In our second guidance lesson of the year, we used our imaginations to think about what school would be like without Pinebrook's "3 R's"....yikes!! We need to work together as a class and school community to be ready, respectful and responsible. We read the book, "What if Everybody Did That?" and each participated in a restorative circle to explore the cause and effect of our choices. We all agree we need the 3R's to keep Pinebrook a safe, happy, and fun place to learn!

At-Home Extension Questions:

1. What does it look like to be "responsible"?
2. What would happen if everybody left their trash on the cafeteria table? Who would be effected by this?
3. What would happen if everyone smiled at everyone they saw in our school building?

We kicked off bullying prevention month by learning about the difference between conflict and bullying. Bullying is when someone hurts our body or feelings on purpose AND they do it over and over again. We also reviewed how to respond to bullying with "stop-walk-talk" (see above)... unless of course someone is hurt or in danger, we skip straight to step #3, talk!

At-Home Extension Questions:

1. What is a conflict?
2. How is a conflict different than bullying?
3. What are the three steps to stop bullying at Pinebrook?

We concluded bullying prevention month by learning what to if you see someone else being bullied. A bystander sees bullying and doesn't know what to do. An *upstander* sees bullying and chooses any of the 4 upstanding options to help: Be a buddy, interrupt, speak out, or tell someone! We watched the NED Show's Upstander video, linked above.

At-Home Extension Questions:

1. What is the difference between an upstander and a bystander?
2. Why do you think it is often difficult to be an upstander?
3. Which upstander strategy will you choose if you see bullying?

In our first guidance lesson this month, we learned about diversity, or differences...which are a good thing! Differences make the world an exciting place to learn. Some differences we can see on the outside, and other differences we cannot see until we get to know someone. To emphasize this point, we read and discussed "Red: A Crayon's Story" in a class circle. It is important to be true to yourself and treat others who are different than you with kindness!

At-Home Extension Questions:

1. What are some differences you can tell about someone from the outside?
2. What differences can't you see?
3. What makes you special and unique?

MINDFULNESS

In this lesson we learned we all have a special superpower, the power to choose! We read a choose-your-own-adventure book, "What should Danny Do?". We read the book a few different times and made different choices along the way. We learned that even if things happen in our day that we don't like or seem unfair, it is ultimately up to us whether we have a good day (as long as we use our "power to choose" wisely). We completed a worksheet and reflected on a time we used our power to choose wisely, and a time we did not.

At-Home Extension Questions:

1. Who is in control of whether or not you have a good day?
2. Tell me about a time you did not use your power to choose wisely? What happened afterwards?
3. Tell me about a time you did use your power to choose wisely? What happened afterwards?
4. What are some ways you can remember to use this important superpower at home? At school?

We are now halfway through the year and it is a great time to reflect and review! We played a jeopardy review game to ensure we all remember key points from this year. Question topics included conflict vs. bullying, how to be an upstander, stop-walk-talk, the role of the school counselor, and how to ask for help.

At-Home Extension Questions:

1. How is bullying different than a conflict?
2. What are the three ways to stop bullying at Pinebrook?
3. Which upstander strategy are you most comfortable with and why? (choices are Interrupt, Be a Buddy, Speak Out, and Tell Someone)
4. Name one adult you can talk to about bullying at school.

In February we discussed the importance of kindness in our school community. We read "How Full is Your Bucket? For Kids" and learned what it means to have a kind, bucket-filling moment. We reflected on how it feels to fill someone's bucket. We created our own buckets and came up with 3 bucket-filling examples. During the month of February, students are encouraged to complete the 28-Day Kindness Challenge (due March 13th). Participants will feel amazing for completing their acts of kindness, but will also receive an official kindness certificate and a chance to appear on the morning announcements!

At-Home Extension Questions:

1. Is your bucket empty or full? How do you know?
2. What does it mean to have a full bucket? How do you feel when your bucket is full?
3. What happens to the bucket if someone says unkind words?
4. What are some ways you can fill others' buckets at home? At school?