What Does It Take To Be a Leader?
January 17, 2017
One of our newest greetings is the "Ubuntu" greeting, which means "I am, because we are." We visually create a sense of unity by forming a group circle with our feet, then we greet one another in the typical fashion, showing our full attention to the one we are greeting and to the group. This is the perfect age to begin emphasizing the importance of each person's place in a group, focusing on others, rather than self, and contributing to the well-being of all.
December 9, 2016
Let's do something fun together! But... What will it be?
When we work cooperatively as a team, support each other with kindness, listen and follow directions, and stand out as leaders on our school, we earn compliments. Every time we earn a compliment from any teacher (even Mrs. Robinson) we can add letters to our cloud. Sometimes we can figure out the puzzle before we have earned all of our letters. Some students are really quick to figure it out!
The Art of Compromise…
With so
many projects happening in 3rd grade, it is the
perfect time to focus on the art of compromise.
We will role-play and brainstorm ways to disagree gracefully. We will pro-actively make plans for taking
care of each other while we work. Is
everyone participating equally? How can
you tell if your team is being successful?
We will take advantage of the opportunity to
think about how we can work successfully on team projects. It is inevitable that sometimes one will get
to choose, and other times another one will get to choose. The
same person won’t make all the decisions. What can we all do to keep our working environment peaceful and productive? How can you practice the art of compromise at home?
November 6, 2016
Mix- It- Up!
Last
week Brownsville 3rd graders celebrated National Mix It Up Day during
lunch by sitting with new friends around the cafeteria. Conversation
starters were provided by the guidance counselors and fun was had by
all. The students at Brownsville are continually encouraged to make new
friends and appreciate the differences among everyone. Getting to know
other people better is the best way to deter misunderstandings that
could lead to disrespect and dislike of others.
Trust and Truth
In third grade, we will take time to discuss a variety of character-building themes. We will often use well-written picture books to introduce concepts, then participate in activities that support the theme. Recently, our theme was Trust. Friendships are based on trust, which even the youngest students understand. Friends look out for your best interests, keep secrets, and help you when you need something. We can trust our friends to return borrowed belongings and be kind to us every day at school. We read this wonderful story to support the theme of trust, The Empty Pot. While reading The Empty Pot, we discovered how important truth can be in a situation where trust is needed.
Oct. 9, 2016
Our character lessons are an important part of our day. We had a discussion about the importance of focusing on others when you are together and making the most of the time you have now. There is a lovely picture book that is one of my absolute favorites for this topic called The Three Questions by Jon Muth (influenced by Leo Tolstoy.)
In
third grade, we will take time to discuss a variety of
character-building themes. We will often use well-written picture books
to introduce concepts, then participate in activities that support the
theme. This past week, our theme was Trust. Friendships are based on
trust, which even the youngest students understand. Friends look out
for your best interests, keep secrets, and help you when you need
something. We can trust our friends to return borrowed belongings and
be kind to us every day at school. While reading The Empty Pot,
we discovered how important truth can be in a situation where trust is
needed. We will also play "I've Got Your Back!" to illustrate truth and
trust in friendship. Be sure to ask your child about these books and
activities.
Sept. 23, 2015
This is My Friend…
We
have been practicing how to give a formal
introduction during morning meetings. Sometimes we need to introduce ourselves and other times we need to introduce someone else.
When
the opportunity arises, these students will be prepared to introduce friends
and family. Our greetings often teach
social skills that will contribute to
their success in the years ahead. 
Sharing
There
are many ways to "share" during morning meeting. We take time every
day to share ideas, feelings, suggestions and thoughts. Occasionally,
our share will include ideas for writing, a project or other classwork.
Sharing is always related to our meeting focus or something we are
learning at school. The purpose of sharing is to feel significant (or
important) every morning at school. Be sure to ask your child which
sharing activity is his/her favorite.
The Whip Share
is a very quick share. There is a
prompting question, time to think, then each student shares a short
response, such as a phrase. For example: "What would you do to survive
if you
were alone on an island?" (The main character, Abel, in Abel's Island, is facing this same obstacle.) Students share quickly going around the circle.
"Hey, What'cha Doing This Weekend?"
is a fun way to share on Fridays. Each student has a chance to dance
into the center of the circle, while the class chants around them, "Hey,
_______, what'cha doing this weekend?" In response, the student shares
something they hope to do on the weekend, along with a motion.
Following the share, the rest of the class chants and moves in the same
way. (Academic connection: Action words are called "verbs!")
Yes, No, Maybe So is a share that involves a series of yes or no questions. Each
student moves to the designated area to respond to the question in a way
that expresses what he/she believes is true.
Popcorn Share Students share an idea by raising their hand, and we share in any order.
Popcorn Share Students share an idea by raising their hand, and we share in any order.
Sept. 3, 2016
Good Mornings
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