5th Grade Specials Rotations
50's Theme
On SIP Days J T Manning Elementary is utilizing this time to offer these enrichment activities for students in partnership with the educators of Specials Classes alongside parent volunteers to allow the teachers time with the instructional coaches to collaborate together.
The 5th Graders at Manning spent the recent half day moving through various rooms and activities for a 1950’s themed day that included Social/Emotional Learning, Music, Library, and STEM activities designed to help the students have fun activities that also help them go deeper in their knowledge. A parent volunteer and coordinator Shannon Radi shared, “3D glasses and stomp rockets were crafted, personal jukeboxes with their favorite tunes were created, the hand jive was a hit and conflict resolution was discussed. It was a jam packed morning and it was apparent the 5th Graders enjoyed their morning.” Students and volunteers also dressed up in 1950's attire.
Ms. Pietrzak and parent volunteers led students in a circle discussion of conflict resolution skills and empathy. She affirmed student’s ideas about how to calm down and regulate their emotions when they are hurt and pressed into deeper discussions, “How do we empathize and show respect for the person we are upset with?” Mary, a 5th grader, offered insight, “we need to know if we did something wrong and own up to it.” Another student admitted, “sometimes I need to focus less time on socializing and focus on academics.”
Self reflection is such an important skill for success in life and educators and parents are partnering to help students build this skill. Mrs. Pietrzak helped students reflect by asking them, “We always need to ask what role did we play even if we are not directly in a conflict- are we gossiping? and then acknowledge our part in the conflict so we can focus on the next thing.”
Students and parents also discussed ways they see this play out in their lives. “It is a vulnerable thing to say how you actually feel,” parent Sam Vidito shared. Another parent volunteer Elaine Rogalla added, “if you can do these things now you will build on these skills your whole life.” Mrs. Pietrzak shared, “we do deal with these things as adults too and we all need to be working together.”
The SEL time ended with students writing one commitment they are making to themselves to utilize a strategy they have learned in regards to conflict resolution. This personal responsibility along with community encouragement is what makes Manning a true school community of learners who care for one another. Thank you to our 5th Grade Parents who volunteered and helped make the 1950's SIP Day a blast from the past.