5th Grade Lesson - Self-Concept

Self-concept is our mental image of ourselves. In order to be a mentally healthy individual, we must have a healthy self-concept. Often people associate self-concept with girls, but it is just as important for boys to have positive thoughts and feelings about themselves.  This lesson focuses on examining our own self-concept and learning ways we can improve our self-esteem.

During this lesson, students used a Likert scale to anonymously respond to statements regarding self-concept using the app Socrative on the iPad.  For each statement below, students were asked to rank their feelings about the question as (A) agree (B) kind of agree (C) kind of disagree (D) disagree.

• If someone doesn’t agree with you, that means he or she doesn’t like you.
• If you don’t do something well, there is not point in doing it at all.
• To be happy, my friends must be happy with me.
• Without friends, I am nobody.
• Being liked is more important than being respected.
• If I get a failing grade, that means I’m a failure.
• If someone gets a better grade than I do, that means he or she is a better person.
• If my friends want me to do something then I should do it if I want them to be my friends.
• People who are good looking are happier than people who aren’t.
• If someone I care about is angry with me, it destroys my day.
• If I do something nice for someone, they will do something nice for me.
• The more popular someone is, the happier he or she is.

After all students in the class responded, we examined the overall responses and students were able to share their viewpoints on each statement. We discussed things we can control versus things we cannot control and how focusing on things we cannot control can damage our self-concept.  We also examined how the media affects the way we feel about ourselves.  We watched a video clip entitled "Dove Evolution" so students could see how Photoshop makes an ordinary person look extraordinary. We discussed the dangers of comparing ourselves to famous singers, actors, actresses, and athletes, because the images we often see of these people are not reality. We ended the lesson by sharing tips for improving self-esteem and having each student write down three things they like about themselves. By focusing on the positives about ourselves and on the things we can control in life, we can have a more positive self-concept and, in turn, achieve greater happiness.

To find our more about developing your child's self-esteem, visit KidsHealth.org.

4th Grade Bullying Unit, Lesson 3

During the month of January, 4th grade classes participated in the final lesson in our bullying unit called "Don't Stand By, Stand Up to a Bully!" This lesson focuses on what to do if you see bullying taking place.  The objectives for this lesson are as follows:

• Review what makes a bully a bully.
• Identify ways you can help stand up to a bully.
• Complete a pretest/posttest on standing up to a bully
• Watch “Don’t Stand By: Stand Up to a Bully” video and discuss
• Complete handout:  “Choose Your Words”  and “Being a Pal”
• Recognize times when friends may be bullies.
• Identify strategies for making new friends.

Through this lesson, students are encouraged not to stand by when another student is being mistreated. They are encouraged to stand up together and "fight back" with appropriate, research-proven strategies that are assertive but not aggressive. In addition, students have a chance to examine their friends in order to determine if they have a friendship that should be discontinued.

When students stand up together and do the right thing, even when no one is looking, they are leaders and can make a difference in the school community.

5th Grade Lesson - Rumor Has It

This lesson entitled Rumor Has It focuses on encouraging our students to stop and T.H.I.N.K...

So many times, students speak without stopping to think about the consequences of their words.  In this lesson, students watched a video entitled "Buzz, Buzz, Buzz, Did You Hear About...?"  The video is comprised of several different segments in which students learn how rumors often start. Students are shown that things are not always how they appear and that they should always have their facts straight before talking about something. We focus on the fact that it's best not to talk about other people...period. The objectives for this lesson are as follows:

• Understand the meaning of rumors and gossip
• Recognize how rumors and gossip start and are spread
• Be aware of the reasons people might spread rumors and gossip
• Understand the dangers of spreading rumors and gossip
• Learn how to defend against rumors and gossip

By the end of the lesson, students have a greater understanding of how rumors start and what to do if they find themselves involved with rumors and gossip.

Students are encouraged to try the strategies above if they are dealing with rumors and gossip. They may also make an appointment with me to discuss other strategies and to get help if this is an issue they are dealing with. We want our students to learn to solve their own problems, but also to be happy each day when they come to school!

4th Grade Bullying Unit, Lesson 2

This month 4th graders continued with the next lesson in the bullying unit from The BullyProof Kit. The title of this lesson is "5 Ways to Stop a Bully" and is designed to teach students strategies to use when dealing with bullies and when dealing with people who are just not being nice.  The objectives for the lesson are as follows:

• Review the behaviors of a bully.
• Learn 5 ways you can stop a bully.
• Describe appropriate ways of handling various bully situations.

I stress to the students that these strategies will work with people at school, people on the bus, and even siblings! They are versatile and can be applied in various situations.  We discuss the fact that you might have to try a strategy more than once and you might even need to try more than one strategy in order to solve your problem.  The strategies we discuss in the lesson are listed below.

Although "Tell an Adult" is listed last, we have a long discussion about when it is appropriate to seek assistance from an adult right away. If a student is threatened by someone else, they should go to an adult right away, especially if the threat is of physical violence. In addition, if someone speaks to the student about having a weapon or using a weapon or if the student sees the person in possession of a weapon, the student should go to an adult right away.

While we want our children to learn strategies to solve their own problems, we understand that sometimes these strategies do not work and adult intervention is needed. If you ever feel that your child is the victim of bullying, please do not hesitate to contact me via e-mail or phone. I will work with you and your child in a confidential manner to help solve any problems that arise. In addition, students may obtain a red counseling appointment request form from me or their classroom teacher to request a meeting with me during the school day. I am here to help your child navigate through these elementary school years!

Second Semester Club Day Selections

Information about Club Day was sent home and e-mailed to parents on Friday, December 12, 2014. If your child misplaced his or her form, you can print another one from my website by clicking here.

Instructions for Entering Club Choices Online
Click on your child's grade level below to enter their Club Day choices online. Remember, students need to turn their Club Day Selection Forms in to their homeroom teachers signed by a parent by Tuesday, December 16th.

Students will know what Club they are in by Tuesday, January 20th. If you have any questions, please let your child's teacher or Mrs. Blake know.

Feedback on Assemblies Requested

At Paine Intermediate, we are striving to create a community of student leaders.  Last year, we began implementing student-led assemblies to encourage leadership among our students.  Please take a few minutes to complete the survey below regarding our leadership initiative through our student-led assemblies.

Click here to take the survey. Thanks in advance for your input!

Thanksgiving Food Drive

The Husky Helper Club at Paine Intermediate School will be collecting non-perishable items now until November 19th through our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive.  Our school-wide goal is to collect 1,500 or more non-perishable items.  Let's show our community how much we care.  Donate, Huskies, donate!

Fifth grade Husky Helpers with their completed boxes waiting to be filled...