tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58130635101962504112024-03-15T18:09:41.048-07:00Ms. Sepp's Counselor Corner"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose."
Dr. SeussJaclyn Sepphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557385283471293609noreply@blogger.comBlogger349125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813063510196250411.post-29438214887745151032016-02-05T18:20:00.000-08:002016-07-31T18:21:24.884-07:00<div style="color: black; line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Dear <span class="highlight" id="0.2924005253699784" name="searchHitInReadingPane">Roadrunner</span> Families,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
It is with mixed emotions that I am writing you all to share an upcoming
change in my life. You may have already heard from your children, but
it is important to me that I reach out to you as well to share that I
will not be returning next school year. As you can imagine, it has been a
very emotional process for me in making this decision, but in the end, I
feel that this is the right choice in order for me to grow in my
professional career. It has always been my dream to open a private
therapy practice to help children and their families during difficult
times. Last year I opened doors to <a href="http://www.ensembletherapy.com/">Ensemble Therapy</a>, and it has been
quickly growing ever since. In the fall I also began teaching in the
Social Work department at the University of Texas at Austin, spreading
my knowledge of how to work therapeutically with children. In order to
dedicate the time and attention these new endeavors require, I have made
the difficult decision to make this my final year at Lee.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
I want to thank each and every one of you for all of your support, and
for entrusting me with your children for the past four years. I am
honored and feel so fortunate to have been given the opportunity to be
part of the Lee Community. I have so many wonderful memories of my time
at Lee and I am very sad to say goodbye. During my four years here, I
have fostered relationships with many of you and I will cherish the
memories and friendships I’ve made during my time. Lee Elementary has
been a very special place for me and I will miss everyone.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Know that my dedication to my position as your school counselor will
continue as we transition to a new counselor throughout the summer.
Although it’s hard to say goodbye to you, the hardest part of leaving is
saying goodbye to the children. I have grown so attached to them over
the years. I have loved watching them grow up into amazing young
individuals. Please give them a hug for me and let them know how they
have touched my heart and life. I treasure my memories of them all.
Please stay in touch and I look forward to hearing about your child’s
future successes.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Please accept my sincere thanks and appreciation as I enter into a new learning experience of my own.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Love,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Ms. Sepp(y)</span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">P.S. I encourage you to keep in touch at jaclyn@ensembletherapy.com </span></span></span></div>
Jaclyn Sepphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557385283471293609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813063510196250411.post-24111209526415842792015-09-01T07:50:00.000-07:002016-01-07T07:52:03.204-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7yFztkd7T_c/Vo6Jh8ZNRVI/AAAAAAAAGWM/XxZlrUb7aZI/s1600/twitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7yFztkd7T_c/Vo6Jh8ZNRVI/AAAAAAAAGWM/XxZlrUb7aZI/s320/twitter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This year I will be sharing my lessons via twitter! Please follow @RRCounselor on twitter or check out the box to the left of this post to catch up on what our roadrunners have been learning.</span></span></div>
Jaclyn Sepphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557385283471293609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813063510196250411.post-14156294005128503152015-08-31T08:58:00.001-07:002015-08-31T08:58:20.224-07:00What does a School Counselor do<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I really enjoyed this chart because it clearly explains the roles of a school counselor at your school. A huge thank you to <a href="https://theschoolcounselorkind.wordpress.com/2015/08/29/beginning-of-year-office-photos-info/">The School Counselor Kind</a> for putting this together!</span></span><br />
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<br />Jaclyn Sepphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557385283471293609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813063510196250411.post-85648587416875965582015-08-22T13:19:00.001-07:002015-08-28T18:18:31.201-07:00Welcome Back Roadrunners!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VCPHDg03sM8/VdjZ1G68HmI/AAAAAAAAGUs/WRjUN-JCICc/s1600/IMG_0257%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VCPHDg03sM8/VdjZ1G68HmI/AAAAAAAAGUs/WRjUN-JCICc/s320/IMG_0257%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I hope you
all have had an exciting summer!
I am thrilled to continue working with your kiddos here at Lee
Elementary as their school counselor. It
has been so nice to see so many familiar faces and meet many new ones at Friday's "Meet & Greet."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I will be
doing lessons the first few weeks of school on getting to know the counselor,
breaking the ice activities, the word “confidentiality” and also share with
students the ways that they can notify me that they would like to visit. It’s important to discuss with students
things they may want to come talk to me about.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I work with
every student individually, in small groups and in their classroom throughout
the year. As part of my effort to maintain
consistent and clear lines of communication with parents, I will inform you if
your child is repeatedly requesting to see me.
