Random Lake Elementary provides Character Education classes on a bi-monthly basis to students 5K thru 4th grade. The goal of character ed lessons is to help nurture a well-rounded student academically, socially and emotionally. This school year we will focus on the concept of mindfulness along with the following monthly traits:
- Self Control
- Attentiveness
- Gratitude
- Flexibility
- Persistence
- Growth Mindset
- Curiosity
- Preparedness
- Self Control
- Attentiveness
- Gratitude
- Flexibility
- Persistence
- Growth Mindset
- Curiosity
- Preparedness
November
Responsibility: Being in charge of your actions and emotions This month our students learned and practiced responsibility. We focused the first part of our guidance lessons on the Zones of Regulation. The zones use colors and characters to help students determine their feelings/mood and how to regulate them back to a calm and focused state. The zones were demonstrated using video clips such as the following: |
Students were able to demonstrate and role play different zones (they love being in the red zone!!)
The 3rd and 4th grade students continued guidance with videos on different types of responsibility from Sunburst. The videos contained examples of being responsible for completing your homework, doing your chores (the character's goldfish died as a result of his procrastination with cleaning the tank), not making excuses, pulling your weight in group projects, sticking with a schedule/plan and more!!
The younger students completed lesson in Tattling vs Telling. When is it their responsibility to tell the teacher when something is dangerous or hurting someone and when are they just trying to get someone in trouble. The Bad Case of Tattle Tongue was read with students as well as an activity to follow. The students really liked the story. Josh the Tattler does not have any friends because he tattles on his classmates, his brother, and even his dog. He wakes up one day with a bad case of tattle tongue. Josh eventually learns “The Tattle Rules” and things start to turn around for him.
The 3rd and 4th grade students continued guidance with videos on different types of responsibility from Sunburst. The videos contained examples of being responsible for completing your homework, doing your chores (the character's goldfish died as a result of his procrastination with cleaning the tank), not making excuses, pulling your weight in group projects, sticking with a schedule/plan and more!!
The younger students completed lesson in Tattling vs Telling. When is it their responsibility to tell the teacher when something is dangerous or hurting someone and when are they just trying to get someone in trouble. The Bad Case of Tattle Tongue was read with students as well as an activity to follow. The students really liked the story. Josh the Tattler does not have any friends because he tattles on his classmates, his brother, and even his dog. He wakes up one day with a bad case of tattle tongue. Josh eventually learns “The Tattle Rules” and things start to turn around for him.
Our Service Project for the month was a Food Drive for the local Random Lake Interfaith Pantry. Students K-8 helped collected over 2,000 pounds of food to donate!!! The elementary class with the most food items collected received the awesome prize of two reserved seats at the Holiday Concert. The food pantry was so impressed and grateful to our students that they came to our assembly to thank them for their hard work in person.
October
Respect: Treating others the way you want to be treated
This month our students celebrated Character Education week with a visit from NED. NED taught us to Never Give Up, Encourage Others, and Do Our Best! On top of NED's assembly, students practiced encouraging classmates with clapping, smiling, words like 'You can do it" and giving each other compliments. We also visualized what it looks like to 'spread' kindness by sharing their kind actions and creating 'ripples'.
Check out some of our activities below!!!
Respect: Treating others the way you want to be treated
This month our students celebrated Character Education week with a visit from NED. NED taught us to Never Give Up, Encourage Others, and Do Our Best! On top of NED's assembly, students practiced encouraging classmates with clapping, smiling, words like 'You can do it" and giving each other compliments. We also visualized what it looks like to 'spread' kindness by sharing their kind actions and creating 'ripples'.
Check out some of our activities below!!!
Students watched the Spreading Kindness video from NED's website to visualize how their kind actions can start a ripple of kindness through our school, community, country, and the world.
Watch NED's short video on Spreading Kindness
http://www.thenedshow.com/kindness-video.html
Students read the book 'And Two Boys Booed" to learn how kindness and encouraging others can outweigh others' mean or rude behavior. Along with the story, students played Positive Ball where they gave each other compliments and words of encouragement. Focusing on positive actions helped everyone leave guidance class with a full heart :)
http://www.thenedshow.com/kindness-video.html
Students read the book 'And Two Boys Booed" to learn how kindness and encouraging others can outweigh others' mean or rude behavior. Along with the story, students played Positive Ball where they gave each other compliments and words of encouragement. Focusing on positive actions helped everyone leave guidance class with a full heart :)
Check out our 3rd grade students playing positive ball in fast motion! See those compliments fly!
March
Individuality: Celebrating what makes you YOU!!
This month our animal is a Zebra. Did you know there are no 2 Zebras who have the exact same stripes. Each stripe pattern is what makes them unique and special.
Our service project this month will happen in our guidance classroom. We will be 'donating' compliments to our classmates and celebrating what makes them special!
Individuality: Celebrating what makes you YOU!!
This month our animal is a Zebra. Did you know there are no 2 Zebras who have the exact same stripes. Each stripe pattern is what makes them unique and special.
Our service project this month will happen in our guidance classroom. We will be 'donating' compliments to our classmates and celebrating what makes them special!
February
Cooperation: Working together to achieve more than you could alone
This month our animal is the Ant. Ants must use cooperation and hard work to create their home and supply food for the thousands of ants who all live together.
Our service project this month is working together as a school to collect Box Tops and Soup Labels. So far we're up to 2,000! That equals $200 for our school to purchase new items like headphones and keyboards for our ipads as well as new equipment for our Phy Ed classes. The deadline for box tops/soup labels is February 26th.
Cooperation: Working together to achieve more than you could alone
This month our animal is the Ant. Ants must use cooperation and hard work to create their home and supply food for the thousands of ants who all live together.
Our service project this month is working together as a school to collect Box Tops and Soup Labels. So far we're up to 2,000! That equals $200 for our school to purchase new items like headphones and keyboards for our ipads as well as new equipment for our Phy Ed classes. The deadline for box tops/soup labels is February 26th.
This month we focused on the 2 most important parts of Cooperation: 1) Working Together and 2) Getting along with each other. Above is one of our 2nd grade classes doing our Puzzle experiment. We split the class into a group of 2, a group of 5, and a group of 7 and they were given the same puzzle to complete the fastest. We made predictions on which group would work the fastest together and which group would get along with each other the best. Our group of 7 was the quicket putting together the puzzle but some students felt left out and we even had some take pieces out of another students hand. Our group of 2 took the longest but they got along the best, asking for advice, saying excuse and using their manners much more than out bigger groups.
