Personal Stories

Through the ideas explored in the Celebrating EveryBODY! Curriculum our class has learned a number of key concepts. Students have used this understanding in a variety of ways benefiting them as individuals and us as a whole class. The curriculum has given us a common language and understanding that has decreased anxiety, deescalated behaviour situations and in a specific example increased attendance and personal strength.

The idea that innate wisdom is within all of us and our thoughts control how we feel, act and response has given us as a class a common language and understanding. It helped students when involved in disputes to be reminded of what is really important. They stop and see how they are allowing clouds of thought to cover up their sun or innate wisdom. Student communication with each other has improved. I have notices that students try to understand each other and are clearer about how they feel and so situations deescalate. Behaviour concerns have decreased.

During the program students do a lot of reflecting about themselves and what it means to have a healthy life. We, my teaching partner and I, have noticed a calmer feeling in the classroom. Students are able to sit and work for short periods of time and follow class expectations. Anxious feeling have decreased as students learn more about themselves, what they need in a healthy life and how to take control of how they feel.

In one specific case, prior to the program, one student had very low attendance and often arrived to school very late in the day. This student had high levels of anxiety, which caused her to feel sick and depended on frequent washroom visits. This student also had difficulty eating. She missed most of the first term’s instruction. Half way through the program this student’s attendance improved. She now comes to school each day and when late arrives before 9am. She is working in class and we are able to assess and support her learning. Her diet has improved and she feels healthier during the day. This student has developed some clear communication to help her express how she feels. The program has given her the knowledge that she has what she needs to lead a healthy life.

Thank you for the much needed support,

Grade 5 Teacher, Laity View Elementary