News From Mrs. McCleary

Here is an update on what Mrs. McCleary has been doing in our classroom!  Enjoy!

Guidance with Mrs. McCleary

The second grade students have just finished a guidance unit on introducing the concepts of social thinking.  Social thinking is understanding that we have thoughts about how other people behave and that they have thoughts about how we behave.  (That’s how opinions are formed.)  We talk about two types of behavior:  EXPECTED and UNEXPECTED.  Expected behaviors give people good thoughts and unexpected behavior give uncomfortable thoughts.  The more good thoughts people have about what we are doing the more comfortable they are being with us. 

We have also used the terms “too much”, “too little” and “just right” to bring awareness to behavior.  An expected behavior can become unexpected if it is “too much” or “too little”.  An example of this is raising your hand. 

·         If it is “too little” your hand may not be visible or raised long enough for the teacher to know you want to say something. 

·         If it is “too much” your hand and body are moving a lot and you may be using your voice.  The teacher will not call on you.

·         Raising your hand in a “just right” way, calm hand and quiet mouth, will produce good thoughts by the teacher and peers and an enjoyable learning environment (and you have a better chance of being called on!).

During our next unit on Cooperation, we will continue to use these terms and ideas!