CARES Introduction

During the first week of school, I introduced each of the CARES social skills.  Each day we learned about one or two by reading a picture book and then discussing how we could use that skill in our classroom.  After reading each picture book, the kids gave their ideas about what cooperation, for example, would look like, sound like, and feel like in the classroom.  These ideas were posted on an anchor chart along with the cover of the book we read together.

I have seen such a difference in the way that my students treat each other and work together this year, and I believe a big part of that change is a result of these intentional conversations.  I have been able to refer back to our lessons and discuss the social skills, as necessary, throughout the month.  Before starting group activities, we talk about which social skills we will need to be successful.  When we had a rough afternoon and students were saying hurtful things to each other, we stopped and talked about empathy again.  They truly understand what each of these words means and are starting to change their behavior as a result.