Whitman character Traits September – Kindness October – Problem Solving November – Respect December – Cooperation/Teamwork January - Perseverance February – Inclusiveness March – Responsibility April – Growth Mindset May – Courage June – Wildcat Pride

Have you filled a Bucket today? September~ Kindness Have you filled a Bucket today?

Kindness Boomerang https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwAYpLVyeFU

October ~ Problem Solving with Kelso’s Choices conflict management for children

Why Kelso’s Choices? Bullying unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose. *Unwanted and annoying behavior is not BULLYING. Our job is to help our young students become problem solvers and empower them to take action while increasing confidence, reducing tattling, and preventing bullying.

What are the benefits??? Empowers students to take ownership of their own choices Reduces Tattling- prevents small problems from escalating, prevents negative attention-getting Systematic and Consistent Expectations Helps students know and understand the difference between BIG and small Problems Increases feelings of personal competence and reduces stress Provides young students with a conflict resolution tool they can use when adults are not available. Curriculum delivered over the past 8 years and beyond

Whitman students are problem solvers not victims All adults need to be on board and speak the same Language Helps prevent negative attention seeking Consistent expectations for solving problems help students feel empowered Conflict or disagreement is normal and often happens when kids are together. Our goal is to help guide students in dealing with conflict in a positive and respectful manner.

Key Phrases “Is it a BIG problem or a small problem?” “Is it scary? dangerous? is someone getting hurt?” Big problems are where We come in to help “If you are having a small problem remember your choices.” “Pick 2 choices to try. Which choice did you decide to try?” Tattling = when a student tries to get someone in trouble and doesn't try to solve the problem. Reporting = when a student seeks adult help for a real(BIG) problem (fighting, threats, vandalism, racist/obscene language,drugs/alcohol,stealing, etc.)

Encourage/Help students Pick 2 Choices Go to Another Game Talk it Out when you ____ I feel ____ please____ Share and Take Turns Ignore it whole body ignoring (calm face, relaxed body) Walk Away If they are followed it becomes a BIG problem walk away calmly and in control Tell them to STOP be assertive use Shaver Signal S/W/T---- Apologize “I am sorry for____are you ok?” Make a Deal (rock paper scissors) Wait and Cool Off Encourage/Help students Pick 2 Choices

When a small problem becomes a big problem…... A student has used two choices and they are still being bothered OR Someone has was hurt, threatened, recipient of obscene language, stolen from etc With or w/o the reporting student, approach the student displaying the problem behavior and ask “did _____ ask you to stop(walk away, etc)?” “how did you respond” “was that a safe/respectful etc way to respond?” “what are some ways to respectfully respond?” follow up with the Whitman Discipline Procedure as necessary

KC’s W H E L Choose 2 and Diffuse

Treat others how you want to be treated November~ RESPECT Treat others how you want to be treated

December Cooperation & Teamwork Listening and working together in the Classroom K/1 The Power of Bystanders working together for whitman 2nd-5th

Look for My Counselor Corner In our monthly newsletter to hear about what we are doing during Coun lessons each month!