The goal is to meet with your child regularly at first and then slowly
decrease services to an “as needed” basis or give you referral options. My goal is to help your child be successful
both academically and socially through scheduled counseling opportunities so
please feel free to contact me with any background information you’d like to
provide.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t
hesitate to contact me at <b>jsepp@austinisd.org</b>
or <b>(512) 414-1782</b>. I also have a
website, <b>http://mssepp.blogspot.com</b> with
very helpful information about classroom lessons, learning about myself,
counseling services, counseling calendar, frequently asked questions, helpful
tips & useful links, online safety, No Place for Hate, SEL program, college
& career info, state testing and Austin ISD’s mission statement. Also, you can follow me on twitter <b>@RRCounselor</b>. I am happy to work with you to make your
child’s time at Lee successful! </span></span></div>
Jaclyn Sepphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557385283471293609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813063510196250411.post-2660067138179735072015-05-26T08:06:00.000-07:002015-05-27T08:50:51.396-07:00Mindfulness<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In kindergarten our last lesson of the year was on mindfulness. I started by asking students if they know what mindfulness means. Many students hit it spot on! Mindfulness is all about being aware of your self and your emotions, being present. When students are feeling big emotions, it's important for them to recognize what is happening in their body in order to take control. I found this great, kid-friendly video that helps students recognize what happens to their body and uses a smart analogy of a bottle of sparkles being shaken up inside their brains.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RVA2N6tX2cg" width="560"></iframe></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">After the video we discussed how their bodies feel when they are having a big emotion and what tips the video told us on how to regain control. Then we practiced these strategies using two great videos on <a href="https://www.gonoodle.com/">GoNoodle</a>. Both "Flow" and "Safe & Calm" guides students through the relaxation process. Students enjoyed getting to lay down and close their eyes on the carpet!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Parents! You can create a free, all access account on GoNoodle to do at home over the summer! Check out the following information:</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KrFcEXQwbpY/VWXnyLnQZUI/AAAAAAAAGTw/m4TkCn2hNrc/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-05-27%2Bat%2B10.49.06%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KrFcEXQwbpY/VWXnyLnQZUI/AAAAAAAAGTw/m4TkCn2hNrc/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-05-27%2Bat%2B10.49.06%2BAM.png" width="625" /></a></div>
Jaclyn Sepphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557385283471293609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813063510196250411.post-54427449417699542392015-05-12T08:13:00.003-07:002015-05-21T09:02:25.705-07:00Career Videos<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">During the month of May we are focusing on careers. I thought it would be a fun idea to have parents share their careers, but organizing schedules for speakers would disrupt our normal classroom routines and sounded a little overwhelming. Then a <span style="color: orange;">lightbulb</span> inside me went off! What if I used our emphasis on technology to help share our parent's careers???</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I created a private youtube channel and invited parents to upload short 2-3 minute videos using the criteria below. Then I had students log in and peruse the videos, increasing both engagement and differentiation for their unique interests. I sent home the following letter to parents to enlist their help:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Since not all careers are represented, I supplemented with additional careers using Kidsgov's <a href="http://www.teachertube.com/user/profile/Kidsgov">TeacherTube channel</a>. Here you can watch additional kid friendly videos on a variety of careers.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Animal Keeper:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.teachertube.com/embed/video/321363" width="560"></iframe></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Marine Pilot:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.teachertube.com/embed/video/345020" width="560"></iframe></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Marine Biologist:</span></span><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.teachertube.com/embed/video/340291" width="560"></iframe>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Army Dentist:</span></span><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.teachertube.com/embed/video/282476" width="560"></iframe>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Archeologist:</span></span><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.teachertube.com/embed/video/263578" width="560"></iframe>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Biologist & Chemist:</span></span>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.teachertube.com/embed/video/270996" width="560">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">White House Chef:</span></span><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.teachertube.com/embed/video/243665" width="560"></iframe>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Architect:</span></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.teachertube.com/embed/video/241936" width="560"></iframe>Jaclyn Sepphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557385283471293609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813063510196250411.post-83278768415753844102015-05-08T09:06:00.000-07:002015-05-21T09:11:27.731-07:00Careers Taboo<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In third grade we played Careers Taboo (you can download the cards <a href="http://wp.sebeka.k12.mn.us/rclose/files/2007/11/Careers-Taboo.doc">here</a>) to introduce the topic of careers! I split the class into 2 teams and had them sit in a line. The student at the front of the line would draw a card and try to describe the career on the card without saying any of the "hush" words. Their team had 30 seconds to guess the name of the career. While they were describing the career, the student at the front of the line on the opposing team would look over their should to make sure they weren't saying any of the off-limit words. Teams were awarded points by guessing correctly in the time limit. If a team was not able to guess the career, the other team had an opportunity to steal.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Each team took turns describing and guessing.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> We had a great time and there were lots of laughs to the difficulty of not saying the hush words! </span></span><br />
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<br />Jaclyn Sepphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557385283471293609noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813063510196250411.post-79785796323629098522015-05-07T06:44:00.000-07:002015-05-11T06:45:25.422-07:00Career Bingo<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To continue our emphasis on careers, we played bingo in kindergarten! I began by going over a variety of careers that would appear on their bingo boards. We discussed the title of the job, responsibilities and their interest level with each using these posters:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LQ-HHiFz3MU/VVCwp8CUg8I/AAAAAAAAGLI/IIIYGtDksU4/s1600/IMG_0336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LQ-HHiFz3MU/VVCwp8CUg8I/AAAAAAAAGLI/IIIYGtDksU4/s320/IMG_0336.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2c3rNo5P-_I/VVCwpyS2x-I/AAAAAAAAGLE/rTKxV1q6pSQ/s1600/IMG_0337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2c3rNo5P-_I/VVCwpyS2x-I/AAAAAAAAGLE/rTKxV1q6pSQ/s320/IMG_0337.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Then I introduced how to play bingo and we were off! I read aloud descriptions of different careers and they searched their bingo board for the accurate match. I created the boards using pictures from the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Career-Day-Activity-Packet-240377">Career Day Activity Packet</a>.</span></span><br />
