3rd Graders Appreciate their Differences!

Last 3rd grade lesson in Life Skills, we read "Where Oliver Fits" by Cale Atkinson.  In the story, Oliver, a puzzle piece, can't seem to find where he fits in a puzzle.  He tries making himself fit in and finds that it just doesn't seem to work.  Third graders discussed why it is important to be ourselves and what it would be like if our "true" self was a missing puzzle piece in our class!
Afterwards, each student colored a puzzle piece to represent themselves - and the results were quite beautiful!

Kindergarten Learns to Use the Buddy Bench!

Our Kindergarten class learned how to use our Buddy Bench last week in Life Skills! We even went out on our playground to practice using it!
We read "Peanut Butter and Cupcake" and talked about how Peanut Butter had a plan, tried asking at least one person to play, and then sat on a bench!  When Jelly finally arrived and asked him to play, he said "Yes!"
Students are all welcome to use our Buddy Bench when they are finding it difficult to join in a game with peers.  We have a rainbow Buddy Bench on our "upper playground" and also have a red Buddy Bench on our other playground (what we call the "Cinderlot")

Reviewing Our Tools!

Welcome Back!!  Our 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders have been reviewing the problem solving tools they have been taught since Kindergarten.  These tools help us solve "small" problems - those that kids can solve themselves.  We also acknowledge that there are problems that are "big" and require help from a grown up.  These might not necessarily be emergencies, but things an adult would be better suited to help us with (i.e. I forgot my lunch!).

Students created different scenarios, identified the size of the problem, and what tool they could use to help solve the problem.  We then compared small problems to rocks and big problems to bricks.  One very strong volunteer came to the front and as we shared our group's scenarios, we added a brick or a rock for them to hold.  It became quite heavy, as you can imagine!  We talked about how with all of these in our hands, we couldn't go run and play at recess, we couldn't do our homework, and we couldn't comfortably visit with friends.  By talking about the tools we could use, we took each brick or rock off, one by one.  

Students were encouraged to identify their problems this year as rock problems/small problems (ones you can solve yourself!) and brick problems/big problems (find an adult!!)

Groups!

Every year I start off running "New Student Groups" which is more of a casual group where we eat lunch together but gives me the chance to check in with new students to see how they're doing, answer any questions they might have, and ensure they are feeling supported here at Willow as they transition into our building. 
I also begin my "Family Change" groups right away in the fall.  Some parents reach out to me at different points in the year to inquire about such groups, which is helpful since I do not always know the family dynamics - that and families are changing all the time!  If your child lives between two homes (whether its recent or its been years) and you feel they would benefit from a group that offers support, conversation with peers, and a safe space to talk about how they manage in their two homes, please reach out and let me know so I can send an invite home.  My email is fliersj@hudsonraiders.org and my phone number is 715-377-3880 X2610
Groups later in the year revolve around social skills and study skills, which often takes some time to surface as they year gets off to a solid start.  We will also have our "Co-Facilitated Groups" which are run with a licensed therapist as well as myself. 
Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions as to how I can help support your child's emotional, social, and academic needs!