This week we have been focusing on being extra kind to each other and our friends and loved ones outside of school too. We started off wearing odd socks and have been collecting up all the kind deeds we have done recording them in a kindness log.
In lessons we have been reading about the different categories of bullying and how they cause those bullied to be very unhappy. The children acted out how to solve or intervene in bullying incidents; equipping the children with strategies to help themselves or others if faced with bullying behaviours. We also outlined where help could be sought if they need it too.
To broaden our understanding of being kind, we looked at extracts from the book and film clips entitled Wonder by R J Palacio. This follows the journey of a 10 year old boy as he starts middle school and emphasises the message that we may be different on the outside but inside we often share a lot of the same qualities and interests. It made the children think about how a range of children, all with differing needs, needed kindness in their lives to ensure happiness. We gave advice to the characters in the story to help them with their problems and thought about how they would react in similar situations.
Here are some of the inspirational phrases from the story that the children have been discussing. We agreed they were worth sharing:
“When given the choice between being right or being kind choose kind.”
“I think there should be a rule that everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their lives.”
“Kinder than is necessary. Because it's not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed.”
“Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.”
“It’s not enough to be friendly. You have to be a friend.”
“The best way to measure how much you've grown isn't by inches or the number of laps you can now run around the track, or even your grade point average-- though those things are important, to be sure. It's what you've done with your time, how you've chosen to spend your days, and whom you've touched this year. That, to me, is the greatest measure of success.”
“We carry with us, as human beings, not just the capacity to be kind, but the very choice of kindness.”
From Wonder by R J Palacio
To bring the focus closer to home, the class wrote notes to people they know to thank them for all the kindness they are shown. There were some extremely touching messages and this week has once again reminded us what a caring, thoughtful and kind class Oak are. We have also made some resources to put around the classroom as reminders to say kind things and to help us with ideas to check in on each other.
We ended the week on a high by joining in with BBC Children in Need's fund raiser, once again showing kindness through the money families generously donated. Look how brightly we sparkled in the gallery!! We had a go at some maths ideas from Pudsey and did a work out with Joe Wicks.
The inter house cross country was the highlight of the week for many and Mrs Thornton was extremely proud of all the effort and determination that the children showed. Check out the gallery for some action shots!
Next week has more excitement as we look forward to the cinema visit and No Pen Day. The fun never stops at Ashton First School!
