RESERVOIR OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
A few weeks back, along with our 3rd/4th classroom teacher, I facilitated a discussion with our 3rd/4th graders about gossip. We considered how hurtful it is and brainstormed alternatives. One student asked if it was gossip if you said nice things about a person. Maggie piped in, "It's a compliment if you say something nice."
Each student contributed to our discussion and they all listened intently as their classmates shared their perspectives. We agreed that if we have something to say, we tell the person directly. We do not talk about a person behind their back. Kate shared a strategy that she and her brother use at home.
THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK
T - Is it Truthful?
H - Is it Helpful?
I - Is it Inspiring?
N - Is it Necessary?
K - Is it Kind?
We agreed on the importance of thinking before we speak. Students then shared examples of how their classmates or siblings were positive role models of being kind to others. Giving the students voice in alleviating gossip aligns with two tenets of Storypath, which we use for Social Studies:
- Children have a reservoir of knowledge that is often untapped in classroom settings.
- Problem solving is a natural and powerful human endeavor. When children are engaged in problem-solving, they take ownership of their own learning. (storypathforlearning.weebly.com)
By tapping in to our students' experiences and knowledge, we came up with concrete ways to communicate with one another in a positive way.