Make A Difference Month at Nederland Elementary!

     How do we learn to constructively work through our emotions?  How do we learn to be compassionate and empathetic toward others?   These are learned behaviors.  And the lessons flowed through the last few weeks at Nederland Elementary School. 

    At this time of year as we wander through the mountains, the stalks are dry and the seeds are beginning to burst in the October wind.  All NES students hiked through the woods during PE class and collected native grass and flower seeds.   These gifts of seeds will be given to families whose yards were impacted by the Cold Spring fire. 

    Second and third grade students traveled to Ridge Road to learn more about how the forest rejuvenates itself after a fire.     For instance, Irene Shonle, Gilpin County Extension agent, told how the ponderosa pinecones require fire and heat to burst open and take hold in the forest.  Different animals and plants will find homes in the forest now that more sunshine dances across the landscape.  There is hope that the forest will live on. 

     Hansen Wendlandt, shared stories about how humans helped clean up and beautify an area.   A range of human emotions such as numbness, anxiety, anger, and sadness were cited as normal reactions to the forest fire.  Many of the children could relate to feeling these emotions in reaction to the fire.  Learning to identify their emotions and work through them is a process students are working on in their weekly BrainWise classes. 

     Mike O’Neil, local homeowner, smiled as the children planted Rocky Mountain Bee plant seeds in his burnt yard.  This plant is particularly resilient in disturbed areas and will bloom next summer—attracting bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators to rejuvenate the area.  Nearby neighbor, Mary Joyce, beamed as she helped the students plant seeds with care.  Music teacher, Susan Jones, accompanied the students as they sang about “planting seeds of peace, love, and joy in their world.”

     Children need reassurance from adults that they will be safe when tragedies hit close to home.  They also need concrete ways to give back to their community and feel empowered after they have felt hopeless and scared.  They learned that “If you think you are too small to Make A Difference, try sleeping with a mosquito!”  Even young children can make a difference.

     NES students will gather this Friday for a Gratitude Celebration with local fire fighters and rescue personnel.    You may hear the sirens and shouts as they wave their signs and recognize the folks who have kept us safe.    We have strong feelings.  We care deeply about our community and the woods.  We are finding ways to feel, to care, and to give thanks for all that we have!  

         

Ann Sherman, Social Emotional Learning Instructor and Parenting Matters Coordinator.     ann@teensinc.org