JK Newsletter
January 10, 2016
All Behavior Is Communication
The first time I read this statement, it resonated as truth to me. Sometimes I don't like what I'm seeing or hearing, but all behavior is communication.
Even verbal children have moments of frustration, excitement, or over-stimulation when they can’t find the words to communicate and revert to inappropriate behaviors. This is the reason some students become extremely physical when upset. Acting out is the only form of communication they can access in that moment.
When children become overwhelmed, we can help by offering a safe space to calm down, giving language to the feelings we believe we're seeing, and once the child is calm, talking about alternatives and ways to prevent future outbursts.
If all behavior is communication, what is your child trying to tell you today?
Change of clothes
Paper towel and toilet paper rolls
Vanilla extract bottles
Classroom Needs/Wants
Want to play a game?
Games teach kids:
- Social skills – Kids learn to take turns and wait patiently. They learn to compromise.
- Being a good sport – How to be supportive of other players and accept losses graciously.
- Verbal skills – it’s hard to play a game without talking and interacting with others.
- Math skills – Counting how many spaces to move forward.
- Fine and gross motor skills – Games have small pieces that kids must manipulate. Some games like Hungry, Hungry, Hippos encourage kids to use larger muscles as they open and close the hippo’s mouth.
- Listening skills – to be able to follow the rules, kids need to listen when they are explained.
Do you have favorite games you play with your children? At school, the children have enjoyed Milk and Cookies, Zingo, Franklin Goes to School, and Sneaky Snack Squirrel. We'd love to hear your suggestions.
Contact information
Email: kkeating@grymesschool.org
Website: https://sites.google.com/a/grymesschool.org/junior-kindergarten/
Phone: 540-764-0753