We read the book Last Stop on Market Street a few times this week, and continued our conversations about the power of our words and actions. We often talk about being kind, respectful, and helping each other, and this book is an example of a child who learns to see the beauty in his surroundings as his Nana reminds him to really look.
"CJ saw the perfect rainbow arcing over their soup kitchen. He wondered how his nana always found beautiful where he never even thought to look." (we talked about the soup kitchen as a place to go to eat together where people help each other, and that it helps everyone get enough to eat).
As we learn to be a part of a cooperative and caring group, we see that our words have consequences. When there is a need in the classroom, teachers are apt to say something like "look at _____; they are very sad (angry, upset, etc). Please check in with them." This intervention gives the child notice that they had an effect on their peer, and the peer the opportunity to speak up for themself. We also spend time talking about our own feelings and emotions, and that, as Pete the Cat says, "Because it's all good." It's important to give the children the opportunity to express themselves in an environment where they feel safe and known.
Even though we don't celebrate holidays at our school, we do celebrate LOVE and KINDNESS! We asked the children "What is Love?" and wrote their quotes on a heart that they decorated with paint. There is a lot of love in these children's lives, we can tell by their words! They never hesitated with their explanations.
getting there!
Thanks for sharing! I ♥️ it!
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