November 27

Yesterday, Mrs. Hoechstetter , who serves on our local Social Justice committee, brought a chart to our staff meeting. This chart shows how interpersonal problems can escalate. I'm sharing the full chart with you even though we don't usually see the final steps in Grade One. In fact, for the most part, we deal only with the very earliest steps. The good news is, if we can teach our children how to behave respectfully from the very beginning, we will make a major difference in society.

Here are the problems, from discourtesy to violent crime:

1. Putdowns
2. Insults
3. Threats
4. Trash talk
5. Bullying
6. Pushing
7. Fighting
8. Sexual harassment
9. Stealing
10. Drinking and drugs
11. Weapons
12. Vandalism
13. Hate crimes
14. Gangs
15. Hostages
16. Rape
17. Murder
18. Suicide

Note that although some steps may happen in a different order, there is a general slide toward trouble.

Note, too, that at Gibsons Elementary, bullying is defined as repeated behavior intended to hurt another. Repeated putdowns are a form of bullying.

When I was a child, no teacher ever dealt with the talking part. As long as no one was physically injured, we were expected to tough it out. We've come a long since those days. I take putdowns seriously and take action to change the dynamic when I discover a problem. The more you arm your child with assertive verbal skills, the more successful your child will be in life.

Throughout the year I'll be posting here about how to build assertiveness in children -- even when we as adults weren't given assertiveness training ourselves. I'll also send home newsletters and other material from time to time to address the topic. I'm happy to answer any questions you have and to pass on any resources you find helpful.

How we treat each other is the most important outcome of our education.

Miss Owen