On Monday the 6th grade students gathered for Wellness. As shared in the presentation link last week, we discussed what constitutes Passive, Aggressive and Assertive behaviors. The students did an EXCELLENT job engaging in the lesson and taking it seriously. I was really impressed! The lesson was largely an active one for the 6th graders. They worked with a partner to talk through some tough situations, and what it would like to responding passively, aggressively and assertively. We also acted these scenarios out, which lead to laughter and conversation regarding what would be most helpful in each instance. Below is an example of the scenario sheet students worked to complete.
Tuesday the 8th grader students used their advisory time to meet with Mrs. Lamb, our Upper School Counselor, and a panel of seniors to talk about the US experience. Students heard how Advisory is different next year, the importance of getting to know their teachers, mistakes the seniors made their freshman year, and about balancing academics and extra curricular activities.
8th grade students are meeting for Wellness lessons today with Keith from MOCSA. Keith is the male speaker who presented at our parent presentation a few weeks ago. The lesson began by talking about boundaries. Students talked about personal space, not liking if someone touches their phone without asking, etc. which lead to a discussion about how important boundaries are in all relationships. Boundaries help us feel safe. Next the discussion moved to the concept of consent. It was discussed that you need consent to do anything in a relationship. You need consent to be in the relationship, to go to the movies with someone, to visit someone's home, and for any physical contact with someone else. This was demonstrated through the idea of the "magic pen." If you are looking for a follow up conversation with your child at home, consider asking them about the "magic pen" portion of the lesson. The following things were the take-aways from the magic pen:
- You can not forcefully take something from someone, someone should not forcefully take anything from you
- You should not manipulate people into giving you something, no one should be manipulating you to give them something/do something
- You might share something with someone one day, but that does not mean you need to the next - and you should not expect that someone will share something with you again
- Blackmail is unacceptable
- You can give someone something and then change your mind and ask for it back
- All of the above when put into the context of consent within a relationship are indicators as to the health of the relationships
From there students discussed healthy and unhealthy relationships and talked through some example scenarios. Keith encouraged students to look for the warning signs. When warning signs are apparent students were asked: Would you break up with this person? Would you talk to a parent about it? Would you help a friend in an unhealthy relationship? Again, these are great points to discuss with your child at home. Let them know that they can talk with you when something feels unsafe or unhealthy in a relationship. The handouts the students received also list the crisis line for MOCSA.
I hope to be done meeting with each 5th grade student by next Friday. 5th grade students will learn who their middle school advisor is on May 15 :)
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