How To Be a Good Citizen?

What does it mean to be a good citizen? How can I make a difference? I'm only six...I'm only ten. Enjoy viewing the pictures with your child. I hope you have a great discussion on how everyone can make positive changes in our communities, schools, neighborhoods, and places of worship!

Amazing Grace

The younger classes read Amazing Grace in Character. The story describes the main character's challenges in pursing her dreams. Amazing Grace teaches children that passion and perseverance are more powerful than other people's perceptions. Enjoy the video. Fondly, Catriona Schmidt

Assertiveness Training

The 8's and 9's learned about different approaches to interacting with friends. We reviewed the disadvantages of being aggressive and passive. Role playing was of course a bit hit! Ultimately, students explored how to stand up for themselves without being mean or feeling afraid. It's important for children to be heard by their peers. Helping them find their voices to express their thoughts and feelings is invaluable. We explored why sometimes it's easier to act passively...no conflict, avoid arguments, keep things calm...The discussion among the students was insightful. We will continue practicing assertiveness training in the upcoming months. Ask your child the differences among being assertive, passive,and aggressive. (One student even brought up passive/aggressive...very mature thinking!)

Reading Biographies

Enjoy!

Patience? What's That?

Our monthly theme for November is patience and self-control. Waiting for recess, waiting to be called on in class, and waiting in line for lunch can really take a lot of patience for a child. The Lower School will focus on skills needed for self-control at the various age levels. The 6th age class listened to a story entitled, It's Hard to be Five. The story shares how important is it to be in control of ourselves and the effects our behavior has on those around us.

It's Not Fair!

What is fairness?

That is what we will be discussing this month!

Is it fair that my sister gets to stay up late?
Is it fair that my friend has a DSi and I don't?
Is it fair that my dad works long hours?
Is it fair that I wasn't picked for the team?

"Fairness means treating other people the way you want to be treated. It means trying to give everyone rights and chances like those you have. When you're fair, you do your best to share, take turns, and treat each person with respect."

Enjoy talking with your child/ren this month about fairness.

Best,
Catriona

Character Activities