We spent last month learning 3 foundational tools. Moving forward, during the month of October, the tools we will be learning are the Empathy Tool, Personal Space Tool, and Using Our Words Tool.

Please encourage your child(ren) to keep practicing the first 3 tools as once we get really good at those first 3 power tools, there is a foundation being built for the next 3 tools we learn this month. For example, most kids (and adults too) struggle with empathy if there has not been lots of practice on how to be a good listener.

Let's face it, life can be hard sometimes. Our children are still learning how to navigate their world, especially when things don't go their way. These tools the students learn can be used anywhere! When children solve some of their own problems, they gain confidence, feel good about their accomplishments, and improve their self-esteem.

Our PBIS Behavior Expectations are SAFE, RESPONSIBLE and RESPECTFUL in your work and in your play. Those 3 words are packed with a lot of expectations on how to act or respond. The tools help the students learn how to be safe, responsible and respectful for themselves and around others. Who doesn't want that for their child?!

The tape measure represents the Breathing Tool. The action of pulling and pushing a measuring tape in and out of its housing can be a good way to think about and demonstrate slow, deliberate, measured breathing.

Awareness of breathing brings immediate calm and time to think. It is a bridge to self-reflection that guides one toward effective choices and positive change. Cultures across the world have recognized the breath as a gateway to wisdom. Without the healthy ability to practice inner-calm and self-reflection, it is difficult to learn, relate to others, or know oneself. Attention to breathing is the key to self-control, understanding, and genuine connection with others.

We use the ear muffs or headphones to represent the Quiet Safe Place Tool. Earmuffs/headphones help us shut out the distractions around us so we can concentrate.

Quietness gives one strength. When we have a "place" of solace, safety, and quiet, then creativity, imagination, and self-expression emerge naturally. One way we feel safe is when we have a quiet, safe place physically we can go to. But that is not always possible. So the Quiet Safe Place Tool is a way of remembering our quiet stillness even when there is noise all around us. When we listen from the quiet place within our hearts, we make space to hear our natural wisdom and take our minds off the distractions causing us problems.

The listening tool is represented by a heart. That may sound funny, but listening with our hearts is more important than using our ears and eyes to take in information from what others are trying to tell us. If we don't use our heart too, we often struggle with making or maintaining strong relationships with others.

Listening with one's heart is the key to strong relationships and conflict resolution. Listening with one's heart brings empathy. This is most important. When we listen, the rest of the tools work easily. This ability to listen is naturally within each of us. When we breathe from a quiet place inside, listening becomes easier.