We also started talking about how to be STAR problem solvers!! We discussed the difference between kid and adult sized problems: things we can solve on our own and things we need adults to solve with or for us. We talked about the "S" of STAR, which stands for stop! When we have a problem, it often causes big feelings. We need to stop to calm our bodies and minds so we can solve the problem! We practiced "soup breathing" to help us get calm.
1st- Diversity. We talked about ways we are different and being different is a good thing! We read the book It's Okay to be Different and discussed the diversity in the book. We don't have to be the same or even agree, but at Fairview we are always respectful to ALL people!
2nd- Life changes. We talked about what life changes are (big things that change your life), brainstormed examples, and discussed the different feelings people might have about those changes. We talked about some coping strategies to use with big feelings-no matter when you have them! We did a guided relaxation script to help us practice our breathing, relaxing our muscles, and thinking about positive things/memories.
3rd- Feedback. Feedback is just information! We talked about times we get feedback and how we can use it to improve ourselves. We read Thanks for the Feedback, I Think and talked about the main character's strategies for responding to feedback (both constructive and positive).
4th- Attitude and feelings. We talked about the ripple effect of feelings-how they can get passed along to others (positive OR negative). We talked about what we can do to stop negative attitude from spreading. When we are negative back, we just get more yuck, but when we are positive it can get rid of the negative.
5th- They decisions and self-control. We talked about who makes decisions for us and what kinds of decisions are made for us. We don't always agree and that can cause tough feelings. Why is self control important? What are positive ways to deal with decisions we don't like? We read a short story about the lasting effects of our behavior and connected that to our Character Connection lessons about reputation.