In our classroom, we take care of ourselves by using our words to express what we like and what we don't like. Sometimes classmates might stand too close. Other times they might take something that we are still using, or knock down something we have just built. As adults, we have a set of strategies when we don't like what someone has done. First, we let them know that we want them to stop. Then, we might explain why. If this doesn't work, we might get a friend or colleague to help us. On the rare ocassion when all of this doesn't work, we ignore the behavior or remove ourselves from the situation.
The Shamayim children are beginning this extensive process of building their problem solving strategy skill sets. Today, we started talking about how we feel when another child is doing something that we don't like or makes us uncomfortable. We feel mad, sad, scared, frustrated. The first problem solving strategy that we will try is:
Stop! (Hands on the hips making triangles with your arms and a strong voice). We are advocating for ourselves. Making our needs and feelings known and beginning to take care of ourselves.
We role played and practiced this together. We also talked about how we take care of each other by supporting a friend when they are not comfortable. Sonia showed us how she would help Bennett if he wanted someone to stop.
Strong problem solving skills are key to resiliency and success in later childhood and adulthood. We are excited to embark on this important life skill together.
What an important lesson to teach the kids. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteReally awesome. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteYou have so beautifully articulated this learning process from this young age to when they grown into adults. What important lessons you are teaching!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ellen. It's a very clear explanation. Mia learned these strategies when she was at TBSCC, and I am constantly impressed with stories from her and her teachers about how she solves problems independently with her friends at school (not as much with her brother, but we still refer to the strategies at home). I am convinced her ability to negotiate tricky situations with friends is due largely to the focus on problem solving at TBSCC. Adam is in the process of internalizing them but he thinks about them and how he can best solve problems with his sister at home. Love that even the younger kids are being taught some strategies as well.
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