Oh the joy that spreads through our room (and school for that matter!) when we have a three day week! We spent yesterday working very hard to get ready for the long weekend. We practiced many of our routines again and had many talks about how to use self control throughout the day. Today we started our day by making a list of everything we were going to do to make the day the (in the words of Connor) "the absolute best day ever!" Here is what we came up with: Use cooperation and assertion, listen, follow directions, walk, help each other, and do our job. I am happy to report we were successful in all areas! You should have seen how hard each student worked! At the end of the day we decided that we earned the privilege of Free Choice! [ Insert "You're the best teacher ever!" comment here, haha! ] The reality that Free Choice is no longer an everyday activity like it was in kindergarten has been a drastic adjustment to get used to in first grade, so it was so fun to have the time today to let our kids simply play together. Not only is Free Choice a great way for our kids to relax and enjoy each other, but it teaches and reinforces our C.A.R.E.S values: cooperation, assertion, responsibility, empathy, and self control. There are always lessons that rise from this time.
We learned how to use another tool today! The Peace Rug is an incredibly powerful tool that teaches our kiddos how to be assertive and problem solve independently and peacefully. There are five steps in the peace rug process:
H- Have a place to go (the peace rug)
E- Explain the problem using "I" statements
L- Listen to each other
P- Plan how to fix the problem
S- Shake hands, high five, or hug
We spent almost an hour of our day role modeling this process incorporating a variety of different situations. This process is simple enough for all students to understand and execute and is very effective. It is empowering to the students and teaches them that standing up for yourself or solving problems does not have to be violent, angry, or loud. It is such a humbling experience to see kids using this together and being completely successful at it. I'm hoping to record students using the Peace Rug so that everyone can see it! We will continue to practice everyday until it becomes our second nature.
Reluctantly, we wrapped up our study of owls. The students were disappointed that we weren't going to continue learning about them but we have to make way for... bats! We will start learning about bats next week! Autumn is my absolute favorite time, we learn about such fascinating creatures!
Books We Read Today:
Pigs Can't Fly - Ben Cort
The Cat in the Hat Comes Back - Dr. Seuss
Interesting Tidbits From Our Day
"Would you like to play with us?" ("Yes!) "Well there is already four students at legos, but let's ask Ms. Carlberg if you can join us anyway so you won't feel left out." (WOOOT! See what I mean about the wonderful lessons that come out of Free Choice!?"
"I'm going to miss everyone so much this weekend. I wish we didn't have to go."
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