YOU Matter!

Our class celebrated "Dot Day" yesterday at school. First, the children and I listened to the story, The Dot, by Peter Reynolds, via Tumblebooks through the Arlington Heights Memorial Library online. After the story, the children thought about what they thought the message of the book was. They told me some of the following statements: "We are important." "We are powerful!" "We shouldn't give up." What an intelligent bunch of kids! Then, the children thought about one way that they "matter." They wrote it down on a dot, and then illustrated their idea in a framed drawing. I'm so proud of all of the ideas they came up with! It is wonderful to see children identify and verbalize their individual strengths. Every single child in our class matters! Sharing the story and thinking about our own unique qualities was a really fun way to highlight such a powerful message. In order to deepen the message that even the smallest people can achieve great things, the children and I have ADOPTED a DOLPHIN! I let them know that their hard work at school each week will cover the cost of our dolphin. Our "adoption" will help to keep our amazing animal safe and protected in its natural ocean habitat. We thought it would be a great way to show the kids that they not only matter at school and at home, but they also matter to the world. We all can make an impact! The kids were so excited to hear about this added surprise! Every chance you get, make sure you tell your kids how much they matter. I promise to do the same at school! :) Miss O'Sullivan