Building a Network of Neurons

Horace Mann Teacher Jennifer Frank is exploring two related neuroscience-based concepts this year:  The Growth Mindset and Mindfulness.  If you'd like to learn more about one or both of those things, read on (and feel free to Google them, too!)...

Last week, she found an opportunity to combine the two seamlessly with some 2nd graders. Students watched videos on neural pathways and neural connections, then made neurons out of pipe cleaners.  Together, they talked about how our brains can grow and be made stronger...and how putting in effort helps our brain cells increase and work better.

Students made their own neural pathways with black and white pipe cleaners, and then twined them together to make stronger, bigger neural connections.  Here are a couple pictures of their products:











It is thrilling to see advanced science come to life for young students, especially around a topic that can motivate them to try harder, experience success and feel better about learning. Thank you, Mrs. Frank, for finding a path to confidence and joy for our kids!

All About Art

Although we have formal visual art class at Horace Mann during the 2nd quarter, our students continue to engage their bodies and minds in art throughout the year.  One simple way this happens is during indoor recess.  Students have many choices in the "game room," such as drawing with markers and building with Legos and STEM toys like Magnatiles.

Another way art lives on at Horace Mann is through the group lessons our Occupational Therapists do with students in CHAMPS homerooms.  While they create seasonal and cultural works of art, they practice skills such as following directions and using tools (such as scissors and glue).  Students' unique art decorates our halls and makes them fun!  We always make sure it is student art, and not something done by adults to be "right."🙂Here are examples currently in the halls from Mrs. Crane, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Axford's classes:


Finally, a well-deserved shout out to the three Horace Mann artists who were honored by Lakewood Council of PTAs for their pieces entered in the Reflections contest Visual Arts category.  Our students (Helen Alcantar - 5th grade, Evelyn Lardi - 3rd grade, and Joanna Wright - 5th grade) were recognized at the Reflections program at Garfield Middle School on January 30th.  Congratulations, girls, and thank you for showing our community the great art happening year 'round at The Mann!

Comfortable Cafeteria is Changing the Face of Lunch at The Mann

When you close your eyes and think back to lunchtime in elementary school, what comes to mind?  Well, a lot has probably changed since then, but some things stayed the same...until recently, that is.

While lunch should be an enjoyable experience, there are times when lunch in the school cafeteria can be stressful.  Maybe it is too noisy, maybe the lights are too bright.  Maybe there isn't enough time to eat, or people aren't talking kindly with one an other.  In an effort to bring our positive behavior supports into the cafeteria, Horace Mann decided to implement a program called Comfortable Cafeteria (http://www.everymomentcounts.org/view.php?nav_id=1).

Before we began, a team was created with our five lunch/recess supervisors, an occupational therapist, two PTA members and the principal.  We educated ourselves about the program, decided it was a good fit, and planned how to proceed.  We chose 3rd grade to start, and plan to expand to other grades after the pilot. 

Last week, we did the first of 6 sessions, teaching 3rd graders about noise levels in the cafeteria.  Over the last couple weeks, thanks in part to PTA, changes have been happening in the cafeteria that are improving the environment and increasing student responsibility.  For example, we have dimmed the lights with blue filters, divided  tables into smaller sections, and given kids the ability to throw away their trash and volunteer to wipe tables.  On Friday, a few ficus trees were added (the picture is PTA President Amy Lardi on her way in with the big plants).  One 5th grader commented being in the lunchroom was starting to feel like being outside 😊

The vision of Comfortable Cafeteria is for our school to provide pleasant and positive mealtimes so that students will enjoy eating food and socializing with peers and adults.  We look forward to making this vision a reality, and welcome any feedback or suggestions.