“I think that when someone is being a bully, it’s because they are being bullied.”
“I can show empathy by listening and feeling sad when the other person is sad.”
“I like learning how to be a better friend.”
These are all comments made in our 2nd and 3rd grade PEP sessions.
What is PEP you ask? PEP is the Parent Education Program and is designed to build skills necessary to make healthy choices. In 2nd and 3rd grade, the students learn ways to respect themselves and others. Our discussions range from healthy nutrition to bullying.
One of the favorite lessons is our Cooperation and Compromise unit in 2nd grade. The students have to work together to build some sort of structure using paper tubes, tape, and whatever other materials are on hand. Last year, many of the groups built structures for their Elf on the Shelf. Ms. Quilici kept the structures up through Christmas break for him to explore! It was amusing to hear about all of the places he was found.
One lesson that really hits home for me is our 3rd grade session on Bullying. We have such deep and thoughtful discussions during this lesson. It is really a time that the students can reflect not only on how they are treated, but also how they treat others. Ms. Madden has shared some profound insights from her students. She loves PEP because it is a valuable tool that she can use throughout the year to help her students redirect their behavior.
If you haven’t heard of PEP, ask your children about their experiences. I’m sure they have a lot to share!