A Week to Reflect

If you always do

What you've always done,
You'll always get

What you've always gotten.

-unknown-

It was snowy and cold outside, and I was glued to the T.V. inside. I experienced many thoughts and feelings, as did you all.  "Not again." "What is wrong with us?" "Is nothing ever going to change?" Once again violence stemmed from anger, hatred, and loneliness occurred, this time in Tucson. Citizens were wounded, killed and we are all  horrified. Is it possible to change this culture that is becoming more and more violent?  I don't know, but I do believe that it is worth everybody doing their part to help solve the problem.
As a kindergarten teacher, I made some decisions about what atmosphere I wanted my classroom to reflect. In this case, I was "the boss." and we were going to become a caring community.  So,

• no play weapons, even for "show and tell."
• cooperative centers, where children were encouraged to help each other and do their best, were implemented.
• encouragement was given to help children solve their disagreements using words.
• we read and talked about stories that incorporated good writing, attractive illustrations, and a worthwhile message.
• we brought attention to children who were being good friends, using their words, and demonstrating kindness.
• we brainstormed ideas that could bring solutions to problems.

I continually told children that "what they did and said affected everyone else, in either a good or a bad way." They may not have understood at 5, but I hoped they would remember where they first heard it, as they matured.
I would encourage parents to encourage a peaceful home.

• Turn off, or limit, T.V.
• Monitor the video games and internet.
• Send your children outside to play.
• Work with your kids to solve problems.
• Read and discuss stories that have the message you want to impart.
• Have dinner together as often as you can.
• Listen to your children and take them seiously. (Ask questions and listen to answers.)

Activity: Begin a Journal. Children as young as five can write,
              draw or cut and paste in a "Journal."
              Let your child select a blank book and find a time
              daily, three times a week, or even once a week to make 
              a journal entry.   
Materials:        

•   An attractive book.
•   Pencil
•   Markers
•   Scissors

Some books that might encourage journal entries:

• Tough Boris, by Mem Fox, illustrations by Kathryn Brown. Even Pirates cry.   Entry: What is there that makes you sad?
• I'm in Charge of Celebrations, by Byrd Baylor, pictures by Peter Parnall. So much around us to celebrate. Entry: What is there to celebrate, that you might take for granted?
• Tickle Monster, by Josie Bissett, illustrations by Kevan j. Atteberry. A lovable "Monster" has flown in from planet "Tickle," to bring joy and laughter to planet Earth. Entry: What can you can do to add happiness to the life of someone else?
• Roxaboxen: by Alice McLerran, illustrated by Barbara Cooney. An imaginative town is created by children, where play is encouraged, problems are solved and childhood memories are inspired. Entry: What would you include in a town that you created yourself? 

Pictures, words, or pictures and words make wonderful journal entries. Suggest that your child expand on what they enter.
Let us do all we can at home, in school and in our lives to make this a friendlier, more civil and  peaceful city, state and county...world. Let's be models for our kids.

Let's do it for Christina!

 Jane
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