Your Smile Makes Flowers Bloom

Chapter 7 Buddy Bench Social Responsibility: I can identify when others need support and provide it. “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.” (C.S. Lewis) When Lucy returned to the classroom, she changed back into her uniform shoes and sat down at her desk. Once everyone was seated, Mr. Abiel said, “Class, it is time to get ready for recess. I will see which group is ready first and dismiss those students to put on their coats and line up.” Sitting at Desk Expectations 1. Sit up 2. Hands folded 3. No talking After dismissing each group, Mr. Abiel led the class downstairs and outside to play in the designated playing area. Once they were outside, students ran in every which direction. Some ran to a small playground, others played soccer, however, Ava and Lucy had another idea. “Mr. Abiel?” they both said, “Will you chase us?” Mr. Abiel chuckled to himself, “Sure, I can chase you for a few minutes. You better start running or I’m going to catch you!” Tag Rules 1. Mr. Abiel chases students who are playing 2. Once a student is tagged, all of the students chase Mr. Abiel 3. The game continues until Mr. Abiel gets tired and needs a break! Without another word, the girls took off; Ava ran towards the school and Lucy headed towards a tall hedge on the opposite side of the parking lot. Mr. Abiel chose to chase after Lucy first. After a few moments, he had caught up with Lucy and gently tagged her on the back. Ava had noticed this, and soon both girls were chasing Mr. Abiel. In no time, they had caught Mr. Abiel and he decided to try and catch Ava. This continued until Mr. Abiel finally said, “It is time for me to head inside. I hope you enjoy the rest of your time outside girls!” “Thank you Mr. Abiel” the girls responded. “We will!” As soon as Mr. Abiel walked inside, Ava asked Lucy “What should we do now?” “I’m not sure” Lucy responded. We could go play at the park. How does that sound?” “Sounds like fun!” Ava said. “Let’s go before the whistle blows and recess is over.” After their conversation, the girls started walking towards a small park located within the designated playing area. However, on the way, they noticed a girl in Kindergarten sitting on the buddy bench all by herself. (A buddy bench is a bench that students can sit on if they are feeling lonely. Other students can talk with this student or invite them to play a game) Without hesitating, both girls walked over to the bench. Ava asked, “What’s your name?” “I’m Clara” the student responded without looking up. “Are you okay?” Lucy said. “I’m sad,” Clara explained. “My best friend is at home today and I don’t have anyone to play with.” “Oh,” said Ava. We were just on our way to the playground. Would you like to come with us?” Clara nodded eagerly. “Yes, I would! Thank you.” Chapter take away: A buddy bench is a win-win situation. It helps students who are feeling lonely find a friend and it teaches children how to show empathy towards others. Core competency challenge: Role play different scenarios with your students so they can learn how to recognize and include others who are feeling left out at school. Thoughts for educators: ● Students are constantly saying “Watch me!” or “Chase me!” with and without their words (Let’s take time out of our busy days to notice children and play with them!) ● Have students create a design for your school’s buddy bench (They can paint the design onto the bench when they are done. By the way … isn’t children’s art beautiful?) Thoughts for parents: ● It is wonderful to have a best friend, however, students need to have the skills to interact with others when this person is not at school. Here are some suggestions for helping children make friends: A. Introduce yourself: When introducing yourself, look the other person in the eyes and smile. B. Share interests: Share different things that you like and dislike. C. Listen respectfully: Ask the other person questions and listen respectfully to their answers. ● Encourage your child to “see” others who are left out and lonely. (Teach them how to show empathy and include others who may be feeling left out) Suggested reading list based on Core Competency: ● Can I Play Too? (Mo Willems) ● Have You Filled A Bucket Today? (Carol McCloud) ● You Will Be My Friend (Peter Brown)