This Week in Health (November 18th-22nd)

Ms. Riccio's Classes:

6th Grade:

In 6th grade, we are continuing with the 2nd Step program. This week we are learning how to consider other people's perspectives, how to disagree respectfully, and how to communicate using an assertive communication style. Students are watching a variety of video clips to facilitate discussion about these topics and to help learn the skills. Then, the students are engaging in partner/group activities to practice the skills.

7th Grade:

In 7th grade, we are continuing in our relationships unit. We are focusing in now on friendships and are identifying positive qualities to look for in friends versus negative qualities. The students will be creating "Want Ads" describing their ideal friend and highlighting the top positive qualities that they think are the most important for a friend to have. We are also discussing the limits of friendship. The students will be identifying situations where our friends might be asking "too much" of us and how to handle those situations. 

8th Grade:

In 8th grade, we are discussing how our personal values impact the decisions we make. We are also identifying how we can use our values to guide us towards making good decisions in difficult situations. The students are learning the "ABCDE" decision making model (Assess the situation; Brainstorm solutions; Consider consequences; Decide and act; and Evaluate). The students are working together to apply this decision making model to a variety of scenarios. 

Ms. Tash's Classes:

6th Grade:

The students are working on their communication skills. They are "tweeting" their feelings on the class
Tweet Board.

7th Grade:

In block 3, the students are heading the "Shoot the Turkey" fundraiser to benefit children affected by HIV/AIDS. They are creating posters and red ribbons. The focus of this effort is empathy and compassion. In block 4, the students are differentiating between "cliques" and "friends", as well as identifying if a person is a true friend. 

8th Grade:

The 8th graders are looking at heroes. They are defining what and who heroes are in our daily lives.