In Health we are working on communicating our feelings with others. We have done quite a bit in the past month with "bucket filling" by sharing positive words and compliments with one another. Students have been practicing to do random acts of kindness for others and overall our classroom is a very positive space! However, we are also seeing that when frustrations or negative emotions do arise, students don't always use the best methods of communication to express their emotions.
"I statements" (or "I messages" as they are also referred to) are a framework that allows someone to express how the behaviour of someone else is impacting them and changes the conflict from a blame game to allowing the opportunity for the other person to experience some empathy and hear why their behaviour is a problem for someone. For an example, we have some students who like to hum or make noises to themselves during quiet independent tasks and this often leads to others being annoyed. The first instinct of many people is to say "stop it!" or get angry at whoever is making the noises. This leads the "noisemaker" to get defensive and upset for being angrily told to stop because they often don't even realize they are singing or causing a problem for anyone else. Our goal is for students to start using "I statements" to begin to problem solve more independently and positively. For example they could say "I don't like it when you hum during task time because I can't concentrate, could you please stop". The other person is more likely to respond and understand why the humming is causing a problem for others. It works in so many situations!
This is a two part process and this is just the first step. Students will continue to practice this and once they are more comfortable with doing this step, we will then move into what to do if someone tells you an "I statement" and wants you to stop doing something. In addition, we will explore what to do next if your "I statement" doesn't work and the person keeps the problem going. There is a really basic video that outlines the framework.
I don't like it when _(what is the person doing)_because (why is it a problem for you?)_can you please stop?
or
I feel _______ when you _______ because __________.
Upcoming Info/Events
Nov. 22- Learning Commons book exchange
Nov. 23- Pointsetta fundraiser orders due
Nov. 24- Scholastic book orders due
-Early dismissal
-Fun
Lunch
Nov. 28+29- Popcorn Fundraiser Days
Dec. 1- Movie Fundraiser Night
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