We learned that the more people helping, the faster a task can be completed but the harder it is for all to get along and agree on how to approach the task.
A Big Shout-Out for our 4th Grade Volunteers who have given up some of their recess time to come and help sort and cut Box Tops and Soup Labels! You guys Rock!!
January
Commitment: Making a Plan and Sticking to it
Our animal this month is a Beaver. Beavers work hard to build their habitats. They show commitment to their home by working continuously to keep it a safe place for them and their families to live.
Our Service Project this month is Jump Rope for Heart through the American Heart Association. Students have made 2 commitments this month. 1) to help raise money for children who are born with a heart defect and 2) to be committed to making healthier choices in their daily life.
We've already surpassed our goal of raising $1,500!! You know what that means?! Mrs. Mountain said at our January Character Ed assembly that she would commit to doing the Polar Plunge if our students were committed to helping others. Mrs. Mountain will be participating in the Polar Plunge in Manitowoc on February 13th!!!
Commitment: Making a Plan and Sticking to it
Our animal this month is a Beaver. Beavers work hard to build their habitats. They show commitment to their home by working continuously to keep it a safe place for them and their families to live.
Our Service Project this month is Jump Rope for Heart through the American Heart Association. Students have made 2 commitments this month. 1) to help raise money for children who are born with a heart defect and 2) to be committed to making healthier choices in their daily life.
We've already surpassed our goal of raising $1,500!! You know what that means?! Mrs. Mountain said at our January Character Ed assembly that she would commit to doing the Polar Plunge if our students were committed to helping others. Mrs. Mountain will be participating in the Polar Plunge in Manitowoc on February 13th!!!
Check out what students learned about fueling their body with the right foods!! You may be surprised by what is
considered bad for them...We learned about Go, Slow, and No foods (<---- click here)
We even did a Sugar Experiment to measure out how much sugar they are putting into their bodies each day. They were quite surprised what one soda and one candy bar turned out to be! Let's help them be committed to being healthy!!
2 Tablespoons of frosting equaled 21 grams of sugar = to 2 Tablespoons (which means it's pretty much all sugar)
1 Snickers bar had 27 grams of sugar = 3 tablespoons of sugar
1 Regular soda had 69 grams of sugar = 6 tablespoons of sugar!!
considered bad for them...We learned about Go, Slow, and No foods (<---- click here)
We even did a Sugar Experiment to measure out how much sugar they are putting into their bodies each day. They were quite surprised what one soda and one candy bar turned out to be! Let's help them be committed to being healthy!!
2 Tablespoons of frosting equaled 21 grams of sugar = to 2 Tablespoons (which means it's pretty much all sugar)
1 Snickers bar had 27 grams of sugar = 3 tablespoons of sugar
1 Regular soda had 69 grams of sugar = 6 tablespoons of sugar!!
December
Compassion: Caring enough to do something about someone else's needs
Our animal this month is a Gorilla. There are countless stories about Gorillas caring for their young, for other Gorillas, and even other animals. Helping others is the most important part of Compassion.
Have your student teach you our Compassion song this month! Can they remember all three we've learned this year?
Compassion: Caring enough to do something about someone else's needs
Our animal this month is a Gorilla. There are countless stories about Gorillas caring for their young, for other Gorillas, and even other animals. Helping others is the most important part of Compassion.
Have your student teach you our Compassion song this month! Can they remember all three we've learned this year?
This month our Service Project is creating Compassion Cards for family members who have lost a loved one. The cards will be sent to a local Hospice. Check out some of the students hard at work.
Students watched the below video to look deeper into why compassion is so important but can sometimes be overlooked
November
Honor/Service - Letting someone know you see how valuable they are & respect what they've done for you.
A Golden Retriever is our animal this month. Adult Golden Retrievers love to work, and have a keen ability to focus on a given task. This explains why they are honored as working dogs in so many areas. Golden Retrievers are often used as service dogs for those who are blind, in search parties or just as a family pet who is friendly, loyal and a sense of comfort.
Honor/Service - Letting someone know you see how valuable they are & respect what they've done for you.
A Golden Retriever is our animal this month. Adult Golden Retrievers love to work, and have a keen ability to focus on a given task. This explains why they are honored as working dogs in so many areas. Golden Retrievers are often used as service dogs for those who are blind, in search parties or just as a family pet who is friendly, loyal and a sense of comfort.
Congrats to all these wonderful students who earned a Character Certificate during the month of October! They were awarded their certificates at our monthly character education assembly.Way to go Super Friends!
Our new song for the month of November! See if you child can teach it to you!
Honor, Honor, Honor
Honor means Respect
Honor, Honor, Honor
Respect if what you get
Honor, Honor, Honor
Honor means Respect
Honor, Honor, Honor
Respect if what you get
Check out the video created by our high school media class. The video was shown to all classes as a way to introduce Veteran's Day and our character trait of Honor. Depicting the tradition of America's White Table, students discussed what the table and their items represent, why a family may have this tradition, and how it related to Honor.
After a lesson on What Honor is, What it looks like, and How we Show it, students completed the below worksheet. Students honored parents, janitors, Veterans, friends, teachers, fireman, policeman, grandparents, and more!!
October
Trust - Letting someone know you see how valuable they are & respect what they've done for you
Turtles are our animal this month. They show us they can be trusted by making honest and responsible choices. They take their time thinking about consequences and always make good choices
Trust - Letting someone know you see how valuable they are & respect what they've done for you
Turtles are our animal this month. They show us they can be trusted by making honest and responsible choices. They take their time thinking about consequences and always make good choices
'Sock'tober was a Success!! Thanks to all who donated our school donated over 845 pairs of socks to local shelters! Way to go Mrs. Surges' class for collecting the most socks at 129 pairs!!
Guidance lessons for the month of October
Each month we will learn a rhyme, jingle, song, or poem to help us remember our trait and what it means. Learn out Trust rhyme from some 3rd grade students:
T-R-U-S-T, Trust means you can Depend on me!!
T-R-U-S-T, Trust means you can Depend on me!!
3rd & 4th grade guidance classes participated in Trust Experiment Day!
