We have been discussing a lot about what it means to be a classroom family. We spent a great deal of time together and it is so important that we learn how to maintain positive friendships throughout the day.
(I used a new tablet and wrote a much longer blog on Wednesday, but for some reason only the above two sentences were published. I am, therefore, updating this blog about kindness and cooperation. Merci !)
We have been playing and engaging in many cooperative activities both inside and outside of the classroom, as well as learning what it means to be an attentive listener (eyes on the speaker, ears listening to the speaker, and calm bodies). We have also been learning that when someone says, "Bonjour !", we are to acknowledge that person with a smile and "Bonjour !" in return. We have been practicing this with a song and morning greetings.
S'il vous plaît (please), merci (thank you), and your de rien (your welcome) are other important words that we have been reinforcing. When children learn to use these social niceties and understand that our words carry great meaning through practice and understanding, they begin to realize that when we speak kindly to others, others are more apt to listen and speak kindly in return.
Sometimes the children forget the importance of using nice words and speaking in a calm voice when they are interacting with one another. We are really a school family and like most families sometimes we need to regroup and remind our family members to treat one another with respect and kindness. For the most part, we are a great school family and we are quite proud of our students!
In order to reinforce respect, kindness, and cooperation, we have been playing many games, engaging in cooperative activities, reading social books, and discussing certain scenarios and how best to react. Another cooperative activity that we would like to do is create a community soup. The children are always so excited to bring in a food item and share it by adding it to the pot. Alone an ingredient is very plain; however, with the addition of each child's ingredient, a lovely soup it created for everyone to enjoy! Please send in one vegetable, a package of noodles, beans, or broth so we may create a delicious community soup. Merci !!!!!
Have a wonderful evening!