Leadership

All the planning, cooperating, and preparation for the Haunted Willows culminated with its opening and closing at our annual Halloween Party.  Many were impressed with how the students played out their roles, staying eerily in character, making it a most successful Haunted Willows.  The students wrote a reflection on the event describing what went well, what they would change, and whether or not we should do it again.  The majority of students thought it was worth their efforts and thought it should be done again.

The students worked on communication and “I messages”.  They each made a list of things that make them mad or push their button.  We then randomly partnered up using the equity sticks.  The students used one of the irritating things from their list and role played how one might respond by using the “I message” to convey what they are feeling and what they would like the person to do.  For example, “I feel really frustrated when you sing that song over and over.  I wish you would stop.” It’s a way to communicate your feelings without blaming.  The kids had fun acting out their various scenarios. 

They continued taking care of the animals, playing team building games, and making posters for the fifth/sixth popcorn fundraiser.  In addition, the students have been writing responses to reflection cards from the Ungame.  Some prompts include, “What do you think you are too young to do?”, or, “If you were a teacher, what would you teach?”  It’s interesting to see their responses.