November 2008
By Christina Styan
The Standard-Times – Dartmouth, MA
Outside the Quinn Elementary School, on the Second Step Peaceful Playground, kids learn social skills like respect. Inside, as part of “Mix It Up Day for Lunch” kids learn to make new friends. For the youngsters, it seems to be the perfect combination.
The money to move the playground from the former Gidley School was raised by from the Chourico Golf Tournament this past summer at Allendale Country Club.
Thanks to that effort, during recess, happy children climb the ropes, slide the slide, and ride the swings while practicing social skills like there is no fighting, pushing or shoving allowed on this playground. “Monitors are here for safety issues, or if we see someone sad, we go and ask them what is wrong,” explained monitor Elizabeth Dumas.
This year, the staff also painted colorful new games outside, offering the children a few more recess choices. “Recess monitors and staff learned the new games, and all of the children were introduced (to them) in an assembly to review rules, problem solving strategies, as well as playground rules,” explained Family Outreach Social Worker Laura O’Neil.
More play choices also means less arguing, and lots more fun. By working together, we are encouraging our children to respect differences, create new friendships, and help foster a cooperative, caring and inclusive environment at Quinn School, added Ms. O’Neil.
One youngster came running to monitor Joyce Braga and said another child was fighting. “We talk to them and explain they know there is no fighting. We try to address the situation with the other child. If the matter can’t be resolved, we suggest the child walk away,” Ms. Braga noted.
As the children lined up to go in for Mix It Up at Lunch, monitor Lisa Dubois called out the fact that this day is all about respect and not accepting bullies.
“It is be nice day; be nice to each other. It was my birthday last week, and I asked them as a gift (for) everybody to get along that day, and they did,” she happily stated.
Mix It Up at Lunch is a nationwide program where children learn that everybody can make a friend, no matter what they are wearing or how they look. The program is part of Quinn school’s anti-violence program, entitled Second Steps.
“Second Step is a classroom-based program that teaches skills in empathy, managing emotions, and problem solving; all skills that help children cope with challenges at school, at home and in the community,” remarked Ms. O’Neil.
Our Second Step’s theme for November was Friendship. On Nov. 13, the Quinn School joined schools across America in an attempt to break down social barriers and make new friends by mixing up the people they sit with at lunch. All across our country, children and teachers stepped out of their comfort zones to meet new people.
At Quinn, teachers and children mixed up their clothing and sat with someone new that day. “I love this day— it is my favorite day of the year,” Ms. O’Neil added.
On each lunch table children had “getting to know you” questions to get conservations with new friends going. The staff ate in the cafeteria with the children, and at the end, each child was invited to sign their names to the Mix It Up mural and fill out a kindness and caring slips.
“The slips will add to our kindness and caring chain, with the goal of wrapping it around the school on the last day of school,” Ms. O’Neil. noted.
Fourth grader Rachael George had the question “What does my family likes to eat?” Lasagna is a favorite, she told lunch partner Emma Shea.
Emma in turn had to answer the question, “What is your favorite day of the year?” Not hesitating, Emma said her birthday, March 25.
Quinn Parent Teacher Organization parent Cathy Banville thanked Manny Garcia and Bob Medeiros, the Quinn PTO, students and staff and the many volunteers who have helped to make the move a success.
“Without the volunteers, the Quinn PTO would not have been able to reach their goal to move the Gidley School playground to Quinn. We would also like to thank all of the parents and community members that donated their time, sent in donations and/or participated in the tournament in any way,” she said.
“We are all so grateful to have been a part of this successful event. Thank you,” she added, for all who are contributing to making the school, and the community, a better place to live.
The Standard-Times – Peaceful Playground Teaches Social Skills
