We have been having lots of fun during large group guidance lessons (and don't want to keep it all to ourselves!) so I thought I would share what's been going on during my time with your children. It's been a fast a furious fall and students in all grades (4K - 5) have taken more time to learn about their classmates and themselves. Since school started, we have been focusing on friendships - how we treat one another, what God's word says about getting along, and setting an example with our behavior and words. Students in all elementary grades had the opportunity to share special gifts and talents with their classmates through activities designed to promote self-respect. Four year olds and kindergartners shared through song, first-graders and second-graders shared through writing activities, and third graders through fifth graders were partnered with another classmate to interview him/her and learn what makes him/her unique. Games, such as "People Bingo", and books, such as Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes, provided fun and interesting ways for students to learn more about their classmates and themselves.
As we make our way through the second nine weeks, we are shifting focus a bit. In most classrooms we are wrapping up the topic of friendship and beginning to focus on study skills. Four year olds and kindergartners are working hard on becoming better listeners. Books, such as Henry B. Wigglebottom Learns to Listen by Howard Binkow, and puppets help teach young ones to become better listeners. In the next few weeks, first and second graders will begin working on listening and listening for directions (that are only given once!). Third graders will soon begin to work on listening as well and they will have the opportunity to rate themselves as listeners and establish personal listening goals. Fourth graders will be focusing on responsibility - using their time wisely and learning how to study. Fifth graders are learning more about their personal learning style - what it means, why it is important, and how to study according to your learning style. I hope the skills we are covering during large group class sessions will translate to success in the classroom - both academically and socially!