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<br />Jaclyn Sepphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557385283471293609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813063510196250411.post-8473482574595135252015-05-06T06:47:00.000-07:002015-05-11T06:56:18.375-07:00Exploring Colleges: Monsters University<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">During the month of May our focus is on our future. In 4th grade we began discussing colleges as a way to further our education and open more doorways to careers. Using our downstairs bulletin board as a springboard, we discussed the importance of selecting a college that matches our interests. Real college websites are a great resource, but I thought I'd increase their engagement by having them explore <b>Monsters University</b>!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Students explored the site looking for the requirements to get in, classes available and clubs they could join. They filled out reflection sheets to take home and convince their parents that they wanted to apply. You can download a copy of it <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5CpDF7qDQwKLVMzZ3Y4aFlQZkU/view">here</a>.</span></span><br />
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<br />Jaclyn Sepphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557385283471293609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813063510196250411.post-80823425948236422882015-05-01T09:17:00.000-07:002015-05-21T09:58:14.434-07:00Lee Olympics: A Social Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">On Friday, May 1st we had our annual Lee Olympics. Students rotate through different events and earn ribbons for participation and athletic achievement. Since this is an all-day event, many students that are new to Lee or prone to anxiety might have some worries about Lee Olympics. To ease their nerves, I create social story books for them to know what they expect. I only include events that I know will happen in order to set them up for success. Here's a sample of one book I made for a new kindergartener:</span></span><br />
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<br />Jaclyn Sepphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557385283471293609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813063510196250411.post-17332370215460825482015-05-01T06:59:00.000-07:002015-05-11T07:04:51.914-07:00Lee's Pathways to Success<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To kickoff our month on careers and college, I created a staff bulletin board to highlight our unique pathways that brought us to Lee Elementary. I collected high school and college information from each staff member to proudly display. I included all of our staff members, including teachers, office staff, administration, special areas, nurses, custodians, and our childcare helpers.</span></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I added graduation caps to everyone!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here are some close ups:</span></span><br />
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<br />Jaclyn Sepphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557385283471293609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813063510196250411.post-70519330235814922532015-04-30T08:51:00.000-07:002015-05-06T08:54:31.737-07:00Careers in 1st Grade: Being Wendy<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In first grade we have begun our month on thinking about our futures. Where do we want to go to college? What do we want to be when we grow up? Our first lesson focused on the career options that are out there. To get their brains thinking, we read <u>Being Wendy</u> written by Fran Drescher.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tarksPTKNLA/VUo2oGCsZII/AAAAAAAAGKY/GPUfOZ5AKH4/s1600/51buD6MX1QL._SX258_BO1%2C204%2C203%2C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tarksPTKNLA/VUo2oGCsZII/AAAAAAAAGKY/GPUfOZ5AKH4/s1600/51buD6MX1QL._SX258_BO1%2C204%2C203%2C200_.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This story follows a young girl named Wendy on her journey of thinking outside of the box. She lives in Boxville, where everyone must pick a box that shows their career choice. Even the dogs where boxes! Wendy cannot figure out just <u>one</u> career that she would like to have because she has many interests.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qAlAwIXV7AI/VUo3Ir07jHI/AAAAAAAAGKg/GO4yGqzyjAw/s1600/wendy%2Binterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qAlAwIXV7AI/VUo3Ir07jHI/AAAAAAAAGKg/GO4yGqzyjAw/s1600/wendy%2Binterior.jpg" height="280" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Throughout the story we talk about the following points (from <a href="http://corneroncharacter.blogspot.com/2013/04/outside-box-guest-post.html">The Corner on Character blog</a>):</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">1. Do you think
everyone grows up to get the job they wanted when they were a kid? Share responses from the teachers at
your school at this time to demonstrate that dreams change as we grow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">2. If you set a goal
to have a specific career someday and you grow up to be something different,
does that mean you failed at your goal?
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">3. Wendy said that
she felt different from everyone else, but was afraid to tell someone. Why do you think she was afraid? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">4. Is it a bad thing to be different from others? How do you treat people who are
different from <i>you</i>?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">5. The author
stated, “Wendy tried to take her dad’s advice, but the more she thought about
it, the more she hated thinking inside the box.” Have you ever heard the expression, “thinking inside/outside
the box”? What does it mean? How does it apply here?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">6. What do you think
