October Lessons

3rd grade ~ Conflict Resolution

In October we will be continuing to learn about solving conflicts.  We will review the concept of big problems and small problems.  Students will review how to handle big problems vs. small problems.  In our second lesson we will be reviewing the 1st 3 solutions on Kelso's Choice Wheel.

1. Go to another game or activity.
2. Share and take turns.
3. Respectfully talk it over and listen to each other.

The 1st choice is to go to another game.  We talk about how students like to play the same game at recess or in their neighborhood.  We also talk about the conflicts that often occur during the game i.e. cheating, changing the rules, arguing over who goes first, etc.  An important thing about recess is that it is to have fun and relax.  If a game isn't fun because there are many small problems then you can make the choice to go to another game.  We also talk about the appropriate way to go to another game.  Do not yell or stomp off, that will only make the conflict bigger!

The 2nd choice is to share and take turns.  We talk about why it is important to share and take turns.  Students come up with a list of items they need to share in the classroom.  We talk about being fair and kind. Students who do not share or take turns can make other students annoyed, frustrated or upset.  We also talk about the many different ways to share or take turns.  I often use the example of two kids wanting to watch different TV shows at the same time.  What could they do?  

The 3rd choice is to talk it out.  Students learn that when you have a conflict you can talk to the person about the conflict.  There are few important things to remember when "talking it out".   

1. This choice ONLY will work if the two are willing to listen to each other. Each person needs to explain their side while the other listens.  They need to listen to each others feelings.

2. The best way to talk it out is to use an I message to explain how you feel.  We talk about why it is better to say I feel..... instead of You did....

I-message example:

A student's feelings are hurt when a friend jokingly calls him dog breath.  

The student says, "I felt upset when you called me dog breath, please stop." 

instead of saying: You're mean. I'm not your friend anymore. or calling a name back

3. An I message is even more powerful if the you have good body language and tone of voice.  We talk about how to say your I message.  We shouldn't say it in a whiny or mean voice. We should look the person in the eye and say it in our normal voice.  Our body should be straight and not leaned over or hunched over.

Next month students will learn a few more choices from Kelso's wheel.

4th grade ~ Efficacy

Students in 4th grade will be learning about Efficacy.  Efficacy is the concept that students are not "born" smart but can get smart if you know the secret.  We teach the three steps to getting better, stronger and smarter at anything you do.

1. Your thoughts effect your actions.  We talk about how you think influences how you act.  If you think you can't do something then you will act like you can't.  If you think you can do something  you will try hard and find a way to succeed.  We also discuss that if you stop trying you can even get worse in that area because you are not thinking positively or working hard to improve.

2.Work Hard.  Once you think you can do something you may need to work hard to get smarter. Not everything is easy for everyone.  If something is hard you need to find ways to work hard.  Students list ways of working hard that will help them to get better, stronger and smarter.

Ways to work hard:
Focus
Listen
Study
Ask Questions
Do Homework
Find a quiet place to work
Keep and review your corrected work
Stick with it
Get help
Do extra schoolwork
Find a different way to do it

3. Get Smart. When you think positively and work hard, you will start to feel smarter.  You will feel more confident about yourself.  

The three words in the efficacy triangle are a cycle.  If you put in effort, you will develop your skills. If you develop  your skills you will feel confident.  If you feel confident in yourself you will put in more effort. Efficacy helps students to understand that being smart is not an IQ score or some have it and some don't.  Being smart is something you can work on and improve!

5th grade ~ Peer pressure

 In 5th grade we will begin a unit on peer pressure.  Students will learn what peer pressure is, the different types and how to handle it.  

In our first lesson, we will be watching a short clip from the infinite learning lab.  Garfield and friends show peer pressure happening and explain what it is.  Students will watch the clip together and then discuss the three steps to handling pressure.  

1. Stop

2. Think

3. Act Responsibly

We will also test our knowledge in a group game where students match one of the three steps to a peer pressure situation.  Next month we will discuss the different types of peer pressure.