Peaceable Possibilities November 2004
“Come closer to the edge,” he said. They said, “we’re afraid.” “Come close to the edge,” he said. They came. He pushed them, and they flew. -Guillaume Apollinarie
“I touch the future; I teach.” -Christa McAuliff
“Let him that would move the world, first move himself.” -Socrates
Peaceable Schools Brigham Young University David O. McKay School of Education MCKB 301 Provo, UT 84604
Phone: (801) 377-0560
We’re on the Web! http://education.byu.edu/peaceableschools/ |
. Our First Newsletter! William Butler Yeats once said, “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” As this new school year has quickly unraveled, and time has been taken up with various duties and obligations, know that in the midst of it all, you as an educator, are lighting fires. You are lighting the fires of the students you serve daily. They depend on you and need your positive influence. The partnership between Brigham Young University and the Nebo School District entitled “Peaceable Schools” has now been in place for three years. This year, we have added nine new elementary schools to our partnership (listed below). Wonderful things are happening across the board in each Peaceable School. Daily triumphs and successes are experienced frequently between teachers, students, and administrators. In an effort to celebrate all the good that is taking place and to communicate what is happening between the schools, we have put together this monthly newsletter. We hope that you will find helpful information in these short newsletters and that you will be encouraged in new ways to implement Peaceable Schools into your own classrooms. . . Peaceable Schools Participating Schools: ♦ Barnett Elementary ♦ Rees Elementary ♦ Grandview Elementary ♦ Sage Creek Elementary ♦ Goshen Elementary ♦ Santaquin Elementary ♦ Mt. Loafer Elementary ♦ Spanish Oaks Elementary ♦ Park Elementary ♦ Westside Elementary ♦ Park View Elementary . . Praise Notes Really Work! The power of praise is amazing. Recently, one first grade teacher from Barnett elementary had an experience with a student that demonstrates this truth. Mrs. Catlett wanted to express to one of her students her gratitude for the student being on task and doing what he was asked to do. So, Mrs. Catlett took a moment out of her busy day to write a small thank you note, put it in an envelope, and give it to her student. The little boy was more than thrilled when he opened up the envelope with his own name on it. His face brightened and his eyes widened with joy as he read the words his teacher had written. He looked up at his teacher, smiled, and then pressed the note to his chest. Mrs. Catlett was pleased that such a small act of showing gratitude and praise was so appreciated by this young first grader. She later remarked that the little boy continued to clutch the note and held it close to him throughout the day. What a difference a little encouragement can make. . . Social Skill of the Month Each month, we will feature a social skill from one of the participating schools and a new idea, story, or experience to inspire you. This month, “How to Show Kindness” will be featured. Below is a link to a story that can be implemented to teach this or a similar social skill. Spanish Oaks Elementary social skill for the month of November:
2. Show interest (“I like that,” or “How are you?”.) 3. Cooperate (take turns, share, and work together.) 4. Use “please,” “thank you” and “I’m sorry.”
http://www.forbetterlife.org/main.asp?section=values&valueID=26&language=eng
Upcoming Newsletter Our upcoming “Peaceable Possibilities” will feature the following things:
Ideas for using “School-to-Home” notes
Ways to recognize kids who receive praise notes
Other fun stuff!!! |
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