the town of “Freedomland” is like?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">After the story we start brainstorming what we might want to be when we grow up. Then we narrowed down what career we would want to have if we lived in Boxville, with one exception: it can be more than one idea! Students created their Boxville character and wrote down many career options they are interested in pursuing. You can download the body template from The Corner on Character <a href="http://corneroncharacter.blogspot.com/2013/04/outside-box-guest-post.html">here</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here are some of the Boxville residents they created: </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wit6ZsO2GFU/VUo3zE9exvI/AAAAAAAAGKs/naFL6A9vALo/s1600/boxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wit6ZsO2GFU/VUo3zE9exvI/AAAAAAAAGKs/naFL6A9vALo/s1600/boxes.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Jaclyn Sepphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557385283471293609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813063510196250411.post-80548299810485488872015-04-27T07:12:00.002-07:002015-05-21T08:51:02.807-07:00It's Not a Box<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In kindergarten I introduced careers with one of my favorite stories, <u>Not a Box</u> written by Antoinette Portis. This book just screams imagination! We follow a rabbit as he uses a "box" as many different items - guessing before we turn the page to see what he is pretending to be this time. I like the springboard into careers it provides and message that you can be anything.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t7049sQKBx8/VV39H_xZYNI/AAAAAAAAGQQ/fCx1VzY74q4/s1600/NotABox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t7049sQKBx8/VV39H_xZYNI/AAAAAAAAGQQ/fCx1VzY74q4/s1600/NotABox.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">After the story, we watched this adorable music video that highlights even more careers:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CR71AhdHadM" width="560"></iframe></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then I passed out coloring books (you can download for free <a href="http://www.pdflibrary.org/pdf/career-coloring-book-teachnet-com.html">here</a>) that had a variety of careers you could choose to color. Some students even drew their own ideas of what they'd like to be when they grew up.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bNR5Qvg8Ek4/VV3-1iOgXKI/AAAAAAAAGQs/kHijZ21qzOY/s1600/IMG_0246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bNR5Qvg8Ek4/VV3-1iOgXKI/AAAAAAAAGQs/kHijZ21qzOY/s320/IMG_0246.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5E49PaL8v-k/VV393WoW4AI/AAAAAAAAGQY/oK9Vu1RY-xQ/s1600/IMG_0231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5E49PaL8v-k/VV393WoW4AI/AAAAAAAAGQY/oK9Vu1RY-xQ/s320/IMG_0231.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nTZhpLOpiks/VV393o3NOcI/AAAAAAAAGQc/1aJhalLvR2g/s1600/careers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nTZhpLOpiks/VV393o3NOcI/AAAAAAAAGQc/1aJhalLvR2g/s640/careers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Jaclyn Sepphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557385283471293609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813063510196250411.post-87015390531767124932015-04-27T07:04:00.001-07:002015-05-11T07:32:34.413-07:00Someday...A lesson on Careers<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In 2nd grade we began our talks about the future by reading <u>Someday</u> by Eileen Spinelli. This book is a great springboard into careers because it takes a young girl imagining her future career, then ties it into how what she is doing today is preparing her for each pathway. For example, she is digging in the couch cushions for coins and dreams of being a paleontologist digging for bones.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ntggXqVGUe0/VVC4P_neXWI/AAAAAAAAGO4/ujIi8x7S4jw/s1600/someday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ntggXqVGUe0/VVC4P_neXWI/AAAAAAAAGO4/ujIi8x7S4jw/s320/someday.jpg" width="264" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">After the story we played "I Have, Who Has" with careers. I downloaded this game from <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Career-Day-Activity-Packet-240377">The Career Day Activity Packet</a> from Teachers Pay Teachers. Each class competed to get the fastest time.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KiWozZ5sc3w/Uxibfwifx1I/AAAAAAAAETM/bYS3cZeXlBo/s1600/IMG_6621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KiWozZ5sc3w/Uxibfwifx1I/AAAAAAAAETM/bYS3cZeXlBo/s320/IMG_6621.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then I challenged them to come up with as many careers as they could using an Alphabet Chart.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-haC-jg1se9M/VVC7FClMI2I/AAAAAAAAGPE/UAoxreFwKW4/s1600/IMG_0213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-haC-jg1se9M/VVC7FClMI2I/AAAAAAAAGPE/UAoxreFwKW4/s320/IMG_0213.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M6BOFIINiq8/VVC7FBwE7xI/AAAAAAAAGPM/ui577XI1W2s/s1600/IMG_0214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M6BOFIINiq8/VVC7FBwE7xI/AAAAAAAAGPM/ui577XI1W2s/s320/IMG_0214.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-zmD08Ro5s/VVC7F-nDuZI/AAAAAAAAGPU/t0-LkjHlmcw/s1600/IMG_0215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-zmD08Ro5s/VVC7F-nDuZI/AAAAAAAAGPU/t0-LkjHlmcw/s320/IMG_0215.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fsdgGyMNLn4/VVC7GNfK0hI/AAAAAAAAGPY/IcHKbX5rGPM/s1600/IMG_0216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fsdgGyMNLn4/VVC7GNfK0hI/AAAAAAAAGPY/IcHKbX5rGPM/s320/IMG_0216.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uVfaOwND_SU/VVC7FBCl9OI/AAAAAAAAGPI/SmrBsyyh6K0/s1600/IMG_0212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uVfaOwND_SU/VVC7FBCl9OI/AAAAAAAAGPI/SmrBsyyh6K0/s320/IMG_0212.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For an extra hint, I played them this video:</span></span><br />
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<br />Jaclyn Sepphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557385283471293609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813063510196250411.post-16880262078018816732015-04-10T16:55:00.000-07:002015-04-12T16:55:40.384-07:006th Graders Encouraging our Newest Test Takers<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AmA3EuwRoLw/VSsExeVSLJI/AAAAAAAAGEk/QoaMi5tSm7s/s1600/IMG_0054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AmA3EuwRoLw/VSsExeVSLJI/AAAAAAAAGEk/QoaMi5tSm7s/s1600/IMG_0054.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Each time spring rolls around the topic of our standardized test, STAAR, begins to enter the conversations of our students at Lee Elementary. Since we have some resident experts on the ins & outs of what the STAAR test is really like, I thought it would be a good idea for them to impart their knowledge onto our newest test takers: <b>3rd graders</b>! I typed up a list of all of our 3rd graders and then our 6th graders picked 2-3 to write an encouraging letter to. They could write encouraging words, test taking tips, confidence boosters and any idea that they thought would help lower their anxiety about testing. We had a great conversation about empathy and tried to remember back to when it was our first time taking the STAAR test or even how we feel now about it. Once all of the letters were all written onto colorful bordered stationary, I put them into an "Special Delivery" envelope from the White House (also our nickname for the house beside our school that 6th grade is housed in) and delivered them to their homeroom teachers for students to receive before the test.</span></span><br />
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<br />Jaclyn Sepphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557385283471293609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813063510196250411.post-53073635106258331642015-04-08T08:35:00.000-07:002015-04-13T09:14:29.980-07:00Test-Taking Foldable<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In third grade we began our talk about the STAAR test. Each year students come in with many false rumors about STAAR that often catastrophize the situation. I like to take time to explain the reality of STAAR, answer all of their questions and dispel any myths they've heard. After our discussion, I like to read <u>Hooray for Diffendoofer Day</u> written by Dr. Seuss, with help by Lane Smith and Jack Prelutsky. What's great about this book is that it puts a silly spin on standardized testing and it also commemorates the legacy of Dr. Seuss, who was unable to finish the book before his passing. There is a second part in the back of the book that explains how this story came to be, showing his original rough drafts and drawings.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JYO04H6kj4Q/VSvmumhccgI/AAAAAAAAGIw/-Cuc8RVxGMs/s1600/51EJD6u96CL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JYO04H6kj4Q/VSvmumhccgI/AAAAAAAAGIw/-Cuc8RVxGMs/s1600/51EJD6u96CL.jpg" height="320" width="230" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the story students love their school, their teachers and all of the quirky things they are learning. But one day their principal informs them that they will have to take a test in 10 minutes and if they do not perform well their school will close down. Agh! Worst case scenario! I won't ruin the story, but there is a positive message that comes from it and our students always sigh in relief that our testing is nothing like theirs.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">After the story we make test-taking foldables that students can use to remind them how to put their best foot forward. I downloaded the template from <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Test-Taking-Tips-Savvy-School-Counselor-534294">Savvy School Counselor </a>on TeachersPayTeachers and let the students be creative with the title for each tab. Here are some of their completed tips:</span></span><br />
