2nd grade Listens to their Mindset!

Prior to beginning our big unit on Growth Mindset this year, I used the "Paper Challenge" to get a sense for what our "mindset" is in 2nd grade. I constructed several "paper sculptures" (with the help of YouTube!) and set them around the room, asking students to replicate them WITHOUT being able to touch them.  All they were given was cardstock and scissors.

While students were attempting to reconstruct this themselves, I wrote down the things I was hearing them say.  "This is impossible!" with "But if Mrs. Flier did it, it has to be possible!" as a retort.  "This is too hard!' "Can I try again?" and "I don't get it" were among the common responses.  Afterwards, we talked about what our response is to having challenges and what that means for a "Growth Mindset" vs. "Fixed Mindset".  Students also took a "pre-survey" to reflect on how they currently handle challenges.
Many kids said they wanted to challenge their parents, so see if you can figure out the trick! :)

Mix It Up Day!

On October 22nd, we celebrated "National Mix It Up Day" with millions of other kids around the globe!  Each student received a DumDum sucker prior to sitting down at lunch.  Each table had a sign with a flavor on it, so students found the table that matched the flavor they were given.  The idea was to have kids sitting with other peers they might not otherwise sit by.  There were conversation starter questions on each table and it was fun to hear the chatter between new friends!
For more information on Mix It Up Day, visit Teaching Tolerance

3rd Graders and Specific Goals!

Third grade will be focusing on creating SMART goals for the next several lessons in life skills.  We are breaking down what SMART stands for (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely) and starting with "Specific".  Students learned what it means to have a "specific" goal and demonstrated their learning by sorting examples of goals into "specific" or "not specific" categories and discussing why.  Students then began to write about what specifically they would like to improve in this school year!  Find the curriculum on Teachers Pay Teachers here!

1st Graders Review How to be an UPStander!

First graders read "Super Manny Stands Up" by Kelli DiPucchio to review the importance of being an UPStander.  We also watched the NED Show about UPStanders to remind students they can 1) Be a Buddy, 2) Interrupt, 3) Speak Out or 4) Tell Someone when they see mean or bullying behavior occurring. 
In Super Manny Stands Up, our little superhero (who turns out to be a very brave UPStander!) wears superhero capes to feel brave so our students each drew what their "UPStander" cape would look like!

2nd Graders Learn to Use the Peace Path

Second graders are learning how to use the Peace Path in Life Skills class this week and next!  While we have a Peace Path painted on our playground outside, we also have large yoga mats with the Peace Path printed on them that kids can use when they're inside.  The Peace Path helps students talk through conflicts they might be having - whether it is a communication breakdown between two friends, classmates who are having trouble working on a project together, or someone having hurt feelings because of the actions of another. 
The main key to the path is using "I" statements and sharing how you feel instead of starting with "You".  I share my example of telling Mr. Flier "You never do the dishes!!" vs. "I feel frustrated when the dishes aren't done and I'd like you to help me" 😀 . They laugh of course, but it is a "real life" example of where I could use my own advice and use the Peace Path language instead!
Students made up their own scenarios and did a fantastic job going through the Peace Path!