Just a few notes to get you caught up on what's been happening on the elementary campus.

The kindergarten class has been part of my schedule since the beginning of school.  I so enjoy this group of students, and they love and absorb everything I present them.  I started the year with the series of Learning to Get Along books which focuses on helping children learn to behave responsibly and respectfully toward themselves and others.   The books are titled: Listen and Learn, Know and Follow Rules, Understand and Care, Share and Take Turns, Talk and Work it Out,  and When I Feel Afraid.

In the third grade, I am showing the six videos from the Six Pillars of Character.  The students are enjoying the Popcorn Park puppets, and having fun singing along with the videos while learning about how to solve problems.  The situations require them to sort our right from wrong, and the videos provide a fun way to engage the students in thinking, talking, and writing about the kinds of people they want to be.  The programs focus on trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.

The fifth grade will view  The Bully Proof Kit.  This character education program is designed to help students understand why some kids are bullies, how students can stand up for themselves and for their friends, and to understand that bullying is a learned behavior and can be changed.  Hopefully, they will develop a real sense of the damage bullying causes, and understand that it is not harmless fun.

I am available to work with your children on an individual basis when necessary.  Sometimes children need help to cope effectively with difficult changes that happen to them or their families.  If children understand their emotional challenges and can identify and express their feelings, they are better equipped to meet those challenges and overcome them.  Children need to talk about their feelings, and practice communication skills so that they will grow in confidence and feel loved and secure.

Thanks, Mrs. Gooding