Experiment #1 - Trust Tower
Students got to see what happens each time we tell a lie. Part of our trust is taken away. Lie too many times and the whole tower can fall, leaving no trust. Is there a way students can rebuild their trust tower once it falls? Only time and honesty can help to rebuild.
Experiment #2 - Covering up a Lie
Using a quarter as a lie, students dropped it into the water. They talked about what the ripples might mean, how it can affect other people. Students then used the pennies to tell more little lies to try and cover up the original lie (the quarter). No matter how many they used, it never could cover up the lie. Students were amazed how many lies they would have to tell in order to cover up the first one!
Experiment #3 - The Messy Truth
Using a tube of toothpaste to represent lies, a student told a small lie on squeezed toothpaste onto the plate. They then had the chance to take back their lie to keep their trust tower intact. Using a Q-tip they were able to to this relatively easy. Then they told a bigger lie and squeezed a larger amount of toothpaste onto the plate. Trying to take back this lie was much much harder (and Messy!!) Needless to say, their conclusion that telling lies gets you in a sticky mess was very accurate.
The whole school enjoyed a video created by the high school video production class. The story, The Boy Who Cried Wolf' was used to get students thinking about why it is important to be honest and truthful in order to keep the trust of others. Take a look below!!
The Empty Pot Lesson
Classes read "The Empty Pot' by Demi, a story of an emperor looking for his successor. He gives every child in the land a 'special' seed to grow the prettiest flower. The child with the best flower in a years time would be the new emperor. The main character Ping struggles all year to grow a flower and has nothing to show once the year is over. He brings his empty pot to the emperor while the rest of the children have beautiful flowers to show. Little did they know the emperor gave them all fake seeds. They all should have brought empty pots! Ping is rewarded for his honesty and made emperor of all of China. A great lesson on rewarding truth and honesty!
The students got to great their own beautiful flowers, complete with character traits that would make a great student (or emperor!) such as 'respect' 'courage' 'fair' 'honest' and more!
Check them out hard at work!
October Character Education Assembly
Check out all our awesome and trustworthy students who earn a Character Certificate during the month of September. They were recognized at our October Character Ed Assembly
Check out all our awesome and trustworthy students who earn a Character Certificate during the month of September. They were recognized at our October Character Ed Assembly
May Super Hero Trait
Wisdom: Using your smarts to make wise choices.
A raccoon is our animal this month. Many people don't know that raccoon are known as 'clever beasts' to zoologists and are more intelligent than a fox. Raccoon are very observant and pay attention to their surroundings. Often times, the eldest raccoon passes on its wisdom to younger raccoon to help them find shelter or food!
This month students focused on using their wisdom on topics they already know about. For example, if you know you're not supposed to talk to strangers why would you? If you know you're not supposed to watch things with bad language on the internet, why would you? Watch the eye-opening video students watched in class about kids who didn't use their wisdom when it came to stranger dange.
Students from Mrs. Barber's 4th grade and Mrs. Kaul's 1st grade class read a poem about why it is important to use your wisdom AND shared posters on what they thought Wisdom was. Some examples include:
- Washing your hands before you eat
- Wearing your helmet
- Reading and practicing math over the summer
- Being nice to your friends and MORE!!!
- Washing your hands before you eat
- Wearing your helmet
- Reading and practicing math over the summer
- Being nice to your friends and MORE!!!
April Super Hero Trait
|
exploring_character_ed_(1).pptx |
March Super Hero Trait
Perseverance: Deciding it's worth it to finish something you've started, even when it gets tough
Our animal this month is the frog. Have you ever heard the story of the frog that feel in a bucket of milk. The sides were too high for him to jump out of and after trying for hours to get out he was close to giving up. Instead, he kept going and eventually the milk churned to butter from all his kicking and he was able to stand on top and jump to safety. Good thing he kept going huh?
During our first guidance lesson of the month, students will discuss what happens BEFORE you decide to persevere. Usually you get frustrated or angry and want to quit. We learned and practiced ways to calm down and work through the frustration so you can keep trying and reach your goal. Below are examples of what we learned & practiced
Perseverance: Deciding it's worth it to finish something you've started, even when it gets tough
Our animal this month is the frog. Have you ever heard the story of the frog that feel in a bucket of milk. The sides were too high for him to jump out of and after trying for hours to get out he was close to giving up. Instead, he kept going and eventually the milk churned to butter from all his kicking and he was able to stand on top and jump to safety. Good thing he kept going huh?
During our first guidance lesson of the month, students will discuss what happens BEFORE you decide to persevere. Usually you get frustrated or angry and want to quit. We learned and practiced ways to calm down and work through the frustration so you can keep trying and reach your goal. Below are examples of what we learned & practiced
Ever have a time when you're child couldn't relax, calm down, or get to sleep? Using relaxing music can help calm a child and help them get past the point of frustration or anger. Listen to the below video for an idea on calming music for children (plus it's fun to guess which Disney movie it's from)
Way to go to all the students who earned a Character Certificate from the month of February for demonstrating character traits such as patience, friendship, empathy, responsibility and more.
Mrs. Kucksdorf 1st grade and Mrs. Surges' 4th grade classes introduced this month's trait of Perseverance by giving examples of what Perseverance means: 'Keep trying!' "Believe you can!' "Work Hard!' and more! They also shared stories of a time they showed perseverance and how it felt once they achieved their goal.
Mrs. Kucksdorf 1st grade and Mrs. Surges' 4th grade classes introduced this month's trait of Perseverance by giving examples of what Perseverance means: 'Keep trying!' "Believe you can!' "Work Hard!' and more! They also shared stories of a time they showed perseverance and how it felt once they achieved their goal.
February Super Hero Trait
Courtesy: Showing others respect by using good manners and being polite
Our animal this month is a Panda Bear. Pandas are much more courteous and polite than their relatives the grizzly bears. They sit on their bottom and use both hands while eating bamboo stalks. They are the Chinese symbol of gentleness and compassion.
Courtesy: Showing others respect by using good manners and being polite
Our animal this month is a Panda Bear. Pandas are much more courteous and polite than their relatives the grizzly bears. They sit on their bottom and use both hands while eating bamboo stalks. They are the Chinese symbol of gentleness and compassion.
