"What Did I Do?"

This week we took stock and made some changes. One tool we used was a chart titled "What did I do?" Students used the chart to reflect on their actions towards others. We also acknowledged others' kind and helpful actions, sharing them with the class and "moving a stone" for them. Finally, we posted a quote by Mahatma Gandhi, and, at the prompting of our principal, read a biography to learn more about his life and beliefs.

Here are some quotes from students' letters to me at the close of the week:

I think our class has changed a lot. We're not whining or complaining or snickering anymore and that "What Did I Do?" chart…really keeps the class helpful.

I'm lifting us up by not saying mean things anymore, and people are being nice to me so I'm being nice back.

I think the river stones are making kids want to treat all the kids like friends.

The friendships are going a lot better, and I am feeling a lot happier.

Everyone in the classroom seems to help one another, even if they are not friends. And because everyone is being nicer to me and all my friends, I feel like everyone is my friend! : )

I haven't been excluded from anything this week.

I don't think it is just one person lifting us all up. I think everybody is getting more control over what they were doing, including me.

I think one way I have changed is I think more about my actions. I feel bad and apologize if I do something wrong, and I am sincere and write them down on my chart.

How I've changed is that I've been feeling more friendly to every person in the world.

I think the stone thing really helps. I think we have been getting along better. People have been more helpful and kind. I have not seen anyone snap at each other. The Gandhi research has helped too. I think it influenced us to be better people.