Life is Good!

Spreading the Power of Optimism

Life is not perfect.  Life is not easy.  Life is good.

This year we are exploring the themes presented in the book, Life is Good, written by Bert and John Jacobs. The Jacobs brothers write, "Each one of us has a choice:  to focus our energy on obstacles or opportunities.  To fixate on our problems, or focus on solutions.  We can harp on what's wrong with the world, or we can cultivate what's right with the world." 

The Life is Good community shares one simple, unifying mission:  to spread the power of optimism. Optimism empowers us to explore the world with open arms and an eye toward solutions, progress, and growth.  It also makes life a lot more fun!

Optimism enables us to access the ten most important tools we have for living a happy and fulfilling life.  The Jacobs call them the Life is Good Superpowers.  These Superpowers can help one overcome obstacles, drive forward with greater purpose, and enjoy the ride of life."

                                  

Superpower #1 Openness.

Openness is a conscious effort to step outside of your comfort zone to experience new things.   

How does one become more open?

Follow the Leader-  The next time you sit down with your child, imagine your child is your teacher.  Let her tell you about the drawing or the toy, or where the story goes next.  Let her show you her view of the world, in her own words.  Follow her lead.  Be willing to be silly, and let go of trying to direct.  You ask the "Whys?" and discover the world as she directs the kid in you.

"Yes, And."-  Try using this phrase wherever you work or meet in groups.  Invite people to share their wildest ideas up front and encourage the group to take each one for a spin, accepting and building on it.  The filtering and editing down can happen later, but this first crucial step creates an open environment of collaboration that sparks innovation. 

Everything is a Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience- Get out and see the world!  We're not necessarily talking adventure travel or long road trips.  If you don't go, you don't see can also apply to your neighbor's home, a live show, a place you've been meaning to volunteer at, or the contemporary art exhibit you're not quite sure is for you.  Changing up your routine and physical surroundings will help open your mind to fresh perspectives.

In the month of October we will continue to foster Openness while introducing the Superpower of Creativity!

We Are Bucket Fillers!

I read the book below to help foster a positive social climate in the classroom.  Click on the image to hear the story read aloud:

After reading the book each child participated in sorting through the following cards.

When children have a positive interaction with a classmate, I write the act of kindness on a post-it and the children proudly display it on the bucket. 

The children created the following buckets.

Click the image below to hear the song we have been singing to remind us of ways we can fill buckets throughout the day.  The children love it!

K-Rob

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Guinness World Record Holder and X Games Gold Medalist

Kevin Robinson

Through real life stories of success and failure, Kevin shared his own personal stories of perseverance and dedication. The use of video, powerpoint, live bike stunts, interaction and engagement, made this program both educational and exciting. 

The highlight of the show was when K-Rob jumped over Mrs. Wronski, Miss Sideri, Mrs. Casagrande and Mrs. Burke!

Kevin uses the acronym T.R.I.C.K. as he shares important messages with the children. 

T.R.I.C.K. stands for:

TEAMWORK, RESPECT, INSPIRATION, CONFIDENCE, and KINDNESS.  

 It's a great reminder for both students and teachers to continue to strive for excellence!

Click the image below to view his record setting backflip jump.

Many thanks to TESPTO for funding this fantastic program!

Building Stamina

The children have been working on building their stamina while reading independently.  First we needed to discuss the meaning of the word:

Your child should be able to tell you what their job is during "Read to Self".

1.  Stay in one spot.

2.  Get started reading right away.

3.  Read quietly.

4.  Read the whole time.

5.  Build your stamina!

I actually use a stopwatch and stop it when someone starts talking to a friend, or if one of the students becomes restless and/or moves out of his/her spot.

 Children are able to choose wherever they would like to read as long as they are not too close to a peer. Here they are, trying hard to build their stamina. 

The children have reached the 12 minute mark!  YAY!

Parent Seminar

It was great meeting so many of you at the Parent Seminar! I hope you have a better idea of what your first grader is doing all day.  They are very busy and expectations are high (though we always manage to have plenty of fun while learning).  

            I have included my PowerPoint for those of you who may want to refer back to it, or those who were unable to attend.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions.

lhancock@topsfieldps.org