The 5th Habit of Happy Kids: Listen Before You Talk

During the months of February and March, we’ll focus on the 5th Habit of Happy Kids:  Listen Before You Talk.  There are so many elements that contribute to this practice.  On the listening side, we need to focus our attention on the person who is speaking.  This means tuning out distractions and other things of interest.  It can be especially tough when we don’t like what the person is saying!  We also need to quiet down our own naturally-arising thoughts in order to truly hear what the other person is saying (rather than what we imagine s/he is saying).  Again, the challenge is greater when the other’s point of view differs from ours.  And it is so hard not to interrupt.  We must cultivate patience to listen until we’ve heard everything the speaker wants to say.  

On the talking side, we can do several things to promote others’ understanding.  We need to look people in the eyes when we speak (which as we know is also part of building empathy), unless there is a sensitivity that makes that very uncomfortable for one of the communication partners.  We also need to voice our ideas confidently, knowing we each are entitled to our unique perspective.  Watching the reactions of the people we’re talking with, being considerate of their emotions and needing another turn to talk, is another important skill to develop.

When I write about “The Habits”, it always makes me think about ways I can improve, too.   This month, I’m going to try and interrupt less often.  If I feel the need to interrupt, I’ll look right at the speaker’s face and remind myself his/her message is the most important thing in this moment.

Let’s encourage our students to be good listeners and confident speakers at home and at school.  We know communication skills are a key to fulfillment in life, and it is never too soon to start!

2nd Annual Horace Mann PBIS Carnival - A Big Hit!

For the second year in a row, Carnival Coordinator Kristy Gibbons and her amazing team of parent volunteers created a fun-filled event for Horace Mann's student body.  This party is well on its way to becoming a tradition at The Mann!

In order to celebrate students' safe, respectful, responsible, and kind behavior throughout the 2nd quarter, they have 45 minutes to enjoy a wide variety of activities in the gym:  face painting, ring toss and other "games of skill", sack race, popcorn stand, crafting with beads, and, of course, the wildly popular balloon animal/sword station. There were also quieter activities in the gym hallway if the gym got too loud (Legos and wall art), as well as bowling and other activities downstairs for students who are most successful with modified, staff-supported play.  The last act?  On Monday we'll find out who guessed the number of pieces of candy in the jar with the greatest accuracy...and of course they'll win the candy.

It was so rewarding to see our students from grades PK-5 having a blast with these wholesome, simple games.  I'd love to thank each and every parent volunteer individually for their generosity of time and patience, but there were so many I'd be afraid to miss someone.  So, a hearty group thank you to all--you know who you are :)

At the end of the 3rd quarter in March, we'll have a fun science-centered assembly that is sure to have kids laughing and learning in spite of themselves.

Horace Mann 4th Grader Honored for Poetry

Poetry comes in many forms and serves many purposes.  Most people have a strong reaction when considering poetry, conveying its unique place in the world of written expression.  Our district's reading and writing curriculum has units on poetry across grade levels, and there are many books of (traditional and non-traditional) poetry in the Horace Mann library.  Thinking about poetry and writing like a poet are unquestionably valuable skills for children and adults, alike (even though it can be really hard)!

In addition to writing about poetry, HMann students are, of course, writing about all kinds of topics:  fiction, nonfiction and perhaps personal journaling, too.  Writers are encouraged to write with their audience in mind.  Regularly, we share pieces of writing with peers in class, sometimes across classrooms at the grade level, and once in awhile we share within our school or other Lakewood Schools.

But sometimes, student work is shared on an even grander scale.  Recently, Horace Mann 4th grader Rian Fetting was listed on the Honor Roll of Stone Soup Magazine (https://stonesoup.com/) for his poetry.  Rian submitted three poems he wrote a couple years ago after a pet passed away.  They are all thought-provoking, but I'll share this one:

Inside-Outside

I'm different on the outside.

I almost always look bored.

But on the inside

sometimes I'm sad and miserable.

You say,

Are you having fun?

I say, yes.

I can tell you believe it

But it's not 

always true.

Congratulations to Rian on his recognition in Stone Soup.  I wonder if other Horace Mann students might be inspired to send their writing out into the world?