A Message from Mrs. Czarniowski: Mind Up In 3rd and 4th Grade!
In Mrs. Czarniowski’s 3/4 split classroom kids are learning a lot about active listening through what’s called the “Mind Up” curriculum.
Mrs. Czarniowski uses “Mind Up” to drive Positive Behavior Intervention Systems (PBIS) in her classroom.
The idea is that we need to practice with tools and skills for active listening and respectful communication.
This practice helps us interact with one another with kindness and compassion in real time, and in turn, it helps us stay positive in any number of challenging situations that could and do occur during the course of any typical day.
During the practice, kids were split up into groups of four or five.
One student in each group read directions describing what to draw while the others drew.
It sounds easy, right. What the kids learned is that following a set of directions precisely takes some focus and dedication, just like actively listening in any situation.
Mrs. Czarniowski facilitated a reflective conversation with the whole group following the activity. Kids were enthusiastic about sharing their thinking around how it all went, how people typically function when speaking and listening, and how we can all grow.
They discussed challenges, problem solving, intentionality, distractions, kindness and more.
PBIS is about learning and growth. As our 1st grade partner Mrs. Lovell always reminds, “practice makes progress!”
Mrs. Czarniowski’s kids are making progress through their “Mind Up” practice!
