We are 9 weeks into the school year and it feels like the first day was yesterday... my how time flies when you are having fun!
I have been working with 1st grade students using Kelso's Choice Conflict Management for Children. 1st graders now know 9 ways to peacefully resolve conflict. Its so exciting seeing children solve their own problems!
Next I have headed to fourth and fifth grade to do bully prevention lessons. More details to come!
I am about 1/2 way through my lunch groups (we meet for 7 weeks and I have 5 lunch group currently going). I love spending time with the kids, they get to get out of the cafeteria, and I get to know them a little better. During lunch group, once everyone is seated, we talk about "one High and one Low", one thing that is going great and one thing they are struggling with. After lunch, we have about 7 minutes and we usually play a cooperative game. The kids seem to enjoy the time and we have become a tight knit little group.

Last week, during group, I looked around and realized that everyone at the table had experienced a loss this fall semester. I took the time to talk about the things to say to someone who is grieving (and they came up with their own list!). I found that the students are smart, caring and insightful. What a gift it is to spend time with them.
Cheers!