Preschooler have been using a new tool, Code-a-Pillar, to learn and practice coding. What I really like about the Code-a-Pillar is its simple and hands-on and doesn't require the use of a screen, perfect for early learners. Students create their code using segments of the caterpillar's body. Each segment has a symbol showing what it will make the caterpillar do: move forward, backward, left, right or play a sound. Press the play button on the main body and the caterpillar will read the code - each segment will light up one at a time - and do what it is programmed to do. This is also a great opportunity for students to "debug" their code. Did the caterpillar not perform the entire code? Are all the segments connected? Unfortunately it seems that Fisher-Price no longer makes the Code-a-Pillar. I will be introducing a similar coding tool, the Blue-Bot, in the fall.
5th and 6th graders have been working collaboratively to design and construct their own board games. This began with a little research, playing existing board games and identifying the rules, objectives and what they liked and disliked about them. After choosing a theme for their game, they came up with a rough sketch of their idea and drafted some rules. After their games are complete, hopefully next week, they will play each others' games and provide feedback. For more information, check out: Board Game Toolkit.
In wellness we have been working on differentiating between things that are in our control, like our thoughts and feelings, and those that are out of our control, such as the weather. In kindergarten, we read Alexander and the Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Next, we sorted his experiences into two categories: in his control and outside his control. Then students worked in pairs on a similar sorting activity using problems they might face. Finally, we talked about how focusing on things outside our control can lead to unnecessary stress and how focusing on what is in our control can help us to solve problems and make changes to reduce stress.
I have been thinking a lot about how best to support families after the tragedy in Uvalde. I also needed some time to process my own thoughts and feelings, something I am still doing and will likely continue to do for some time. Below are a few resources that I believe might be helpful. I also want to make myself available. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to support you or your family. Warm regards, Jason Today, May 18th, is International Museum Day! Did you know that many museums offer online, virtual tours? Here are a few of my favorites:
This is just a sample of all of the museums offering virtual tours throughout the world. Safe (virtual) travels! Anxiety can drive all sorts of behavior, which is why it can look different in different people. One of the types of behavior it can drive is ‘fight’ behavior – anger, aggression, and tantrums. This is the ‘fight’ part of the flight or fight response. It’s an adaptive response from a brain and body that is working hard to come back to a felt sense of safety. If behavior is fueled by anxiety, it has nothing to do with ‘bad behavior’, and everything to do with a brain that has registered threat, and a body that is getting ready to respond.
Here's how it works: The Connection Between Anxiety and Anger (Hey Sigmund) |
Jason StevensonSchool Counselor - Avid Hiker - Reader - Lego Enthusiast Archives
January 2024
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