January Super Hero Trait
Patience: Waiting until later for what you want now
Our animal this month is a Turtle. It takes a mother turtle 30 minutes to crawl up the beach from the sea, two hours to look for and dig a hole for her eggs, an hour to lay 50 to 100 eggs and another half-hour to crawl back to the water. Then they must wait at least 8 weeks before coming back to watch them hatch. Turtles must be very patient animals.
Being a slow animal also gives turtles plenty of time to slow down and think about their choices and what they should be doing to make a good choice.
Patience: Waiting until later for what you want now
Our animal this month is a Turtle. It takes a mother turtle 30 minutes to crawl up the beach from the sea, two hours to look for and dig a hole for her eggs, an hour to lay 50 to 100 eggs and another half-hour to crawl back to the water. Then they must wait at least 8 weeks before coming back to watch them hatch. Turtles must be very patient animals.
Being a slow animal also gives turtles plenty of time to slow down and think about their choices and what they should be doing to make a good choice.
Big Applause to Mrs. V and Mr. Holzer and some of their
Reading Club students who helped introduce our character trait
of Patience with some interrupting and a poem.
Congrats to all the students who earned a Character Certificate in the month of December for showing great character!!
Reading Club students who helped introduce our character trait
of Patience with some interrupting and a poem.
Congrats to all the students who earned a Character Certificate in the month of December for showing great character!!
December Super Hero Trait
Empathy: Caring enough about someone else's feelings and needs to do something
Our animal this month is an Elephant. Elephants are known to be wise and kind. They have been known to show empathy and compassion to other elephants in the herd by taking care of the young of a sick or injured elephant, helping to get an injured elephant to water, and not leaving any elephant behind. They not only care about the other elephants in the herd but they do something to show it.
Empathy: Caring enough about someone else's feelings and needs to do something
Our animal this month is an Elephant. Elephants are known to be wise and kind. They have been known to show empathy and compassion to other elephants in the herd by taking care of the young of a sick or injured elephant, helping to get an injured elephant to water, and not leaving any elephant behind. They not only care about the other elephants in the herd but they do something to show it.
Congrats to the 29 students who earned a Character Certificate in the month of November. Students were recognized for showing good character with traits such as Friendship, Responsibility, Perseverance, and More! After the awards, Mrs. Reed helped introduce our new character trait of the month with a little help from Sesame Street. See the video below to see the students' introduction to Empathy.
November Super Hero Trait
Friendship: Spending time with someone who you and enjoy and trust.
Our animal this month is a dog. Think about how a dog responds when you come home. They bark hello, they lick you & they wag their tail. The way a dog feels when they see you is the way you should feel when you are with a friend. Good friends should make you feel happy and excited to be with them.
Friendship: Spending time with someone who you and enjoy and trust.
Our animal this month is a dog. Think about how a dog responds when you come home. They bark hello, they lick you & they wag their tail. The way a dog feels when they see you is the way you should feel when you are with a friend. Good friends should make you feel happy and excited to be with them.
Congrats to the 30 students who earned a Character Certificate in the month of October by showing Responsibility and other great character traits! Ms. Morgan and Mrs. Henzel then introduced November's character trait, Friendship, with a skit demonstrating good friendship skills.
October Super Hero Trait
Responsibility - Showing you can be trusted with what is expected of you and not blaming others for your actions
Our animal this month is the Rooster. Roosters are given the important task to wake up the farmer in the morning. If he isn't responsible and doesn't complete his task, the cows won't be milked, the pigs won't get fed, the crops won't get watered. The farmer trusts the rooster to wake him up in the morning to complete the chores for the day. If the Rooster doesn't follow through, the cows may not get milked or the crops may not get watered.
Our animal this month is the Rooster. Roosters are given the important task to wake up the farmer in the morning. If he isn't responsible and doesn't complete his task, the cows won't be milked, the pigs won't get fed, the crops won't get watered. The farmer trusts the rooster to wake him up in the morning to complete the chores for the day. If the Rooster doesn't follow through, the cows may not get milked or the crops may not get watered.
3rd & 4th grade students were introduced to the 'Wheel of Responsibility' this month. The 4 colors represented different areas students may have responsibility. Students spun the wheel and add different responsibilities to the wheel.
Ex: Blue = School and students had ideas such as keep your desk clean & complete your homework OR Yellow = Self and students had ideas about taking care of yourself by brushing your teeth, picking out your clothes, and exercising.
K, 1st, & 2nd learned about why its important to take responsibility for their actions. The story 'It's Not My Fault' told the story about George who had a hard time taking responsibilities for his actions and by blaming and making excuses made it harder on himself and for people to trust him.
Ex: Blue = School and students had ideas such as keep your desk clean & complete your homework OR Yellow = Self and students had ideas about taking care of yourself by brushing your teeth, picking out your clothes, and exercising.
K, 1st, & 2nd learned about why its important to take responsibility for their actions. The story 'It's Not My Fault' told the story about George who had a hard time taking responsibilities for his actions and by blaming and making excuses made it harder on himself and for people to trust him.
What is a School Counselor Anyway?
The first few weeks back at school, I am visiting classrooms to re-introduce myself (this year as Mrs. Harrigan) and to refresh students on what exactly a School Counselor is. To do that, I bring with me my handy School Counselor Toolbox that has all the items I need to do my job:
A large Heart - I have a big heart and truly care about each and every student in the school. I want everyone to be their best!
An Eraser - Everyone makes mistakes. I'm here to help you 'erase' them and to fix them and make better choices next time.
An Ear - I'm a great listener and love hearing about pets, friends, families, vacation, and more. Whether it's a happy/sad/mad story, I'm here to listen.
Candy - Seeing the counselor is a treat! You are never in trouble when you come to see the counselor and often times we play games or do arts and crafts.
A Tissue - I will help you dry your tears if you are sad or overwhelmed. It's ok to cry and to share your feelings.
Shhhhh - I am a great secret keeper! What you say in my office stays in my office. Unless you are hurting someone, hurting yourself, or someone is hurting you, I will keep it all between you and me.
A Mirror - YOU!! The students are a big part of my job because throughout the year they are learning to be great friends and good citizens. Adults aren't always around when there is trouble so YOU are the next best thing! You can even eventually learn to solve your own problems and become more independent.
The first few weeks back at school, I am visiting classrooms to re-introduce myself (this year as Mrs. Harrigan) and to refresh students on what exactly a School Counselor is. To do that, I bring with me my handy School Counselor Toolbox that has all the items I need to do my job:
A large Heart - I have a big heart and truly care about each and every student in the school. I want everyone to be their best!