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Jaclyn Sepphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557385283471293609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813063510196250411.post-86706356605340228392015-04-07T19:33:00.000-07:002015-04-12T19:34:07.920-07:00When I'm Feeling Angry<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In kindergarten, just like any other grade, things start to rev up in the spring. Expectations are raised, demand increases and the pressure to be prepared for the next grade starts to affect our students. With this shift in the classroom environment comes the likelihood of children have to learn to adjust to everyday changes. This can look many ways, and for a few of our students, they are showing their frustration and anger in more physical approaches. Hence, here I come to try and save the day! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We read <u>When I'm Feeling Angry</u> written by Trace Moroney. This short and simple book is great for helping students recognize anger in their bodies (the cover alone opens up a lot of discussion) and teaching them appropriate ways to cope with anger.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The book does a nice job of sharing that <b>it is okay to feel angry</b> which I really enjoyed. It is okay for all of us to experience feelings, and we do! Many children hold the belief that adults will not "let them" be angry. Clarifying that we all have feelings and finding helpful ways to calm ourselves down is a great start to breaking down this myth. This is where the "Anger Rules" come in:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P6Lqg_-byJs/VSsotBAee2I/AAAAAAAAGGM/AZZx-hKEbFA/s1600/IMG_0031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P6Lqg_-byJs/VSsotBAee2I/AAAAAAAAGGM/AZZx-hKEbFA/s1600/IMG_0031.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I found this great poster on Pinterest that I immediately printed out to post in each of the classrooms I was visiting. We brainstormed ideas that we could do when we felt angry, using inspiration from the book, and then got to work on picking out what would work best for us. Each student received 2 printouts, one that was part of a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calm-Down-Kit-Visual-Behavioral-Management-Tools-for-Students-with-Autism-667244">Calm Down Kit</a> TeachersPayTeachers and the other I created in Word. Students cut out ideas they could use to help them feel better when experiencing strong emotions. I explained that for me, playing another game doesn't help because I'm still feeling too upset. However, crying is a great release and I always feel better after. A favorite for many was learning that you could go to the recycling bin</span><span style="font-size: large;"> and take paper out of it to rip up...instead of their own paper at their table (because that would be destroying property).</span></span><br />
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<br />Jaclyn Sepphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557385283471293609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813063510196250411.post-88861504966502851682015-03-30T19:01:00.000-07:002015-04-12T19:08:45.368-07:00Grumpy Cat Visits Ms. Sepp<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">One of our 5th grade students came up with such a creative idea that I <u>had</u> to share! We were talking about some of the other silly animal pictures with puns I have outside of my office and how it'd be fun to find one about Grumpy Cat seeing the counselor.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sO36N58t_Gc/VSsk52bH-_I/AAAAAAAAGFw/ZNJ_BNYudtI/s1600/fun-puns-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sO36N58t_Gc/VSsk52bH-_I/AAAAAAAAGFw/ZNJ_BNYudtI/s1600/fun-puns-0.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KPSI6_GpgEg/VSsk5yxWhwI/AAAAAAAAGFs/-6qT6G3CN2M/s1600/fun-puns-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KPSI6_GpgEg/VSsk5yxWhwI/AAAAAAAAGFs/-6qT6G3CN2M/s1600/fun-puns-17.jpg" height="124" width="200" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A few days later a large poster arrived in my office, created by the same 5th grader I had chatted with previously, and I was amazed by her creativity and initiative. Check out what is now hanging outside my office:</span></span><br />
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<br />Jaclyn Sepphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557385283471293609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813063510196250411.post-49335498136959546242015-03-30T08:30:00.000-07:002015-04-13T08:32:11.625-07:00S.T.E.P. Problem Solving Method<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">As part of our SEL curriculum through Second Step, students learn about the S.T.E.P. method for solving their everyday problems. The last 7 lessons in 4th grade are all about problem solving.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mz3uQ-R7NsU/VSvfpxRkMNI/AAAAAAAAGH0/ZNSY1dqVmDs/s1600/g2-problem-solving-steps-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mz3uQ-R7NsU/VSvfpxRkMNI/AAAAAAAAGH0/ZNSY1dqVmDs/s1600/g2-problem-solving-steps-poster.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In these lessons students learn that following steps can help you solve problems and be successful at school. When you say the problem without blame and take responsibility for their part, problems can be resolved in a respectful way. Some solutions to problems are complicated and need a plan. Plans help you break down a big ask into smaller, more manageable parts. You are better able to resolve conflicts when you are able to calm down and use the Problem-Solving steps.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Students were placed into small groups and each described the steps they would use to solve common problems that occur during their school day. Here are the posters they created:</span></span><br />
