This week Kindergarten and 1st grade students began the Safe@Last program. Due to snow, Mrs. Bostelman, Ms. Anglea, Mrs. Engle, and Mrs. White’s classes did not meet.
The first lesson for Kindergarten focuses on learning the term “safe people” (an adult you trust and can go to for help) and talking about safety rules. We also talk about how you should ask for permission before you change any of your safety rules, or if anyone wants to take you somewhere or give you something.
The first lesson in 1st grade is a review of the basics they learned in kindergarten…identifying safe people, asking permission, and strangers. We also talked about what you should do if an adult stops to ask you for directions (don’t talk to them, walk/run away from the car, and tell a safe person).
Second grade finished up the 8 Keys of Excellence by talking about Failure Leads to Success. They heard the story of Wally, who couldn’t get anyone to hire him, started two businesses (that failed), had a brief success only to have it taken away (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit). As we talk a little more, the students learn that Wally is actually Walt Disney, creator of Mortimer Mickey Mouse. The students had a chance to experience failure by working on tangrams. They were very quick to say “I don’t have the right pieces!” (when they did) or “I can’t do this, it’s too hard!” after trying for less than a minute. I encouraged them to keep trying, and a few were able to complete the object. Other students got close, or had a few pieces in the right place. We talked about how it wouldn’t have been a big deal to make the shape if it was really easy, and that they were so excited and proud of their accomplishments because it had been harder to do.
I did not see Mrs. Merlin or Mrs. Klipple’s classes, and they will finish the 8 Keys at their next meeting. Mrs. Branch, Mrs. Mathews, and Mrs. Swinger’s classes will all start Safe@Last at our next meeting.
