Chains ~ Linking Decisions

Isn't it so wonderful to work with people that share their ideas?  I am lucky enough to work with Alicia (right), who is allowing me to share her idea in this post.  Alicia is my fellow counseling partner.

Alicia has students write down decisions they make on strips of paper starting with their initial decision...the one that created the problem.  This makes the first link of their decision chain.  From that link, decisions and/or consequences are written down to create additional links.  As the students are making their chain, they have a visual and literally connect how one decision leads to the next.  Once the chain is complete, the students are able to reflect by choosing the link they would go back and do differently.  The link they pick is cut with scissors, which causes the rest of the chain to drop to the floor.  This demonstrates all the events and consequences that would not happen with a better initial decision.

I have used the chain activity several times, and I love it!  The students do too!  Making the chain allows students to reflect and become active in the conversation.

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Metal Board

One of my favorite and most useful tools in my office is this board that I made out of sheet metal.  I bought 2 sheets from Home Depot and put them on the wall side by side to make one large board.  I simply used a hammer and 4 nails to attach each sheet to the wall.  The boarder is a wide ribbon from Hobby Lobby that is stapled to the wall. 

The whiteboards attached are regular whiteboards with magnets on the back.  The same is true for the containers holding the markers.  I use the business card sized magnets that are sold at Office Max.  They hold up really well, and the magnets are easy to cut with scissors. 

 

As you can see, I have been busy talking with the kiddos about getting along with peers, as well as classroom behavior.  By having these questions posted it helps to open up conversation.  The post-it notes are used by the students to write their answers/thoughts down, so we can discuss and identify problems.  The answer to these questions are usually conflicting, which makes for great conversation!  On a side note, the answers to the question, "How do others see you?" are usually pretty interesting.  When the students read "others" they usually make the assumption that "others" is their friends.  After they answer, I explain that "others" includes everyone...parents, teachers, ALL peers, siblings, etc.  Another great opportunity for good and honest conversation!