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Safer Schools’ Resources
We are aware that the invasion of Ukraine may contribute to a range of feelings and trauma for students, staff, and families. It is important to be mindful of how these events impact each of us and those around us. During these times, we are also reminded Safer Schools has prepared resources to provide tips for staff and parents/ caregivers to share for both elementary and secondary school children. You can find the resources here. Kindness is not a new topic in our learning spaces. We talk about being kind in one form or another every day. And Team Awesome knows that kindness isn't just for school; it is something we should do everywhere, with everyone, always. They know that hands can be used to hurt others but it is much more difficult for children to understand that words can be used as weapons and can cause damage which isn't visible like a bruise. We read Kevin Henkes’ book, Chrysanthemum, about a young mouse who loves her name until some of her classmates start to make fun of it. In the end she learns that her name is perfect. While reading the book aloud, the children took turns crumpling up a large paper heart each time a character in the book said something hurtful about Chrysanthemum’s name. After the book Team Awesome tried to smooth out the crinkled heart while saying something kind. Although the heart was less damaged, the wrinkles did not disappear. It was a very visual representation of the impact unkind words can have on others. We discussed the best way to smooth the wrinkles we have caused others is to continue to speak & act with kindness but that it takes time and effort. Before you speak, Think and be smart. It’s hard to fix A wrinkled heart!  ‘Of course I’ll hurt you. Of course you’ll hurt me. Of course we will hurt each other. But this is the very condition of existence. To become spring, means accepting the risk of winter. To become presence, means accepting the risk of absence.’ (The Little Prince)
As of last week we are 100 days smarter! And boy were we busy learning so we can be 200 days smarter. We made crowns, we played games and puzzles, we tried to write 100 words and we are working on adding 100 fish to a giant fishbowl. We did 100 seconds at stations in the gym and played with 100 Lego pieces. We read 'Miss Bindergarten Celebrates the 100th Day of Kindergarten' and some other books about 100 and made plenty of connections. It was a great 100th day of Kindergarten!
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