Topics We Are Currently Working On
CHARTS
Students are in the last week of their 5th chart! The year is flying by. So far, majority of our students have begun to see the importance of our program and the need to continue to work hard in their academics. Progress is continuing to be made with those students, as they are supported and encouraged daily. However, some students are still not understanding the affect their daily choices have not only on themselves, but on their group members as well. Students who are still earning level 2s at this point in the year will be placed on probation should they join SHAPE next year. There is no reason for anyone to be earning level 2 charts. If this is the case, it is showing a lack of motivation, a lack of care, and a disrespect to their group and the members in their group who continuously push themselves to do well.
GROUP
Lessons were put on hold during the Christmas break as we went around the room doing our midyear vital signs. Vital signs are an important piece of our program. They reconnect the group and allow others to be honest and open with how they are currently feeling in their groups. This is also a time for the group to understand what members may need more of in order to succeed.
Due to all the snow days and 90 minute delays, we are just beginning our next lesson on forgiveness. Forgiveness is one of the most important lessons our teens, young adults, and even adults can learn. It is not about telling the other person "It's okay" and "letting them off the hook". Forgiveness is about clearing up your own feelings and accepting that something happened, but realizing it is the time to move forward from that situation. There is nothing we can do about choices that were made back when, now. We will continue with this lesson as we talk about burdens we all continue to carry with us. These burdens give us the perceptions we currently have about different situations. They only hold us back from being who we really need to be. We also will begin to read a story titled "King Of Trees" which is a favorite for many students in SHAPE. It reminds us to open our eyes and look around...we are missing all of the beautiful things babies see through their innocent eyes, by looking through damaged, burdensome eyes of teenage years.
Group members will begin to think about who they may need to forgive at this time and what they have to forgive about themselves in order to continue their own growth.
PARENTS
Students have examined times they thought they were on purpose and times they thought they were off purpose. They also learned it is their job to help those around them to realize when they are going off purpose, just as it is those closest to your teen that should remind them when they are off purpose.
Students have learned to use communication skills within their groups when relating to others or when a confrontation is needed. "I feel.... or I am affected by" statements help students to take ownership so not to place blame on another person and have them throw up their defenses.
Students are also continuously learning when they are in the victim stance and how to help themselves get out of that stance. Students have been told on multiple occasions the lessons they learn can be taken home and discussed with parents. Please encourage your student(s) to discuss our topics with you.
Students are in the last week of their 5th chart! The year is flying by. So far, majority of our students have begun to see the importance of our program and the need to continue to work hard in their academics. Progress is continuing to be made with those students, as they are supported and encouraged daily. However, some students are still not understanding the affect their daily choices have not only on themselves, but on their group members as well. Students who are still earning level 2s at this point in the year will be placed on probation should they join SHAPE next year. There is no reason for anyone to be earning level 2 charts. If this is the case, it is showing a lack of motivation, a lack of care, and a disrespect to their group and the members in their group who continuously push themselves to do well.
GROUP
Lessons were put on hold during the Christmas break as we went around the room doing our midyear vital signs. Vital signs are an important piece of our program. They reconnect the group and allow others to be honest and open with how they are currently feeling in their groups. This is also a time for the group to understand what members may need more of in order to succeed.
Due to all the snow days and 90 minute delays, we are just beginning our next lesson on forgiveness. Forgiveness is one of the most important lessons our teens, young adults, and even adults can learn. It is not about telling the other person "It's okay" and "letting them off the hook". Forgiveness is about clearing up your own feelings and accepting that something happened, but realizing it is the time to move forward from that situation. There is nothing we can do about choices that were made back when, now. We will continue with this lesson as we talk about burdens we all continue to carry with us. These burdens give us the perceptions we currently have about different situations. They only hold us back from being who we really need to be. We also will begin to read a story titled "King Of Trees" which is a favorite for many students in SHAPE. It reminds us to open our eyes and look around...we are missing all of the beautiful things babies see through their innocent eyes, by looking through damaged, burdensome eyes of teenage years.
Group members will begin to think about who they may need to forgive at this time and what they have to forgive about themselves in order to continue their own growth.
PARENTS
Students have examined times they thought they were on purpose and times they thought they were off purpose. They also learned it is their job to help those around them to realize when they are going off purpose, just as it is those closest to your teen that should remind them when they are off purpose.
Students have learned to use communication skills within their groups when relating to others or when a confrontation is needed. "I feel.... or I am affected by" statements help students to take ownership so not to place blame on another person and have them throw up their defenses.
Students are also continuously learning when they are in the victim stance and how to help themselves get out of that stance. Students have been told on multiple occasions the lessons they learn can be taken home and discussed with parents. Please encourage your student(s) to discuss our topics with you.