An Eraser - Everyone makes mistakes. I'm here to help you 'erase' them and to fix them and make better choices next time.
An Ear - I'm a great listener and love hearing about pets, friends, families, vacation, and more. Whether it's a happy/sad/mad story, I'm here to listen.
Candy - Seeing the counselor is a treat! You are never in trouble when you come to see the counselor and often times we play games or do arts and crafts.
A Tissue - I will help you dry your tears if you are sad or overwhelmed. It's ok to cry and to share your feelings.
Shhhhh - I am a great secret keeper! What you say in my office stays in my office. Unless you are hurting someone, hurting yourself, or someone is hurting you, I will keep it all between you and me.
A Mirror - YOU!! The students are a big part of my job because throughout the year they are learning to be great friends and good citizens. Adults aren't always around when there is trouble so YOU are the next best thing! You can even eventually learn to solve your own problems and become more independent.
Elementary Summer Challenge!!!!
Over the summer students K-3 are challenged to continue their learning and acquiring knowledge so their brains stay strong and focused. Any student who creates a 'Did you Know' book with over 10 pages of information and brings it in the FIRST day of the 2014-15 school year gets to have a Pizza Party with Miss Z (who will be Mrs. Harrigan next year!) Don't suffer from the dreaded summer slide and lose 1/2 of what you've learned this year!
Have a Happy and Safe Summer!!!
Knowledge: Learning something new, to become a better you
This past month students have been discovering that knowledge isn't something you are born with. You acquire new knowledge almost everyday, whether it's learning to say your first word, learning to ride a bike, or learning multiplication. The more you know the better you you can be!
Throughout the month students learning that knowledge comes from 4 main sources. After asking students what they know about Disney World, they gave me facts such as they have rides their, you can see characters, there is a castle. The way students knew these facts were from these 4 sources:
- Reading it
- Seeing it on TV, a Movie, a Commercial, etc.
- Being told about it by someone else (teacher, parents, friends, etc.)
- Experiencing it yourself (* which we quickly learned is the best way to gain knowledge)
They also learning that your brain is a muscle, and much like your bicep, when you flex it and use it, it gets bigger and stronger. We discussed ways students can get their brains bigger and stronger over the summer.
- Read, read, read, read
- Explore and experience nature
- Log into Moby Max and keep practicing your skills
- Watch educational movies and shows
- Sooo much more!!!
This past month students have been discovering that knowledge isn't something you are born with. You acquire new knowledge almost everyday, whether it's learning to say your first word, learning to ride a bike, or learning multiplication. The more you know the better you you can be!
Throughout the month students learning that knowledge comes from 4 main sources. After asking students what they know about Disney World, they gave me facts such as they have rides their, you can see characters, there is a castle. The way students knew these facts were from these 4 sources:
- Reading it
- Seeing it on TV, a Movie, a Commercial, etc.
- Being told about it by someone else (teacher, parents, friends, etc.)
- Experiencing it yourself (* which we quickly learned is the best way to gain knowledge)
They also learning that your brain is a muscle, and much like your bicep, when you flex it and use it, it gets bigger and stronger. We discussed ways students can get their brains bigger and stronger over the summer.
- Read, read, read, read
- Explore and experience nature
- Log into Moby Max and keep practicing your skills
- Watch educational movies and shows
- Sooo much more!!!
April Character Trait of the Month
Endurance: Sticking with what you've started even when it gets tough
Endurance: Sticking with what you've started even when it gets tough
3rd grade students took a trip to Jobland () and took a quiz on their likes and strengths which led them to explore specific careers in Jobland. After discovering what their career could be, we discussed endurance and what is necessary to reach their goal of becoming a successful Vet, or Doctor, or Military Personal and more! Some were surprised to learn that skills they are learning now in math, science, reading, art, gym, etc. would be useful in their career down the road. Attaining your dream job shows lots of endurance as it takes over 13 years of school to achieve it!!!!
3rd and 4th grade students learned all about famous people who showed ENDURANCE and reaped the rewards from following through with their goal, even if things got tough. Some of these people included Albert Einstein, Michael Jordan, Steve Jobs, and J.K. Rowling.
Alan Arnette has climbed to Mt. Everest 3 times since failing to make it to the top on his first attempt. Students learned all about what things got in his way and how he overcame them. They were able to come up with goals of their own and add it to our very own Mt. Everest. Goals ranged anywhere from graduating high school with good grades to creating a flavor of ice cream. Never give up! Even when it gets tough!
Alan Arnette has climbed to Mt. Everest 3 times since failing to make it to the top on his first attempt. Students learned all about what things got in his way and how he overcame them. They were able to come up with goals of their own and add it to our very own Mt. Everest. Goals ranged anywhere from graduating high school with good grades to creating a flavor of ice cream. Never give up! Even when it gets tough!
March Character Trait of the Month
Forgiveness: Deciding that someone who wronged you does not have to pay
Forgiveness: Deciding that someone who wronged you does not have to pay
February Character Trait of the Month
Conviction: Standing up for what is right even when others don't
This month, we are celebrating Character Education and combining it with our monthly trait of conviction. Students are taking a pledge to 'Take a Stand and Lend a Hand'. Together, we can make this school a bully-free and kinder place to learn
Conviction: Standing up for what is right even when others don't
This month, we are celebrating Character Education and combining it with our monthly trait of conviction. Students are taking a pledge to 'Take a Stand and Lend a Hand'. Together, we can make this school a bully-free and kinder place to learn
3rd and 4th grade lessons this week continued discussing CONVICTION. What does conviction look like? To demonstrate to kids what strong vs weak conviction looks like I had to trick one of the students. To do this, I sent a student out of the room on an 'errand'. While they were gone I instructed the students to disagree with the missing student once they got back in the room when they were asked a question about the optical illusion on the left. When the student gave an answer I asked how many agreed (none did), then I asked how many disagreed (all did). The student then had a chance to change their answer or not. Almost all changed their answer!! This led to a discussion on peer pressure and standing up for your own thoughts and beliefs. In order to stand up for yourself and for others you have to first believe in yourself. Students then created a portrait of what they believed about themselves and who would be there for them when they needed extra support. This was an awesome lesson to see kids start to understand the concept of standing up for what you believe in, even if it's not popular.
