Shared writing
By Year 4
In the year 4 neighbourhood we have had many discussions about our Rights and Responsibilities both in the neighbourhood and in the playground. These discussions are helpful because they can help us make better decisions about how to interact with others. It benefits our health and happiness at school. If we know the rules we can be more responsible, respectful and safe at school. The rules give us guidelines to know what is right and wrong. As positive role models we set an example for other students to follow.
This year we have had a series of weekly well-being workshops conducted by Anne Maree. Discussions have focused on inclusion and exclusion and what it feels like to be excluded, respecting others even if they are different from us and the ‘golden rule’, treating others like the way you would like to be treated.
Other issues we have discussed were, ‘taking the joke too far’ and strategies to use to avoid this, such as, thinking before you speak and reflect on the consequences. We also discussed the difference between ‘taking the joke too far’ and bullying. Students either used play acting or drawing to share their ideas. Walking in someone else’s shoes was another strategy we explored.
Mindfulness is something that we do each day in our neighbourhood as a way to calm down, relax our body and give our mind a break for 15 minutes. It helps us to focus on our inner well-being and reboot our mind to give us more energy for the rest of the day.
