Classroom Guidance Lessons
December 11- 13 2017
Kindergarten and 1st grade learned about the concept of self- esteem. We read the book I'm Gonna Like Me: Letting Off A Little Self- Esteem by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell. The book teaches children to embrace all the wonderful qualities they have. The book shows that even when we make mistakes we are important to our class and school. The students completed an activity which highlighted how each and every student is a wonderful gift. The student made a Christmas tree that showed just how awesome they are! Every student expressed different things they like about themselves. It was a great to every student participate and reflect on their own self- esteem.
Fall 2017
3rd, 4th & 5th grade completed a guidance lesson on understanding and respecting differences. The students participated in getting to know each other better. All the students were paired up and given a special task. Each student interviewed a fellow classmate and learned about things they have in common and the wonderful things that make each student unique. Students were able to practice communicating, listening, and teamwork skills in the classroom. Each team made a brief presentation to the class about what they learned about their classmates. The students were able to learn more about each other. They also learned about the importance of working together to finish a task.
6th and 7th grade started their Second Step lessons. Students are learning how to communicate better, disagree respectfully and find solutions to everyday problems. Students also work in groups and present skits to the class. The Second Step guidance lessons will continue throughout the school year.
April 29-May 8, 2015
6th grade will complete an Affirmations activity for their final Living Skills lesson. In this lesson, the students are encouraged to pass and fill in papers with positive words and statements toward their classmates. The intent behind this lesson is to get 6th graders thinking about all of their positive experiences they have had with one another throughout this school year. Now is a time when tensions are heightened, and they are ready to move on to 7th grade! However, by completing Affirmations for their peers, students are able to reflect upon many aspects for which they are grateful.
April 24, 2015
7th & 8th gradersreflected on their school year in our last Living Skills lesson. They were reminded of our lesson in August when I read to them advice from our former VOL 8th graders. This advice contained tips, suggestions, and insight for the 7th and 8th graders on how to make the most of their last year in middle school. After hearing the advice once more, the students were encouraged to leave behind their own advice to next year's graduating class. This is an enjoyable and most importantly worthwhile tradition that has been started at VOL.
After writing their advice, the 7th and 8th graders removed their "Footprints" from our collage in the hallway. They were eager to go find their footprint and were asked to reflect if they believe they have achieved their proposed legacy. Most students were quite pleased with the goals and progress they achieved throughout this school year. The 7th & 8th graders are feeling "sad" to leave VOL and "excited" to begin their high school journeys. I wish them many blessings and much success.
April 13-14, 2015
During 1st grade Living Skills, we learned that love looks beyond superficial differences. The students first heard the bibliotherapy book, What If the Zebras Lost Their Stripes? This is a simplistic tale that teaches about overcoming differences and achieving harmony.
The children also had an art activity in which they were encouraged to fill in their very own zebra with words and drawings that make them unique. The kids loved sharing and discussing their zebras in a large group discussion. Please ask your child about our Living Skills lesson!
March 23-27, 2015
2nd graders received another Living Skills lesson this week. It was based upon the bibliotherapy book, The Recess Queen. This book is a fresh and original twist on the common issue of bullying. Students will be able to relate, and parents & teachers will appreciate the story's clever handling of conflict resolution (which happens without adult intervention).
To practice and solidify these objectives, the 2nd graders then participated in group role plays. The role plays included a variety of scenarios that can commonly occur with friendships and peer relations. Overall, the children were able to receive this lesson's message of being respectful to others and being kind to our neighbors.
