This week several children earned their gold stars for the Say "YES" to "No" club! We have been practicing saying "OK" when a direction is given or when we hear "no" from a teacher. We understand that we need to not only say "OK", but show "OK" by following the direction. This is such an important skill for our students - when children are compliant they are able to learn new things and have improved social interactions with peers. Saying "OK" has greatly reduced power struggles in our classroom. You can help give your child practice with this at home to help encourage cooperative behavior.

In our Skills for Learning lessons this week we talked about and practiced compassionate behavior and ways to help friends who might be sad. We role played different ways to help someone when they are sad. I notice that many children are really beginning to think about how the other person is feeling, and show a much more appropriate response. The Home Link pages were WONDERFUL this week!

We've been outside for some very muddy, spring like recesses. We love this mild weather, but boots and spare pairs of dry socks are needed for all the puddles!

We talked a lot about the ground hog and whether spring will be early or late this year, and about friendship as we begin the month of February. We'll make valentine mailboxes next Tuesday. Your child may bring in his/her valentines any day after that. We are gaining a new student next week, so we will have 12 students. Your child does not need to write the other students' names on their cards, but should sign their own name on each valentine they will be passing out. It looks like we have plenty of snacks and things coming in for our party - thanks everyone! In all of my years of teaching, it always seem that opening up those valentine cards is one of the happiest events of the year!