During Character Education week, students learned about conviction and why standing up for yourself AND others is the best and easiest way to help decrease bully behaviors. Not only did students take a pledge to stand up, they also took a pledge to stop having bully behaviors themselves. To the right is a few of the pledge hands that students signed and decorated to show they are willing to 'Take a Stand and Lend a Hand'.
During Guidance Class this month, 3rd and 4th grade students learned what bully behaviors look like and role played the right AND wrong ways to stand up for yourself and others. They also learned the differences between an active bystander, a silent bystander, and a helpful bystander. (It was PJ day)
January Character Trait of the Month
Self Control: Choosing to do what we SHOULD do, not what we WANT to do
Self control is often a hard time to master at a young age when often times the thing we want to do is not the thing that we should do. Learning how to control our hands, feet, voices, actions, and impulses is the focus of our guidance lessons this month.
Our Character animal of the month is a Capuchin Monkey. Capuchin monkeys are often used as assistant monkeys for people with disabilities. They help open bottles of water, pick up objects, turn book pages, and even put in a DVD. The Capuchins put aside their own wants and impulses to help their human companion who needs them to get things done.
Self Control: Choosing to do what we SHOULD do, not what we WANT to do
Self control is often a hard time to master at a young age when often times the thing we want to do is not the thing that we should do. Learning how to control our hands, feet, voices, actions, and impulses is the focus of our guidance lessons this month.
Our Character animal of the month is a Capuchin Monkey. Capuchin monkeys are often used as assistant monkeys for people with disabilities. They help open bottles of water, pick up objects, turn book pages, and even put in a DVD. The Capuchins put aside their own wants and impulses to help their human companion who needs them to get things done.
December Character Trait of the Month
Generosity: Making someone's day by giving something away
The earthworm is considered a generous animal because it gives us something that you can't just go to the store, buy, and wrap up. Earthworms give us nutrient-rich soil that makes it possible for us to have healthy fruits and vegetables to eat. Sometimes the best 'gift' we can give is a smile, a hug, helping fold the laundry, raising our hand in class, or asking someone to play with us at recess. Gifts can be free!! and make both the giver and the receiver's day!!
Check out the song below where students are singing to get into the generous spirit this holiday season!
Generosity: Making someone's day by giving something away
The earthworm is considered a generous animal because it gives us something that you can't just go to the store, buy, and wrap up. Earthworms give us nutrient-rich soil that makes it possible for us to have healthy fruits and vegetables to eat. Sometimes the best 'gift' we can give is a smile, a hug, helping fold the laundry, raising our hand in class, or asking someone to play with us at recess. Gifts can be free!! and make both the giver and the receiver's day!!
Check out the song below where students are singing to get into the generous spirit this holiday season!
Below is a video that 3rd and 4th grade students watched in guidance this week. We discussed the difference in the people who stopped and helped and the ones who kept going. Sometimes the best gift we can give is our time and attention. How do you feel seeing people passing those in need by? How do you feel once they are helped? Why do you think you feel that way?
November Character Trait of the Month
Creativity: Using your imagination to do something that is unique and different
The bowerbird is considered a creative and imaginative bird as each constructs a unique and appealing nest to try and attract a mate. They must use their creativity to stand out from the other male bowerbirds.
The bowerbird is considered a creative and imaginative bird as each constructs a unique and appealing nest to try and attract a mate. They must use their creativity to stand out from the other male bowerbirds.
Check out over 50 students who earned a Character Coupon
this past month at our Character Ed. assembly for
showing creativity!! Way to go!!
Did you know that when Thomas Edison told people about his idea for electricity they thought it was crazy? What if he had listened to them, gave up, and followed the crowd? I would most likely not be typing on this computer right now.
This week during classroom guidance, students learned all about inventions and how they were invented with imagination, creativity, and for the purpose of solving a problem. Check out some of the inventions students discussed this week. What is it? What was the purpose of creating it? What problem did it solve? Has it been improved upon? Most kids will tell you how grateful they are that the t.v. has been improved since the old black and white, remote-less one was first invented.
This week during classroom guidance, students learned all about inventions and how they were invented with imagination, creativity, and for the purpose of solving a problem. Check out some of the inventions students discussed this week. What is it? What was the purpose of creating it? What problem did it solve? Has it been improved upon? Most kids will tell you how grateful they are that the t.v. has been improved since the old black and white, remote-less one was first invented.
Don't Squish my Ish!!
3rd and 4th grade students learn how differences are something to be respected. I may not like that you dyed your hair pink but it's not fair for me to try and make you feel bad about wanted to be unique and special.
Students read Ish, a story about a young boy who learns that his drawings, poems, and ideas have to be perfect, just perfect -ish. Student got a chance to create their own -ish pictures. Tree-sh, house-ish, sun-ish. I especially like what they come up with for 'afternoon-ish'
Students also learned about differences in perspectives. Do you see a rabbit in this photo? Do you see a bird? Which one is correct? It's all in how you see it, it's your perspective, no one can say you're wrong
In the kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade classrooms, students learned about creativity, using your own ideas, being ok with making mistakes, and accepting ideas of others that are different than their own.
Students were asked to imagine a world wear everyone wore the same uniform, there was only one song that played on repeat on the radio, the only book was Cat in the Hat, and the only thing they could draw/paint were cows. Overwhelming their response was 'Boring!" It's great that we have so many choices and that our choices can be different. I don't have to like One Direction just because you do, I can like Taylor Swift and we can still be friends.
After reading either Harold and the Purple Crayon or The Dot, students got to create their own artwork by connecting dots and make something out of the shape or connecting lines and squiggles to create something from their imagination. It was awesome seeing all the creative students created!!
Students were asked to imagine a world wear everyone wore the same uniform, there was only one song that played on repeat on the radio, the only book was Cat in the Hat, and the only thing they could draw/paint were cows. Overwhelming their response was 'Boring!" It's great that we have so many choices and that our choices can be different. I don't have to like One Direction just because you do, I can like Taylor Swift and we can still be friends.
After reading either Harold and the Purple Crayon or The Dot, students got to create their own artwork by connecting dots and make something out of the shape or connecting lines and squiggles to create something from their imagination. It was awesome seeing all the creative students created!!
