After starting the year working in small groups with short stories, students in my Guided Reading classes are liking reading and studying as a whole group. We are reading Count Me In, by Varsha Bajaj.

Written in 2019 and now a 2021 Golden Sower nominee, it approaches themes of acceptance and activism. What does it look like to be an American? What is the important role of a bystander? We will also discuss the many different ways there are to express God’s loving embrace for all of His people.

The end of Quarter 1 prompted students to reflect upon their SMART goal from the first quarter of sixth grade. Did they reach it? Why or why not? How can they be intentional about reaching goals? Maybe it was not very measurable? Maybe it was not very realistic? What did they do to achieve their goal? Did they give themselves tiny deadlines and congratulations on the steps toward the larger goal? After reflection, students are setting a goal for Quarter 2 that is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely.

Sixth graders will hear from Mrs. Vogel, our school’s former librarian and current EL specialist, about some refugee families in our community. She is sharing ways our school and students can help and get to know these families as well as providing book recommendations for students to follow up to learn more about the various backgrounds of God’s people. She will present with all sixth grade Skills classes.

You are Valuable! You are chosen.

It’s a beautiful thing to know that we are each chosen by God. Students are using the Friendzy book series to help them recognize the qualities that make them unique and special creations of God. With identity BINGO cards and Child of God hands, it is incredible to see what these young people recognize as their special gifts.

*During the month of October, our Boystown Social Skill focus is Accepting NO for an Answer. This one is tough, even for adults!