"Toothpaste Activity"

Today we did an "experiment" with toothpaste and it didn't involve brushing our teeth! I gave each child a small tube of toothpaste, a paper plate and a popsicle stick. They were all allowed to squeeze all of the toothpaste out onto the plate.

Next I asked them to put all of the toothpaste back into the toothpaste tube using the popsicle stick. I heard a lot of, "This is hard!" "It's impossible!"

 

After letting them struggle for a little bit, I explained that the same thing is true with our words and actions towards other people. Once we say or do something it is out there and it can't be taken back. Just like with the toothpaste, we can try and clean it up, say we're sorry, etc. but we can't unsay the words or undo the actions. Mistakes happen and apologies are important. But it is also important to think about how our words and actions will affect other people before we say them.

We also had time to share about how "You can't say you can't play" is going at recess.  Some students shared about how they included others in the game or play that was going on. One student even said that the game was changed to something else so someone could join in! Some students shared how good it made them feel when they were the ones that were being included in the game or play. It was awesome to hear their examples! We are talking often about looking for ways to be "helpers." Helpers that include, encourage, support and show kindness to other people!

We revisited some books that we have already read that had examples of characters being excluded and then included. See if your child can tell you about some of them!

The Recess Queen

Chester's Way

Chowder

Horace and Morris but Mostly Dolores