“Anger isn’t allowed at school.” ~ 4th Grade Student I’ve heard students identify themselves as “angry” or “bad” before they’ve even made it through elementary school. It got me thinking about the messages they’re receiving. Over the years, it’s become clearer to me how often kids confuse anger with the consequences generated when they act out of anger and rage. They haven’t learned to … Read More A…is for Anger
Brother David Steindl-Rast says, “In daily life we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy.” I recently came across a post by author Elizabeth Gilbert and she was talking about this wonderful thing called a Happiness Jar. I was so intrigued, I began a simple internet search to find out more. Here’s the basic idea: Write down one happy moment every day … Read More Happiness Jar
How are you? We regularly ask people how they’re doing and, on occasion, we’re genuinely available for their response. There are also many times when “How are you?” is more of a social gesture, a brief acknowledgment as we pass by, but we’re not really available to stick around for the whole story. We accept a quick “I’m fine. How are you?” before changing the topic or continuing on … Read More How Are You Today?
Looking for good in the world… This is how the seed for “Kindness Detectives” was planted… A colleague of mine decided to celebrate his birthday through giving rather than receiving. His birthday falls close to the 100th day of school and as elementary school teachers this day is a big deal. My first grade class got together with our 5th grade buddies and my colleague … Read More Kindness Detectives
As we continue to grow our mindful awareness at school, I’ve been teaching my first graders how to pay attention to thinking. To introduce the practice, we sit in a circle, settle in to our mindful bodies and take a few deep breaths together. Next, I ring the bell and we try to be still and quiet as we notice any thoughts we’re having. … Read More What’s On Your Mind?
As I commute to work, I enjoy listening to talks in my car. They give me food for thought, content to reflect upon and help to ease the challenges of sitting in traffic. Recently, a teacher was discussing the power of storytelling…specifically stories of kindness. When we share stories of the heart, we’re all lifted up a bit. I’ve had the pleasure and challenge … Read More WAIT…Why Am I Talking?
We sat together quietly, eyes closed with our hands placed gently over our hearts. The energy in the classroom immediately began to calm and our bodies slowly settled with each breath. Alongside twenty five fourth graders, I invited us to recall a time in our lives when we’ve felt peaceful. With our attention on this memory, we imagined ourselves there as we called to mind the details … Read More Peaceful Place
Connecting With Heart 