

JES and York Kindergarten: We are learning how to tell when we should get help, and when we can solve the problem ourselves.  We are learning more about being a good friend and solving problems.

JES First grade: We are learning about dealing with bullies, and staying in control of our anger.

York first grade: We learned the importance of telling the truth.  We also learned what to do if someone gives you hurtful or bad touches to stay safe.

JES Second Grade: We learned more about keeping our power and not giving it to bullies. We are also playing a game that helps us review all that we have learned this year.

York Second Grade: We are learning about playground conflict and how to manage it.

JES Third grade: We learned what to do when we get anxious.  We reviewed some ways to deal with bullies.  We talked about the transition to Heritage next year and we hope to learn about the value of staying in school and take a virtual tour of several colleges.

York Third Grade: We plan to review what we have learned this year, and discuss the difference between good touches and bad touches.  We are talking about steps to make sure students can stay safe.

March Classroom Guidance

In Kindergarten we are learning 3 ways to handle name calling.  We are also learning and practicing fair ways to play. (sharing, trading, and taking turns) 

In First Grade we are learning and practicing problem solving skills.  We have learned that if you calm down first, you can think of many better ways to solve problems.  We are also practicing solving problems together.

In Second Grade at Jefferson we are learning the difference between good touches and bad touches.  We are learning what to do yourself if someone tries to touch you in a bad way, and when you need to get help from a grown-up. 

In Second Grade at York we are continuing to learn about how to take power back from bullies.  We have discovered where bullies get their power from, and we have learned 8 things we can do to take power away from them.  We are also learning the importance of working together as a family to make that happen. 

In Third Grade we are learning about being a person you can be proud of.  What kind of person do you want to grow up to be?  Do you have goals or dreams?  We have learned that being the person you want to be doesn’t just happen.  There are certain things that you can do to help you be the person you want to be.  There are also things you can do that will stop you from being the person you want to be.