The Crayon Box That Talked & The Crayon Box That Quit

Throughout the past few weeks we have read:

1. The Crayon Box That Talked
2. The Day The Crayons Quit
3. The Day The Crayons Came Home

Throughout this mini unit we have been focusing on colour words, All About Me, & Feelings. 

After reading these stories we discussed how we each have unique qualities that bring us together as a class. We explored the theme of our identity and diversity. We also explored data analysis through graphing our favorite colours. On September 9th each student brought an All About Me Bag and shared their favourite things with the class. 

Bucket Filling & Friendship

Last week, we finished our "bucket-filling" unit. The students learned about feelings/emotions, relationships and bucket-filling.

We read,"Have you filled a bucket today?" The students brainstormed ideas on how they could be a bucket filler. Throughout the unit we also read, "Bucket filling from A to Z,"How full is your bucket?" and "Will you fill my bucket?"

We then went over rule number one of bucket filling.

1. Be a bucket filler. 

The students then created their own buckets and came up with ideas on how they can be a bucket filler. 

We then went over rule number two of bucket filling.

2. Don't Dip. 

 Before letting the students know what rule number 2 was I gave them an activity. Each group got a tube of toothpaste and some toothpicks. Each student had to try and squeeze all of the toothpaste out of the bowl. Once all the toothpaste was out, one at a time they had to use the toothpick to put the toothpaste back in the tube. The students quickly figured out that this was an impossible task. Once the toothpaste was out, it was very hard to put it back in the tube....this acts much like using hurtful words. Once we say or do something hurtful we can't take it back. We have to be careful with our words because it may be hard for someone to forgive us. 

The next day, we learned the last rule of bucket-filling. 

3. Use your lid.

What is a lid? A lid is something we use to protect our buckets. The students learned that it is important to stand up for yourself if someone is doing something that you do not like. It is also important to seek help if that doesn't work. We also learned that sometimes using your lid doesn't work and your bucket may be emptied even if no one purposely dipped in it. Sometimes we get sick, a family member may pass away or our pets run away. These are situations that we cannot control. In order for our bucket to be filled again we need time to grieve. 

Last week, we read Enemy Pie. The students learned that even if you think you someone is an enemy, if you give them a chance you may become friends! Instead of making enemy pies we made friendship pies! They were delicious. 

Friendship & Feelings

For the month of January & into February we will be focusing on friendship and feelings. 

In January, we started off the unit by discussing what good friends are and how you can be a good friend. We discussed that good friends play together and work together, good friends cooperate, take turns and share, and good friends are kind to one another. Then we discussed what safe activities we can play at school with our friends. Some ideas were...

1. We can play outside with our friends. We can climb, swing, run and play safe games.

2. We  can play inside with our friends. We can play blocks, puzzles, Lego and games. 

3. We can work in groups with our friends. Our friends can help us with our school work.

4. We can read with our friends during Daily 5. 

The next day, we discussed what responsibility means. We are responsible for different things at home and at school. 

Then, we did an activity called "The Wrinkled Heart." We started off the class sitting in a circle. We shared all the things we say that make people feel good or things that may hurt others feelings. We had a large red heart that we passed around. We discussed all the things that hurt us and folded the corners. Once the heart was all folded we shared all the things that make us feel good and unfolded the heart. Once we were finished we saw that we pressed out all the winkles, except, of course, for the fact that the wrinkles could still be seen even though the heart was unfolded. We discussed how we have wrinkles in our hearts from hurtful things that may have happened in our life and that the wrinkles last forever, which is why we need to think about our actions and be responsible.

Throughout the rest of the month we discussed using good manners, personal space, tattling vs. telling, sharing/taking turns and communicating appropriately.  

Friendship Pie

On Friday, the students created a friendship pie recipe!

Credit: http://ayearofmanyfirsts.blogspot.ca/2013/01/the-book-nook-enemy-pie.html