It is great to see an extended time and academically integrated curriculum initiative to deal with social-emotional issues taking place at Hildreth Elementary School. The concept of child ownership is terrific. I wonder how the HES message is that the children “initiated it”?
School curriculum needed to open the door to be responsive and dedicated to this type of curriculum enrichment. Is the take-home lesson about bullying specifically, or about teaching opportunities that require support and commitment to enter the curriculum in an integrated and time-extended manner? Could such a curriculum initiative demonstrate that HES can use the classroom in new ways?
It is clear that children really respond to being empowered. Fifth grade is a super grade to allow expression of social-emotional problem solving, but all children at HES benefit from this teaching style within the curriculum. I bet every class has good initiative if there is opportunity to listen. Hurrah for this effort.
Specifically to the issue of bullying, children solving problems on this front is only effective with integrated social-emotional support from adults like this program offers. In this way adults do step forward, and it is not the children solving the problems strictly “for themselves.” It is a genuine partnership.
Belinda Friedrich
Littleton Road
