Kindergarteners learned respect from a box of crayons that don't get along. We read "The Crayon Box that Talked" by Shane Derolf and discussed how when we work together and respect one another, even though we are all different, we make a beautiful picture!
In First grade we talked about "Do Onto Otters" how you would have "otters do unto you" by reading a book by the same title (by Laurie Keller). This book has a very witty way of teaching the golden rule and helping kids learn how to treat one another with respect, especially when meeting many new friends as they are doing at the beginning of the year.
In Second Grade we discussed how to be peaceful with one another at school by reading "Peace Week in Miss Fox's Class" by Eileen Spinelli. Students brainstormed ways to resolve a problem they may have a school by doing something helpful and peaceful, rather than fighting back.
Third Graders Stamped-Out put downs by reading "Snail Started It" by Katja Reider, a story about animals who don't take responsibility for their actions and in the end cause a lot of disruption. The animals have to one by one go back and make better the harm they caused. We learned that negative comments and choices cause a spiral of negative behavior so instead of being negative or putting other's down, students thought of kind comments and actions to do instead!
In Fourth Grade we read "Our Friendship Rules" by Peggy Moss and Dee Dee Tardif. Students discussed the importance of trust in friendship and relationships. Students thought about and created their own friendship rules and linked them all together to make a colorful classroom chain--a visual that teachers put up in their room to help remind kids of how they have commited to treating each other this year.
In Fifth grade students participated in a heart activity that helped them to think about how their words and actions can have a lasting effect. We also read "Mr. Peabody's Apples" by Madonna to discuss how rumors and our choice of words can ruin an individual's reputation for a lifetime. Students viewed the video I have as the first post of this blog, and we discussed how we have a choice to hurt others with our words and actions, or possibly do something that will change their life forever for the positive! Which choice will they make?
Sixth graders were visited this month by Kerri Gray with Lee's Summit Cares, who facilitated a lesson on internet bullying.
I found this video and couldn't resist posting it at the end of our respect month! I am sure I would be a favorite among most HPE girls if I could get this visitor to come and sing Aretha Franklin's R-E-S-P-E-C-T for our school! Enjoy!!!
Check back soon to see when I will be visiting your child's classroom in October by visiting the tab at the top of the blog entitled "Guidance Schedule." Thanks for stopping by!