October Character Trait of the Month
Wisdom - Finding out what to do and do it by making good choices
The crow is a very wise bird that uses it's wisdom to figure out ways to survive. Crows learn to use twigs as tools to get bugs to eat and when to sound an alarm to warn others of danger. Using their wisdom, they make good decisions to help them survive.
The crow is a very wise bird that uses it's wisdom to figure out ways to survive. Crows learn to use twigs as tools to get bugs to eat and when to sound an alarm to warn others of danger. Using their wisdom, they make good decisions to help them survive.
Does your child have the Wisdom to make good choices when it comes to strangers and online safety?
The last two weeks, students K thru 4th have been learning about strangers and/or online safety with the help of "Clicky" our online robot friend. Have your child show you the coloring/activity book that was sent home and review safety tips with them. Here is a link to the website that has TONS of videos, games and even a parent section: www.netsmartzkids.org
The last two weeks, students K thru 4th have been learning about strangers and/or online safety with the help of "Clicky" our online robot friend. Have your child show you the coloring/activity book that was sent home and review safety tips with them. Here is a link to the website that has TONS of videos, games and even a parent section: www.netsmartzkids.org
In the Kindergarten thru 2nd grade classrooms, we have been working on telling the difference between tattling and reporting. Student were read "A bad case of Tattle Tongue" and went over the 'tattle' rules. Afterwards students took on the giant tongue and had to decide if a situation what considered tattling or reporting.
3rd and 4th grade students learn
how to say no to Peer Pressure
After viewing a clip from 'A Christmas Story', students were taught different ways to stand up to friends and bullies and how to say no to peer pressure. Students even got to act out situations and use what they learned. See the powerpoint below to practice with your child.
how to say no to Peer Pressure
After viewing a clip from 'A Christmas Story', students were taught different ways to stand up to friends and bullies and how to say no to peer pressure. Students even got to act out situations and use what they learned. See the powerpoint below to practice with your child.
peer_pressure.pptx |
To introduce this month's character trait, student's attended a character ed assembly where teachers put on skits to help demonstrate using wisdom to make good decisions.
Students who received an award for showing Courage were also recognized and received their personalized character coupon and a pencil.
Students who received an award for showing Courage were also recognized and received their personalized character coupon and a pencil.
September Character Trait of the Month
Courage - Being brave enough to do what you should even when you're afraid
The mongoose is a brave animal that has been known to protect other animals from lions and snakes! Don't you think starting out a new school year with a new teacher and a new group of kids takes courage? I do!
The mongoose is a brave animal that has been known to protect other animals from lions and snakes! Don't you think starting out a new school year with a new teacher and a new group of kids takes courage? I do!
Stick up for yourself!!
Check out these awesome stories by 3rd graders about sticking up for yourself when others aren't nice! http://iphone.childrenslibrary.org/cgi-bin/view.py?b=n3mdzxh3lytio5vdtj3p AND
http://iphone.childrenslibrary.org/cgi-bin/view.py?b=3eebgkupvrvxt23kj2jk
http://iphone.childrenslibrary.org/cgi-bin/view.py?b=3eebgkupvrvxt23kj2jk
Character Trait For the Month of MAY
Patience: Waiting until later for what you want now
Learning patience isn't easy
This is probably one of my favorite lessons of all time!! To start learning patience you also need to understand self-control. I began the lesson blowing bubbles as I entered the room. Without hesitation the kids started popping them. Afterwards, I asked why they had popped them, no one had told them to do that? They answered "I'ts fun", "because we wanted to". My reply; sometimes we can't always do what we want to do when we want to do them. Like run down the hallway, or push someone out of the way to be first. If you want to do something but don't, that's called self-control. I next challenged the students to stand still as I blew bubbles all around them. Not a single one tried to pop a bubble!! Even when it landed on their nose!!
Next I handed each student a marshmallow with the instructions that they could eat it BUT if they waited to eat it until after my story, then the would get TWO marshmallows. While a few of the students couldn't wait and ate the marshmallow instantly, all those who waited and got two understood the rewards of being patient.
Next I handed each student a marshmallow with the instructions that they could eat it BUT if they waited to eat it until after my story, then the would get TWO marshmallows. While a few of the students couldn't wait and ate the marshmallow instantly, all those who waited and got two understood the rewards of being patient.
Character trait for the month of APRIL
Friendship: Spending time with someone you trust and enjoy
Learning to make and keep friends
Kindergarten thru 2nd grade students read the story about making and keeping friends. All they have to remember to do is put their friendship 'cap' on.
C - Compliment
A - Ask a question/Act like you care
P - be Positive
S - Smile
C - Compliment
A - Ask a question/Act like you care
P - be Positive
S - Smile
After reading 'Cap it off with a Smile", students got in a friendship circle and rolled 'smiley' the ball to someone in the circle. Student practiced the friendship skills from the book such as asking a question or giving a compliment. Some of the students even got to wear the 'CAPS' cap :)
3rd and 4th grade students created posters on the 'Keys to Making and Keeping Friends' and presented them to the class on why they believe these 'keys' are important. A few examples include:
- Be honest in your words and your actions
- To have a friend you need to be a friend
- Friends let their friends have other friends
- Be honest in your words and your actions
- To have a friend you need to be a friend
- Friends let their friends have other friends
Kind. thru 2nd grade practiced friendship scenarios and role played good vs bad friendship. Afterward they got the chance to write their name on a piece of paper, then join the circle and create a friendship chain. Each time a chain was added, another student in the class told them why they thought they were a good friend.
The friendship posters and chains are displayed in the hallway as a reminder for students each day.
The friendship posters and chains are displayed in the hallway as a reminder for students each day.
Students see our animal of the month, the dolphin, upon arriving and leaving school near our main entrance hallway. Bubbles surrounding him have quotes about the importance of friendship as a reminder why it is great to have friends!
Character Trait for the month of MARCH
Honesty: Choosing to be truthful in whatever we say or do
Stranger Safety
This week, kindergarten thru 4th grade learned that sometimes others (aka strangers) aren't always honest about who they are or what their intentions are. Check out www.NetSmartzkids.org/learnwithclicky to view the "Beat the Tricks" and "Know the Rules" videos we saw in class. Students also received a coloring book with a special page for putting in phone numbers and names of trusted adults to complete with you!
