Today in Social Group we talked about listening skills. Some of us like to move and fidget when we listen. Some of us can listen even when we are looking in a different direction. Some of us can listen when we are facing away from the speaker. All of us stated that we get really FRUSTRATED when we are trying to talk to a parent and they are doing something else while they listen to us. In fact, if Mom is loading the dishwasher while we are talking or Dad is unloading groceries while we are talking, it feels like they JUST DON"T CARE!!!!! So what does that tell us? It tells us that even if you can listen while you are doing something else, it doesn't mean you should. It is polite to face the speaker and give them your full attention. It is polite and expected. It shows that you care about the person talking even if the person is talking about boring stuff!! If you don't really care about the person talking you will still benefit from using good listening skills. Why? Because the people around you will think you are a polite, expected person and you will have more friends and better relationships with others.When people like you they are more likely to help you get what you want.
1 Comment
To function well in a group we need to be able to think about what others are thinking. Being FLEXIBLE is a social smart that helps us be our best selves when working with others. At times Unthinkables will enter our brains and make us do UNEXPECTED things such as blurting out, interrupting others, walking away from groups, being stubborn, shattering when things don't go our way and especially, distracting others. When that unthinkable(Rockbrain, Glassman, Braineater, Body Snatcher, WorryWall) gets in to your brain you need to use a plan that allows you to be flexible. For example: Stop, decide, and describe your unthinkable. Observe the situation and the people in it. Stop and think about the hidden rules. Flex and do your strategy. Use self talk to tell yourself that you have done well.
Play Superflex Jeopardy to learn some strategies. Google Superflex Jeopardy on YOUTUBE and test your super flex knowledge! Let us remember to have hats and mitts in backpacks for the winter season. The temperature changes throughout the day so it is wise just to always have them handy. Also, it is even more important to have a good pair of gym shoes at school when we come in with wet, snowy footwear. This shows care for others, care for this place and care for ourselves. We have been working on keeping our body in the group and whole body listening in our social group. It is expected that we stay with the group when we are in group settings. People feel comfortable and safe when we all follow expected group behavior. It is best when we listen with our eyes, ears, mouths,hands, arms, legs and feet. When we move around and face away from a speaker they may feel annoyed, uncomfortable, upset or angry. When we use whole body listening the speaker knows that others are listening and thinking about them. Everyone can then feel happy. Mindful Moment Where is my mind? Take one minute and count on your hands how many times your mind goes to the past, to the future, or somewhere else. Then return to the present for a rest. We are also working on skip counting during our lunch. It is a very important skill to develop in order to grow your math sense! These videos can be a fun tool to use: |
AuthorI am Lauren Purkiss, teacher at Prince of Wales School. I work out of Room 10 as Lead teacher for the Bridges Program as well as a Learning Leader for the school population. I have three children of my own, two boys ages 24 and 21, as well as my daughter, 16. My passion is to support our reluctant learners and their families. My door is always open. Come for a visit anytime. Archives
June 2018
Categories |