In wellness, 3rd and 4th graders are building bristlebots using toothbrushes and micro vibrating motors. They operate similar to the popular Hexbug nano toys. Next, students will work in pairs to design and construct a maze for their bristlebots from found materials (i.e., cardboard). They will share their work with other students to try out and seek their feedback. This is a fun way for students to work collaboratively on a shared task. For more information, check out:
In wellness, we have been practicing mindful breathing using Alphabreaths. We have tried A - Alligator and B - Butterfly Breath. Today we learned that when all of the parts of our brain are working together we are being mindful. We think before we act. We are focused and our bodies are safe. When we are unmindful we act without thinking. When we are unmindful, others feel uncomfortable and it is harder to learn. We practiced being mindful with a game, cat and mouse.
Today in wellness we had our first lesson from MindUp, a research-based curriculum aimed at helping student focus their attention, improve their self-regulation skills, build resilience to stress, and develop a positive mindset in both school and life. Today students learned about three important parts of the brain, using their two fists as a visual (see drawing below):
Moretown Bobcats shirts are now available for preorder! This year we are offering short-sleeve and long-sleeve t-shirts in youth and adult sizes. Orders can be placed online at tinyurl.com/mesgear. The deadline to place your order is Thursday, October 6th. Shirts will be distributed at school the week of October 24-28.
In wellness, 1st and 2nd graders have been working on a collaborative project: jitterbug robots. The first step was building their base using a CD, paperclips and a motor. For some, this was their first time using a hot glue gun (and the first time seeing a CD!). Above is the completed first step for both classes. The second step was to design how they would like their robot to look. They will share their design with their partner who will complete the final step.
We had a visitor join us during pre-K wellness, Ted E. Bear. As a new preschooler, Teddy helped us practice listening and following directions. He taught us how to come prepared for school by bringing a change of clothes, in case of an accident, and outdoor gear (hat, coat) when the temps get cooler. Teddy also shared his own teddy bear that he hugs when he feels scared, sad or worried, and many students shared their own stuffies.
In kindergarten wellness, we started the year by exploring our names. We began by reading two books, My Name is Yoon and Chrysanthemum. At home, students learned more about their names from their families, such as how their names were chosen and do they have any special meaning or significance. Students will be sharing what they learned over the next several weeks. We also did an art project using yarn. I was so impressed by how focused they were as they traced their names in glue, chose the just right yarn colors and carefully placed each string on each letter. Check out their work above!
I am incorporating restorative practices into wellness classes, so I wanted to take a moment to explain what that means. The primary focus of restorative practices is on building relationships, student-student and student-teacher, and repairing harm. Circles are an integral part of restorative practices. In a restorative circle, there is a sense of equality, shared responsibility, ownership, safety, trust and connections. In wellness, our circles will consist of the following:
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Jason StevensonSchool Counselor - Avid Hiker - Reader - Lego Enthusiast Archives
January 2024
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