Kindergarten students will be working on learning all about feeling and emotions! We will practice being 'detectives' as we look for clues to identify how we feel and how others feel. Students will practice looking at facial expressions and body language, as well as how and what others are saying in order to identify emotions.
How can you help? Point out to your child when you are having different feelings. Say I feel sad because.....or I was frustrated when this happened. Pointing out that it's ok to have 'big' feelings, helps our children understand that nothing is 'wrong' for feeling this way. Also, by using positive coping skill such as deep breathing, taking a break, etc. we model appropriate reactions to big feelings. It is also important to recognize when we 'lose our cool' and perhaps even discuss that with our children. Acknowledging that we make mistakes reassures our children that mistakes are a learning experience.
1st Grade students will learn about how using 'whole body listening' helps you to be a more responsibie student. The components of whole body listening are: my eyes are on the speaker, my ears are listening, my mouth is quiet, my hands are to myself, my body is still, my brain is thinking about what is being said and my heart cares and shows respect. Students will hear the books Lacey Walker, Non-Stop Talker and Howard B Wigglebottom Learns to Listen. You can find them both online.
How Can You Help?
Model whole body listening when interacting with your child and others. Play a game - let your child be the 'teacher' while you're the student. Give your 'worst' example of being a non-listener and see if your child can correct you and remind you about how to be a whole body listener. Make it fun - kids LOVE to 'teach' us what we are doing wrong :)
2nd Grade will focus on responsibility and how it relates to choices and consequences. 2nd graders will also consider how their choices affect others.
How can you help?
Often we discuss consequences in a negative light - they are often seen as a punishment. Try to also point out positive consequences. For example, you did your chores as soon as you got home, so you get more play time. All choices/actions have consequences; however, consequences are not always negative.
3rd Grade students will learn about growth and fixed mindsets. Additionally, they will practice using a positive mindset and affirmations when feeling discouraged.
How can you help?
Be open with your child about times you have been discouraged about something and how you got through that situation. Call out negative self talk you may hear from your child and ask them to reframe what they are saying. Encourage your child to try new things and don't be afraid to let them fail! Often we want to 'soften the blow' for our children because we love them; however, failing is part of life - it grows us! Finally, be a family who believes in the power of yet. Instead of I can't do ____, reframe by simply saying I can't do _____ YET, but I'll work hard to meet that goal.
4th Grade students will focus on how time management relates to being more responsible. Students will understand that being 'masters of time' helps them with being less stressed and provides them with more time to engage in preferred activities. They will also learn that to-do lists, prioritizing tasks, paying attention to time and using positive self-talk are all key elements to time management.
How can you help?
Talk with your child about your workload - discuss how you know which tasks you need to complete right away and which tasks can wait. Praise your child when they follow the routines you have established and point out that when they follow the plan, they get more time for play!
5th Grade students will engage in goal setting and learning how having goals connects with responsibility. They will develop a learning goal, while also acknowledging obstacles they could face, as well as members of a support system that could help them as they work through the steps to achieve their goal.
How can you help?
Ask your students about the goal they set. Ask to see the plan we worked on together. Discuss goals you have for yourself and discuss the steps you have taken to achieve them.