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<br />Jaclyn Sepphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557385283471293609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813063510196250411.post-24787634700599371372015-03-25T16:57:00.000-07:002015-04-12T18:58:20.128-07:00Don't Break the Ice with Worries<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Over Spring Break I was able to attend one of Pam Dyson's trainings on "Play Therapy for Grieving Children" through the <a href="http://www.dfwplaytherapy.com/supervision.html">DFW Center for Play Therapy Training</a>. I was truly inspired by all the directive techniques I could add to my toolbox for students at our school. One such idea was the incorporation of the game "Don't Break the Ice" in such a simple and easy way. Inspired by Sueann Kenney-Noziska's idea on <a href="http://www.playtherapycorner.com/home.html">Play Therapy Corner</a>, Pam created an activity for children that helped open them up about their grief. Children knock pieces of ice out of the ice rink and answer questions based on which ice piece fell. At this training the game was targeted at children opening up about their grief and loss, but I thought I could easily tweak it for my anxious kiddos.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rikU9pGTTxk/VSsIi9VPeAI/AAAAAAAAGFA/F-chpRvSBrs/s1600/IMG_0034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rikU9pGTTxk/VSsIi9VPeAI/AAAAAAAAGFA/F-chpRvSBrs/s1600/IMG_0034.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-79xOJ-eqL6Q/VSsIrRBhaqI/AAAAAAAAGFI/E8sDH3M1Xx0/s1600/IMG_0032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-79xOJ-eqL6Q/VSsIrRBhaqI/AAAAAAAAGFI/E8sDH3M1Xx0/s1600/IMG_0032.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>It's extremely easy to create your own version and add therapeutic value. The first step is taking all of the "ice" pieces and adding a colored sticker to the bottom of them. Pam used those gold foil star stickers, I chose to use bright colored Avery circle labels because I had plenty of those on hand. There are 32 total ice pieces and 1 large ice piece for the skater. I decided upon 4 different prompts for our discussion about worries, so that evenly divided up the stickers into 8 per color. On the large ice piece I put 1 of each color so they could pick. When the ice is turned over for the game, students cannot tell which color is underneath the piece of ice.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then I created the question card. Instead of making 32 individual question cards, I chose to simplify our discussion to 4 prompts that could easily be answered numerous times. You could definitely make a variety of questions and color-code the stacks of cards. I thought about which 4 prompts would help students share/vent about their worries, discuss what happens in their body, receive validation, brainstorm helpful techniques for coping and also discover that other students had similar experiences. This is what I came up with, you can download a copy <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5CpDF7qDQwKVm9kM2U0MmlmNzQ/view?usp=sharing">here</a> (don't forget to add colored stickers that are on your ice pieces):</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1wpj01cMqew/VSsJlsKs9KI/AAAAAAAAGFQ/eRkvGi5Q_Os/s1600/IMG_0033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1wpj01cMqew/VSsJlsKs9KI/AAAAAAAAGFQ/eRkvGi5Q_Os/s1600/IMG_0033.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The game was such a success we played it numerous times. Students even came up with fun variations on the rules for when more than one ice piece fell. Incorporating games into your work with children creates a safe and engaging platform to help them feel comfortable in opening up. I hope you have as much fun with your children as I did!</span></span><br />
<br />Jaclyn Sepphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557385283471293609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813063510196250411.post-48845782463383285582015-03-06T06:23:00.000-08:002015-03-17T14:14:34.814-07:00The Marshmallow Test<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I stopped by the first grade teachers team meeting last week and asked them which social emotional skills their students are struggling the most with. All 3 teachers, almost in unison, replied with "SELF CONTROL!" So, I began searching for the best lesson in self control I could find...and I stumbled across an old favorite, The Marshmallow Test. It was a fascinating study done in the 1960s at Stanford University (if you google it there are tons of articles about it) where they had preschoolers sit in a room alone with a marshmallow for up to 20 minutes. If they ate it, that was all they got. If they waited until the researcher came back, they earned a second marshmallow. This longitudinal study predicted higher SAT scores, lower BMI scores and various other themes when they followed up with the students that waited for the second marshmallow.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I wondered how our first graders would do with this marshmallow test. Who would eat the marshmallow? Who would wait? I had to do it. First, I checked our student's allergy list. Then, I came into each classroom and I simply explained the marshmallow test. You could choose to eat it now, or you could choose to wait until the end of my lesson (in 30 minutes) and receive a second marshmallow. I passed them out and began the hilarious video below:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While the video aired and students laughed, I watched to see how they were doing. Some were playing with their marshmallow, some hiding it under a tissue, one even zipped it up into their binder. After the video I introduced the topic: Self Control. What is self control? How do we know when we have self control? Is self control easy? We brainstormed ideas to help us with self control and I showed them this poster (found <a href="http://blgselementarycounselors.blogspot.com/">here</a>):</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ftZwhkAezLM/VQiWvG1pZNI/AAAAAAAAGBc/B2IciJGJZAQ/s1600/9f5760aaeca3457d491dd2d8f9bb3457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ftZwhkAezLM/VQiWvG1pZNI/AAAAAAAAGBc/B2IciJGJZAQ/s1600/9f5760aaeca3457d491dd2d8f9bb3457.jpg" height="320" width="241" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I went through each step carefully and students modeled how they have shown self control in the past. Then I put them through a challenge to see how well they could show self control (in addition to those yummy marshmallows sitting on their desks).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I explained that we were going to play Red Light, Green Light. But with a twist. We were doing it in the hallway. Yep, the hallway! A place where you are not allowed to talk and you are only allowed to walk. Their eyes grew big. Would they be able to play Red Light, Green Light and have the self control to stay in the game by following our hallway rules?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Each class performed differently, but overall it was a success and we didn't make too much racket. When we came back into their classroom we celebrated by watching Cookie Monster's video about self control and had a mini dance party, with our marshmallows of course.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When the time was up their eyes were anxiously looking up at me. Would I fulfill my end of the deal? Were they able to exhibit self control? The results were in as I walked around passing out a second marshmallow. All but 2 students were able to wait. One surprised me, one did not. Not too bad roadrunners...I'll get you next time.</span></span>Jaclyn Sepphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557385283471293609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813063510196250411.post-22477686506526438482015-03-02T05:59:00.000-08:002015-03-17T14:26:46.760-07:00Teamwork & Sportsmanship<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In second grade we worked on teamwork and sportsmanship this week. By introducing this topic early, I hope to be preventative in the increasing number of playground conflicts that happen as they develop. I found this great video that shows 3 different examples of teamwork:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w9j3-ghRjBs?rel=0" width="640"></iframe></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We brainstormed ideas that we saw in the video. How did the animals show teamwork? How did the animals show great sportsmanship in their challenges? How can we show these skills when we're playing with each other or learning in the classroom?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p9uiR85Tnh4/VQiZ6V2YNZI/AAAAAAAAGBo/HL0JvYZMR5w/s1600/IMG_9886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p9uiR85Tnh4/VQiZ6V2YNZI/AAAAAAAAGBo/HL0JvYZMR5w/s1600/IMG_9886.