Welcome everyone to 2020...
I am very happy to have you all in my class for Year 4 and I look forward to a fun, engaging and meaningful year together. Below are a few housekeeping items.
Gratitude
Why does saying thank you have so many benefits for us? When we count our blessings, we interrupt the cycle of negative and fearful thoughts, which allows the stress system in our bodies to recover. Research shows that when we are thankful, we love our lives and want to enjoy them. Also, when we receive praise from others, our brain releases the chemical dopamine, which encourages us to do more to receive such praise. This makes us want to thank others and make them feel good as well.
In Room 26, we want everyone to practice expressing what they are grateful for. It doesn't matter how small or large, we want you to tell us every other day what you are thankful for.
'Saying Sorry' Strategy
At Wattle Grove Primary School there will be a new strategy implemented to help students with saying sorry and really meaning it. It is not sufficient enough to just say 'sorry' without explaining what you are sorry about, why it is wrong what you did, how you will improve in the future and asking for forgiveness. Being able to apologise appropriately will improve the mental health and well-being of everyone at Wattle Grove Primary School.
SAYING SORRY STRATEGY
1. I’m sorry for…..Be specific. Show the person you’re apologising to that you really understand what they are upset about.
2. This is wrong because…….This might take some more thinking but this is one of the most important parts.
3. In the future, I will……. Use positive language, and tell me what you WILL do, not what you won’t do
4. Will you forgive me? This is important to restore the friendship.
Homework
Homework will commence in Week 2. It will be on the blog every Monday and it is due the following Monday. You may print the homework and glue it into a homework book, place it in your homework folder or read it off the blog and write the answers into your homework book. Your homework will consist of reading for a minimum of 10 minutes every night, completing Literacy Pro quizzes, 20 mental maths questions per week and 4 different spelling activities to be completed over the week/weekend.
There are many exciting things happening this term and I cannot wait to enjoy them with you. From Aussie Day to Assembly's, we have a very busy term of learning and fun.
I hope you all had a wonderful Summer holiday ☀ and are ready to get stuck into Year 4!
Warm regards,
Miss Dowling 😊
