This year I will meet with kindergarten classes once per cycle for 15 sessions. We are going to use the theme of the OK Train. The OK stands for Outstanding Kindergartener. In each session the students will learn a skill they need to do well in kindergarten. Each student will receive a booklet with the skills listed. As students practice the skill, the teacher will reward students with stickers.

In our first session we will talk generally about what is expected at school. The book The Little Engine That Could will introduce the skills they need to be an “Outstanding Kindergartener”.

Look at the person who is talking. Sit quietly. Think about what is being said. Being able to listen is the most important skill kindergarteners use in school. Most of the information that teachers share with children is done verbally. As you can see, we break listening into the three steps found on this slide.

Who: authority figures at school How: ways to follow directions Why: reasons students must follow directions Students must learn to follow directions from many different adults. Students need to understand that following directions keeps order, keeps them safe, and helps them learn. Students will use their listening skills when following directions.

Every one needs personal space. Students do not touch other students. Students often sit as a group to listen to stories or get directions. They need to respect other’s personal space. Touching others, sitting too close, or stepping on someone will cause problems in the classroom. Learning to line up and walk through the hall in lines is another part of respecting other’s space.

*wait to speak with the teacher. *wait to use school tools. *wait in line. Kindergarten students often have a tough time waiting their turn. That is a normal part of development. But, due to the large number of students, children must learn to wait their turn.

*take care of school items. *don’t touch other’s personal items unless given permission. Students will listen to a story about James’ plane. They will discuss how James felt when the other students didn’t respect his property. We will discuss the importance of taking care of school materials.

*learn why sharing is an important part of school. *to share or not to share… We will discuss why it is important to share materials at school. I will read The Rainbow Fish to discuss feelings related to sharing. We will also discuss times when a child might not want to share.

*self-control is being able to do what you know you should do. *internal rather than external control Students will view a video about Benny Bear’s lack of self-control. Students will choose between behaviors that use self-control and those that show out of control behavior. We will role play some related situations.

Steps in solving a conflict: *What is the problem? *What can we do? *Did we fix it? Being able to solve problems on their own is a skill that kindergarteners begin learning. We will discuss conflict and ways to solve problems using the steps shown in this slide.

The only times to tell are: *when someone is getting hurt. *if something dangerous is happening. Tattling is a normal part of development. But, some students take tattling to an extreme. Frequent tattlers may have problems making friends. Students should follow the guidelines found on this slide.

Students discuss situations that elicit various feelings. Students learn to share their feelings with “I messages”. (I feel____when you____. I would like you to____________.) Being able to express their feelings is a very important social skill for children to learn. We will discuss feelings that children have daily. Students are taught how to use the “I Message” to communicate how they are feeling and what they need for others. Their ability to express their feelings will increase as they grow older.

What to do when you are mad: *exercise *watch a funny TV show *play with play dough *do something fun *talk with trusted adults *draw your feelings Everyone gets angry every now and then. We will discuss how to deal with anger in ways that do not hurt themselves, others, or destroy property.

What to do when you are sad: *talk about feelings *watch a funny TV show *draw my feelings *do something fun *talk with trusted adults We will read a story about a girl who is sad. Children will talk about ways they can help themselves feel better when they are sad.

*Traits of a good friend *How can you be a good friend? I will read a book entitled How To Be A Friend by Marc Brown. Children will discuss and role play the friendship skills found in the book.