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">After our discussion, we played one of my favorite games, Transformation Rock Paper Scissors! I recently played this with third grade, you can check it out <a href="http://mssepp.blogspot.com/2014/12/good-sportsmanship.html">here</a>. I can't take all of the credit, I stumbled across this fun game <a href="http://www.ultimatecampresource.com/site/camp-activity/evolution-aka-ultimate-person-or-transformation.html">here</a>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I left a few minutes at the end of the lesson to process how we each did with teamwork and sportsmanship. What went well? What do we need to work on for next time? Are there any rules we should take out or add to make the game more successful?</span></span>Jaclyn Sepphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557385283471293609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813063510196250411.post-77447205222728283512015-02-25T08:19:00.002-08:002022-01-07T09:13:44.995-08:00How to Lose All Your Friends<span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">In first grade we have been working on social skills. One very important social skill is learning about friendships: what we want in a friend, how to keep friends, what we bring to a friendship, etc. I usually read the book <u>How to Lose All Your Friends</u> written by Nancy Carlson, but this year I found a cute video that reinforces her story. I chose to show the silent movie and I read it aloud so we could pause to discuss at different points.</span></span><br />
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cJEhmy9L8UA?rel=0" width="640"></iframe></span></span>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">The students found the video hilarious and they quickly understood that this video is all the things <b><u>NOT</u></b> to do if you want to make and keep friends. Together we brainstormed a list of what we look for in a friend and what we bring to the table as a friend.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_4xVgTqG58/VPXOdSIUToI/AAAAAAAAF_M/OCWaktMgeKs/s1600/IMG_9833.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_4xVgTqG58/VPXOdSIUToI/AAAAAAAAF_M/OCWaktMgeKs/s1600/IMG_9833.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">Then we made "Wanted" posters to show and describe what we want in a real friend. You can download the template <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5CpDF7qDQwKRTBFYlE5bTZOZWc/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-arob_7bMdSt2h77nDSVXxA">here</a>.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vz1RPfo06Dw/VPXOMB9E8XI/AAAAAAAAF-k/hm1Dv7z0kJw/s1600/IMG_9845.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vz1RPfo06Dw/VPXOMB9E8XI/AAAAAAAAF-k/hm1Dv7z0kJw/s1600/IMG_9845.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I4d1pkF0mUE/VPXOMP2nOmI/AAAAAAAAF-c/z6rD7Cyd-Qs/s1600/IMG_9846.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I4d1pkF0mUE/VPXOMP2nOmI/AAAAAAAAF-c/z6rD7Cyd-Qs/s1600/IMG_9846.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5oJkse6XgYo/VPXOMcWn-1I/AAAAAAAAF-g/CKE8YylrFHQ/s1600/IMG_9848.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5oJkse6XgYo/VPXOMcWn-1I/AAAAAAAAF-g/CKE8YylrFHQ/s1600/IMG_9848.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gp1_xRM5CI0/VPXONOXJcoI/AAAAAAAAF-s/6I9TnkSJFFA/s1600/IMG_9849.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gp1_xRM5CI0/VPXONOXJcoI/AAAAAAAAF-s/6I9TnkSJFFA/s1600/IMG_9849.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eaA-ZjHbVSA/VPXONU3IZaI/AAAAAAAAF-8/3BVBBDY5DdU/s1600/IMG_9850.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eaA-ZjHbVSA/VPXONU3IZaI/AAAAAAAAF-8/3BVBBDY5DdU/s1600/IMG_9850.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B2w-7ZRVIGw/VPXONhhpaqI/AAAAAAAAF-w/bn9o1HKye-0/s1600/IMG_9851.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B2w-7ZRVIGw/VPXONhhpaqI/AAAAAAAAF-w/bn9o1HKye-0/s1600/IMG_9851.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Jaclyn Sepphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557385283471293609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813063510196250411.post-76961986870156831972015-02-16T12:12:00.000-08:002015-03-17T14:49:53.362-07:00Our New PEACE PATH!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TSvHsuxLQco/VOT1AwIhrWI/AAAAAAAAF9k/viEJ6p6INmY/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-02-18%2Bat%2B2.24.17%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TSvHsuxLQco/VOT1AwIhrWI/AAAAAAAAF9k/viEJ6p6INmY/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-02-18%2Bat%2B2.24.17%2BPM.png" height="371" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our SEL Department developed a Peace Path that students can use in the classroom to help resolve conflict with their peers. You can take a look of how it works as part of our Peace Areas at Lee Elementary <a href="http://mssepp.blogspot.com/2014/11/practicing-our-peace-path.html">here</a>. While this is a great tool for students to use while they're in the classroom, students are left stranded out on the playground when they have conflict. After campuses inquired about how to translate these skills to the outdoor playgrounds, our SEL department created stencils to create a sidewalk Peace Path (thank you, thank you, thank you)!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here is a quick video I took walking through the Peace Path so you can see each of the steps.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VcJeMwUKRUU?rel=0" width="480"></iframe></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It took 3-4 hours over 2 days to create the finished product with two people, myself and Joelle Andrew - an amazing parent volunteer/super hero. :) </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f3cZc2LHWHY/VQigloOg1uI/AAAAAAAAGCo/I9GwClsY3VI/s1600/IMG_9744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f3cZc2LHWHY/VQigloOg1uI/AAAAAAAAGCo/I9GwClsY3VI/s1600/IMG_9744.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gSocNOOgkNk/VQigmEIVhRI/AAAAAAAAGCs/NyPnWmm9rMc/s1600/IMG_9745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gSocNOOgkNk/VQigmEIVhRI/AAAAAAAAGCs/NyPnWmm9rMc/s1600/IMG_9745.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wjhpCVFnBO0/VQigmnOoHMI/AAAAAAAAGCw/--4TfJmmmjM/s1600/IMG_9746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wjhpCVFnBO0/VQigmnOoHMI/AAAAAAAAGCw/--4TfJmmmjM/s1600/IMG_9746.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CONPaDHKynw/VQignCoWZVI/AAAAAAAAGC0/oJMpgPZ-Mx0/s1600/IMG_9747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CONPaDHKynw/VQignCoWZVI/AAAAAAAAGC0/oJMpgPZ-Mx0/s1600/IMG_9747.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our playground Peace Path provides students,
teachers and our entire campus a space and a method that is safe, sincere, and
easy to follow for conflict resolution. It is another effort towards
student empowerment to self-regulate and solve their problems. Ours is
strategically placed between 2 of our playgrounds and has already been a huge hit
