Journal Reflection
My first grade students really enjoyed the lesson. I asked students what they liked best about the session and why. Students commented on the egg activity and the video. Students said the lesson helped them learn about foods they thought were good but turned out to have sugar. Students also learned the proper way to brush their teeth. Furthermore, we discussed visiting the dentist as a good way to maintain healthy teeth. Several students admitted to not going to the dentist. This lesson showed the students the importance of visiting the dentist two times a year to prevent cavities. After our lesson, I know they will go home and discuss the importance of maintaining healthy teeth. Students were alarmed to see the egg after it had been soaking in soda. Students were able to brush the egg with toothpaste and toothbrushes and were able to see the benefits of brushing. Many of the students said they would brush their teeth from now on after drinking soda. At the end of the lesson, the flip books reflected what the students had learned. Students drew pictures of brushing their teeth, flossing, visiting the dentist, and choosing healthy foods. I am pleased the students were able to learn the importance of maintaining healthy teeth. I truly believe this lesson was effective and changed some habits of my students for the better. Journal Reflection
Bullying and Violence Prevention Bullying and violence have become prevalent issues all across our Nation. One can not turn on the television without hearing about some incident of bullying or act of violence against young people. These adolescents and young adults should have the right to feel safe and protected especially at their own school. Of course many of us can recall a time when we have been bullied. But times have changed. Bullying is more serious and has spread out into the computer age. Bullying affects many lives. As a result of these changing times, schools must put policy into place against such malicious behavior. My school has a strict policy against harassment, bullying, and hazing. The policy is written by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and adopted by our school. The policy stresses St. Ignatius of Loyola’s commitment to providing a safe and comfortable learning environment free from harassment, bullying, or hazing in any form. It states the school will take any allegations very seriously and review matters promptly. Investigations will be conducted confidentially and thoroughly. This policy is communicated to all staff and faculty so that any issues that arise are handled properly. All teachers and staff are to clearly outline policy to all students adjusting to grade level. Confirmed acts of harassment, bullying, or hazing by a student will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal of the student. The policy also covers the scenario of a student being falsely accused of committing harassment, bullying, or hazing. The school takes a firm stance in promoting a safe learning environment for all students. The policy includes definitions and examples of harassment, bullying, and hazing. It outlines the responsibilities of the school and of the student. Examples of school responsibilities include: establishing policies, providing staff training and development addressing violence, and to remain watchful for conditions that create or may lead to a hostile school environment. Responsibilities of the student include: conducting themselves with a manner that contributes to a positive school environment, avoiding activities that may be considered discriminatory, intimidating, harassing, bullying, or hazing, and to report all incidents to the Principal or teacher. Working together, is an important advantage in combating the problem of school violence. I teach first grade at St. Ignatius of Loyola School. I have a wonderful class of sweet six and seven year olds. However, I have seen the beginnings of bullying in my own classroom. This is why it is so important to make students aware of violence prevention in school at an early age. Students of all ages should be taught to know what bullying is, how to stop bullying, the effects of bullying, what to do if you are bullied, and how to cope. Supplying our youth with this information will help to provide this safe haven we all wish for. My lesson about bullying was very effective for many reasons. The lesson reintroduced terms such as bullying and teasing to the students’ vocabulary. Students are aware of what a bully is. Students were quick to point out that bullying is not kind. Because I teach in a Catholic school, children often relate treating others just like Jesus would want. They know bullying goes against what Jesus teaches. My students enjoyed the chance to discuss ways to handle a bully. They enjoyed the story because it was a level they could understand and relate to. Students know that such behavior is unkind. Teaching students to recognize bullying is the key to prevention in the future. Teaching students to be effective communicators is important. I coach students to have a voice and teach them to tell someone if you are being bullied. My students will have a brighter future if they can learn to treat others with respect. After the lesson, I heard a group of students talking about bullying and using the term. It made me feel that the lesson was successful because they were able to take something from the lesson that may protect them in the long run. My students know that bullying will not be tolerated in my class. Schools must adhere to their policies of bullying and harassment. Our schools must provide that safety for all children. In our world today, students must deal with violence at school. As educators, it is our job to provide our students with a safe and peaceful learning environment. Providing learning experiences for our young students is important in promoting a nonviolent school setting for the future. Knowledge is power and giving students the power to make a change for the better, affects everyone’s future positively. In order to ensure a peaceful outlook, we must continue to provide teachable moments and lessons that include strategies to arm our students with the knowledge to make a difference.
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