To demonstrate honesty and trust, students watched as a member of their class squeezed lies (toothpaste) on to someone's trust (a paper plate). Students were then given a chance to 'earn' the trust back and put the 'lies' back in the tube. They found this very difficult and MESSY! Students connected how once you tell a lie it is hard to take back and sometimes gets very messy when more lies have to be added to cover up your first lie.
The animal this month is a Canadian Gooses. Canada Geese can often be heard honking loudly as they fly overhead on there way down south for the winter. They are honest about who they are and where they are headed. Classes this month were asked 'Why should we tell the truth?" and their answers were recorded on cattails that are displayed with our goose in the front entrance.
Character Trait for the month of February
PEACE: Proving you care more about each other than winning an argument
Check out some of the awesome things students participated in for the month of February.
Combining the character trait of Peace with our Red Ribbon slogan of 'Be a buddy, not a Bully'.
Check out their cool activities below!
Combining the character trait of Peace with our Red Ribbon slogan of 'Be a buddy, not a Bully'.
Check out their cool activities below!
Every student took a pledge to stand up to bullies and to try their best to treat others with respect.
Each student (and teacher) who took the pledge signed their name on a hand to show their promise.
Ask your student about what the 3 fingers for the pledge stand for! (1 - stand up for yourself or others,
2 - walk or ignore if they don't stop, 3 - talk to a teacher/adult about what to do)
Each student (and teacher) who took the pledge signed their name on a hand to show their promise.
Ask your student about what the 3 fingers for the pledge stand for! (1 - stand up for yourself or others,
2 - walk or ignore if they don't stop, 3 - talk to a teacher/adult about what to do)
Here are a few examples of letters that 3rd grade students wrote to bullies telling them what they did that hurt, why it hurt them, and what they can do in the future so they aren't a bully.
During Red Ribbon Week, the Elementary and Middle school students got a chance to see Tim Hannig
with the PROkids show. Not only did he wow them with magic, jokes, and puppets, he taught
them character traits like Honesty, Standing up for others, and Integrity. Parents also got enjoy
the show (some even called on stage) for the Family Night Show!
with the PROkids show. Not only did he wow them with magic, jokes, and puppets, he taught
them character traits like Honesty, Standing up for others, and Integrity. Parents also got enjoy
the show (some even called on stage) for the Family Night Show!
On President's day, kindergarten students got a chance to make a speech that they would give if they were President. It's awesome to see that students connected the Be a Buddy, not a Bully, standing up for others, and treating others the way you want to be treated to how they would run our country :)
Kindergarten students learned about being PeaceMAKERS, not PeaceBREAKERS
after reading the story 'No David!"
after reading the story 'No David!"
Character Trait for the Month of January
Determination: Deciding it's worth it to finish what you've started
What does Determination look like?
All grades got the chance to read about Wilma Rudolph, the little girl from Tennessee who went from being crippled from Polio to winning 3 Olympic gold medals. It is a story of how being determined means it wasn't easy to reach your goal. Sometimes there are obstacles in your way that you need to be determined to overcome. Ask you child what they thought about Wilma and how she never gave up.
All grades got the chance to read about Wilma Rudolph, the little girl from Tennessee who went from being crippled from Polio to winning 3 Olympic gold medals. It is a story of how being determined means it wasn't easy to reach your goal. Sometimes there are obstacles in your way that you need to be determined to overcome. Ask you child what they thought about Wilma and how she never gave up.
Setting Goals and Being Determined to Meet Them
All classes in the elementary school got to decide as a class what were some goals they were determined to accomplish this month. They took these goals and posted them to our Penguin where they would see it each day as they walked into school.
Below are some 4th grade girls doing an activity about Determination. Simply take an empty 2 liter, cut out the middle of a paper plate (to make a ring) and a popsicle stick. For the ring toss activity the students stood right next to the bottle and getting the ring around it was a breeze and they weren't to excited. After moving them farther and farther away the task got more difficult and when they finally got it they were excited! They realized the harder the goal the more exciting it is when you achieve it.
The popsicle drop was a more difficult game where students had to drop a stick into the bottle. The only rule was that it had to touch their nose before going in. After multiple tries students started to adapt and bend closer and closer to the bottle as that was not a rule. Students learned to adapt and have a strategy when trying to reach their goal.
Ask your child what goals they have for themselves and what is their plan to get there. Is it a short-term goal or a long-term goal? What will they do when they hit bumps in the road? You'd be surprised by how many love a challenge!
The popsicle drop was a more difficult game where students had to drop a stick into the bottle. The only rule was that it had to touch their nose before going in. After multiple tries students started to adapt and bend closer and closer to the bottle as that was not a rule. Students learned to adapt and have a strategy when trying to reach their goal.
Ask your child what goals they have for themselves and what is their plan to get there. Is it a short-term goal or a long-term goal? What will they do when they hit bumps in the road? You'd be surprised by how many love a challenge!
Character Trait for the Month of December
COMPASSION: Caring enough to do something about someone else's needs
Mrs. Rauwerdink/Miles 3rd grade classroom show what
Compassion 'looks like', 'sounds like', and 'feels like'
Check out 3rd and 4th grade students 'walking in someone else's shoes'
during a classroom guidance lesson. Students were put in another person's shoes and asked how they felt and how could compassion help
during a classroom guidance lesson. Students were put in another person's shoes and asked how they felt and how could compassion help
Check out the 2nd grades Compassion 'Grinch' where
they tell how they show others they care
Check out the Compassion posters that Ms. Schultz's
Kindergarten class and Mrs. DeRoehn's 3rd grade class teamed
up together to make and hang around the school as a reminder
to all how they can show compassion
Character Trait for the Month of November
Cooperation - Working together to do more than you could do alone
This month students are learning all about working together to get things done and knowing everyone's role, no matter the size, is important. As them about the hat activity we did in class!
Check out K-2's Cooperation Artwork. Each member of the class got 15 seconds to contribute to the drawing. They look awesome!!
This month students are learning all about working together to get things done and knowing everyone's role, no matter the size, is important. As them about the hat activity we did in class!
Check out K-2's Cooperation Artwork. Each member of the class got 15 seconds to contribute to the drawing. They look awesome!!
Character Trait for the Month of October
Individuality - Discovering who you're meant to be so you can make a difference
Character Trait for the Month of September
Respect - Showing others they are important with your words and your actions