Holiday Preparations and a Different Kind of Countdown

Hello Everyone,

During our first unit of the year, we spent time talking about “taking action.” We discussed the ACTION CYCLE, which involves: 1. Identifying a problem, 2. Taking action by coming up with a solution, and 3, Reflecting on whether or not the solution was effective.

As we have fun in our classroom making some great art for our tree, planning our holiday party, preparing for Secret Santa, and producing gifts during art time, I think it is also a time to reflect on TAKING ACTION. By action, I don’t mean the big ways, like the things large organizations are doing to help human rights. I mean the small ways — the things we can do every day to make the world a better place.

To that end, I am asking students to do an activity each day related to taking action in small ways. Day one, we told jokes. That might not seem like taking action, but laughter is a release of stress, and making people laugh is one of the ways we build community in a positive way. Thank you to everyone for your funny jokes today, and for practicing your public speaking skills!

For day two, I am asking us to say thank you and to send out positive messages. We started by putting holiday pictures and positive messages all over the blank sidewalk outside of our portable at lunch today. You know what I noticed? The messages were made for others, but I think the people making the positive messages were getting just as much out of it by laughing and doing something constructive together. Tonight, I have asked you to thank other teachers in our school by making thank you notes. We will put them in cards tomorrow for their teacher boxes!

Look for the next task to come end of tomorrow! While we wait, can you tell me about any positive traditions or actions you take for the holidays, or at any other time of the year? What kinds of things do you and your family do for others that we may not know about? What do you do for one another? How do you make the people in your family feel good every day, not just the holidays? What special things have you done for friends? I will start with a few comments below. Please add. Parents, feel free to join in so students see what kinds of positive, small actions can make a difference in our world.

Thank you,

Ms. D