The Bee Well Buzz

Mrs. Vassallo continued to provide SEL instruction this fall in the elementary grades with a focus on growth mindset and navigating friendships.

The classes utilized books, videos, and games to explore the topic of the 'Power of Yet.' The students engaged in activities and discussions about what happens when they are faced with challenges, when they make mistakes and the importance and magic of forging ahead until they "get it." They learned about the power of the self talk that occurs in their mind and how to change negative self talk to positive self talk to obtain the "mindset of a champion." We discussed independent work skills and trying to figure out answers to our questions by revisiting directions, observing others in the classroom, asking a friend all before asking a teacher!

We began a friendship unit where we used books, activities, and videos to explore what happens when we use mean words. Sorry is helpful and encouraged, but it doesn't erase the damage that has been done. We spoke about those who may feel left out and what we can do to include those peers along with tips on what to do if you are the one who feels left out. We discussed what makes a friend, what to look for in a friend, and what we must offer when being a friend. We even visited what to do when we might have an enemy in a fun book, Enemy Pie. We then listed ingredients to make a Friendship Pie!

To start off the school year, students were challenged to start the year off on the right foot with a positive mindset! Students participated in a classroom activity that centered around the power of positive thinking with the book Positive Ninja by Mary Nhin. After reading the story, students were asked to complete a worksheet where they identified a negative thought that they've had in the past. Students were asked to draw or write the negative thought in the balloon to let it go, just as the positive ninja learned to do. From there, students built on a positive thought with an "I can..." statement that they added in the box on the worksheet to change their negative thought into a more positive one.

Try overcoming the "I can't" monster with positive thinking!

The New Jersey Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act requires that the week beginning with the first Monday in October of each year be designated as the Week of Respect in New Jersey. In recognition of the importance of social and emotional learning and wellness education, school districts are required to observe the week by providing age-appropriate instruction and activities focusing on preventing harassment, intimidation, and bullying. The purpose of the Week of Respect is to teach students how to respect others, our school, our community, and ourselves, Students participated in wearing themed clothing during respect week to highlight how to demonstrate respect for themselves and others. We also encourage you to have discussions with your children at home in regards to the importance of demonstrating respect and being kind.

Answering this question may not be easy for everyone. Respect seems like such a foundational concept, but it may be challenging for us, as adults, to define as we try to address our young learners.

Respect is an act of giving attention or showing care to oneself or others. Showing respect is when you care how your actions impact another person. Treating someone with respect means that you interact with them in a way that shows you care about how they feel. When you respect someone, you treat them kindly and use good manners. These sentiments should exist at the very core of every person on the planet.

Respect is so important because, without it, children can't value themselves or others. Children who don't respect themselves are more likely to make poor decisions. Children who lack self-respect simply don't care about themselves or anyone else. Positive self-talk and confidence building activities can help to increase a child's sense of self respect.

For children, respect towards others is a learned behavior that can only be internalized by watching those around them. It is important to model respectful behavior.

Students took part in civic exercises during the month of November and honored veterans from school families, as well as community members. Students learned about the United States military and brainstormed words that they could connect to the service of a veteran. From there, all students wrote a letter of gratitude to the veterans who visited our school.

On November 17th, we had roughly twenty veterans or current military service personnel enter our school with a warm welcome from third grade greeters. The service members had breakfast, provided by the PTO, and then walked the halls to view the letters written by our students. At a school wide assembly that day, students were able to hear about the personal experience of each veteran and learn about the veterans service to the US military. In performing arts classes, students learned songs tied to thanking our veterans and patriotic pride. These songs were presented at the school wide assembly.

Students followed along with a read aloud of the book Why? by Adam Rex. Throughout the story, an “evil genius” is prompted by a little girl to reflect on his thinking and actions with simply the word ‘why’. As the story unfolds, Doctor X-Ray is able to reflect on his own decisions and see a new perspective of himself. He comes to understand that everyone is battling something and everyone wants to win, but sometimes the outcome does not always have to be what we had planned if we consider the feelings of others. Walking in someone else's shoes is a great way for our young students to think of the word empathy. We encourage you to engage your children in thinking about how our actions may affect others, both in positive and negative ways.

If you and your family are looking to have some fun over the winter break and make some memories, take a peek at the BIG WINTER BUCKET LIST! There are some wonderful ideas to try and check off all winter long!

Email: ediomede@allendalek8.com
Website: https://www.allendalek8.com/domain/205
Location: 89 Hillside Avenue, Allendale, NJ, USA
Phone: (201) 327-2020
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Twitter: @HillsideSchool3