The second graders talked about the importance of using our social filters. We shared how our social filter is our brain reminding us to think before we speak. We think about how our words make others feel, we catch our mean or unhelpful words before we let them out of our mouth, and we either change our words, or we don't say it at all. They were able to practice catching their mean or unhelpful words and filter them out.
Third grade there were great discussions about conflict, what it is and whether it's good or bad. We discussed the levels of conflict, starting with disagreements, rude moments, mean moments, and bullying. Then we talked about how we could handle each stage and how to best solve our problem.
In fourth grade, we talked about the power of gossip and rumors and how hurtful they can be. We shared how if we did not hear or see it, not to believe it as well as if it does not involve us. We also talked about how if we hear something that's not our business, we should not talk about it. They partnered up to solve scenarios and decide their best response. I even had a little fun where I shared with them that one of the teachers was moving to another grade next year. After letting them believe it for a few seconds, I admitted that it was a rumor I made up. Most of the classroom agreed that they would have shared the news with the students in the other classrooms rather than ask the teacher themselves. It was fun to watch them realize the power of a rumor and why they should not share information that doesn't involve them.