with the Roadrunners! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Once completed I took out each class to teach them how to use it. We began by brainstorming common problems that happen with our friends out on the playground:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4YnwZuN675Y/VQifa6Zh86I/AAAAAAAAGB4/K-sxFK7ehIY/s1600/IMG_9757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4YnwZuN675Y/VQifa6Zh86I/AAAAAAAAGB4/K-sxFK7ehIY/s1600/IMG_9757.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lkJKAX62aD8/VQifbaaAvaI/AAAAAAAAGB8/YD38sOO37Oo/s1600/IMG_9770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lkJKAX62aD8/VQifbaaAvaI/AAAAAAAAGB8/YD38sOO37Oo/s1600/IMG_9770.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I had students pair up and brainstorm a "problem" to resolve with their partner, real or fake. Then we headed outside to practice!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n4PqboeNmSA/VQifpreADhI/AAAAAAAAGCM/P1AEHu1Kvhw/s1600/IMG_9810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n4PqboeNmSA/VQifpreADhI/AAAAAAAAGCM/P1AEHu1Kvhw/s1600/IMG_9810.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CPr39CXCrHM/VQifqVJJYdI/AAAAAAAAGCU/21Ir-4vPI_s/s1600/IMG_9811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CPr39CXCrHM/VQifqVJJYdI/AAAAAAAAGCU/21Ir-4vPI_s/s1600/IMG_9811.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QGFrpVN6RXI/VQifrLBYWGI/AAAAAAAAGCg/TaSCLYBifIA/s1600/IMG_9812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QGFrpVN6RXI/VQifrLBYWGI/AAAAAAAAGCg/TaSCLYBifIA/s1600/IMG_9812.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our Peace Path has been a huge success! Not only are teachers on board and helping students through conflict resolution steps at recess, but children are initiating its use during our aftercare program and kids have even been caught & featured on Instagram!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here are some individual shots of each step: </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VN3jK5YIzxI/VPffQjLsC8I/AAAAAAAAF_w/jC68juOVb2g/s1600/IMG_9797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VN3jK5YIzxI/VPffQjLsC8I/AAAAAAAAF_w/jC68juOVb2g/s1600/IMG_9797.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wbFp_5wGPzk/VPffO34TNRI/AAAAAAAAF_o/P2OfocbDyKw/s1600/IMG_9798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wbFp_5wGPzk/VPffO34TNRI/AAAAAAAAF_o/P2OfocbDyKw/s1600/IMG_9798.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vaXvbWdqrVo/VPffUTAu7WI/AAAAAAAAGAQ/uVAMuYokOrA/s1600/IMG_9803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vaXvbWdqrVo/VPffUTAu7WI/AAAAAAAAGAQ/uVAMuYokOrA/s1600/IMG_9803.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X4g-RHR3oME/VPffVDq_d_I/AAAAAAAAGAc/7scfSpb8Ums/s1600/IMG_9805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X4g-RHR3oME/VPffVDq_d_I/AAAAAAAAGAc/7scfSpb8Ums/s1600/IMG_9805.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />Jaclyn Sepphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557385283471293609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813063510196250411.post-80189788009306781632015-02-10T15:05:00.000-08:002015-03-17T15:32:08.722-07:00Fairness & Compromising<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In kindergarten we read <u>You Get What You Get</u> written by Julie Gassman. I could hardly get past reading the title without students shouting out, "And you don't throw a fit!" This short and sweet story shows how one little squirrel follows this rule at school but has a difficult time following the rule at home. He accidentally lets "the cat out of the bag" with this school rule, and his family jumps on the opportunity to implement it at home as well.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We brainstormed what fairness is and many students felt that it is everyone getting the same thing. (The blue pen represents changes we made after the different activities) I asked them if they've ever said, "That's unfair!" before and how they knew that something was unfair. We talked about our feelings that bubble up when we think something that happens isn't fair.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jyVVUJuyESI/VQil5DA_rpI/AAAAAAAAGDY/YPGjeMPNdYs/s1600/IMG_9809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jyVVUJuyESI/VQil5DA_rpI/AAAAAAAAGDY/YPGjeMPNdYs/s1600/IMG_9809.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I then introduced a few activities to challenge their idea of fairness. I had everyone sit around in a big circle around the carpet. Then I chose 4 volunteers to create a "fishbowl" for modeling. I had them sit inside the larger circle in a smaller circle that everyone could observe. I passed out 12 different erasers unevenly (on purpose) to each of the students. Some of the students ended up with only a little and others with a lot. I asked them if the way I passed them out was fair. They had lots of qualms about how I divided it up. I asked them to redistribute the erasers in a way that they felt was fair. After many attempts, they eventually came up with a solution and we debriefed how it went.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eeh9tIsn1pI/VQinZlcpihI/AAAAAAAAGDk/dP_3eg3-GfM/s1600/IMG_9816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eeh9tIsn1pI/VQinZlcpihI/AAAAAAAAGDk/dP_3eg3-GfM/s1600/IMG_9816.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UetQbxj3UNE/VQinaXR2KrI/AAAAAAAAGDo/HLaAPdoqkJE/s1600/IMG_9817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UetQbxj3UNE/VQinaXR2KrI/AAAAAAAAGDo/HLaAPdoqkJE/s1600/IMG_9817.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f4oYA_a31Jw/VQinbOO7xpI/AAAAAAAAGDw/k-IHqMtz0MA/s1600/IMG_9818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f4oYA_a31Jw/VQinbOO7xpI/AAAAAAAAGDw/k-IHqMtz0MA/s1600/IMG_9818.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I asked them questions such as,</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What did you think of the activity? </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Did you have more or less erasers then you had at the beginning?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">By the end did you think it was fair?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Is it always possible to share things fairly?</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I introduced the concept of compromising. What our 4 volunteers just did is called a compromise. Compromising is something we do when different people want different things. Compromise is finding a win-win solution. I asked them about a couple of scenarios to test their compromising skills:</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">You want to watch a cartoon, but your brother wants to watch a movie</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">You want to carve a scary Jack O'Lantern, but your sister wants to give it a silly face</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">You want to go swimming, but your friend wants to ride bikes</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I then started a second activity to further expand their knowledge of fairness. This time I asked 3 volunteers to come up to the front of the room to be my actors. I told each of them that they were going to act out a different injury. The first student had a broken arm (so they held their arm with a pained look), the second student had a scratch on their arm (so they looked at that part of their arm) and the third student had a sore throat (so they coughed and asked for water). I then pulled out 3 band-aids.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BkxzDPozJE8/VQipILwa65I/AAAAAAAAGEA/eBal8scW5yU/s1600/bandaid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BkxzDPozJE8/VQipILwa65I/AAAAAAAAGEA/eBal8scW5yU/s1600/bandaid.jpg" height="199" width="200" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I told them that I wanted things to be fair, so they were each going to get the same medical treatment. I put a band-aid on the broken arm, the scratched arm and the sore throat. Then I asked the class, was this fair? They were rolling around in laughter about how ridiculous I was. I reinforced that they said fairness means everyone getting the same thing, so I gave them each the same thing - what was wrong? After a little more discussion we came up with a compromise that fairness isn't about everyone getting the same thing, but rather everyone getting what they need. Sometimes this might mean different people will receive different things. We also learned that Ms. Sepp would not be a very good nurse. :)</span></span>Jaclyn Sepphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557385283471293609noreply@blogger.com2