Leadership

In the short month of April, the students continued their weekly group chores with the animals, team building games, and class meetings.

We continued to hone our class meeting appreciations to help each other feel more authentic, included, and comfortable with the process.  I have asked the students to limit an appreciation to just one person; when someone compliments a group of kids, the feeling of being left out can be heightened.  Also, we’ve once again started including the option to pass to encourage more heartfelt appreciations.  The students may also choose to ask for a compliment or to give one.  Often, the class meeting is a time to voice concerns over class procedures, student behavior or school rules.  Recently, the students agreed that they wanted to be able to serve themselves the peanut butter lollypop, a spoonful of protein and flavor, offered to help stave off hunger and focus their attention.  We gave it a try and it’s been working fine ever since.

They’ve been doing a wonderful job with the animals, giving care where needed and readily noticing the finer touches necessary to give the animals the extra special care they deserve.  Last week, the students worked together to take down the portable fencing for the alpacas, making space for the May Faire water slide. 

Although the sun is shining, the students continue to choose inside team building games where it is dry and warm. 

I’m looking forward to the students completing their individual student learning styles assessments and using the information and strategies as they transition out of Orchard School and into another system.