NCADA Notes

NCADA Notes 9/4

Christine Williams from National Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NCADA)
visited 2nd  grade for the first of four lessons (one each week for the next four weeks). Students were first asked "What is the thing you were asked to remember from last year?" After much guessing, Mrs. Williams reminded them that what they should ALWAYS remember is "You are special - from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet."

Next Mrs. Williams explained what NCADA stood for and that having, and being, a good friend keeps you from being lonely and helps you make good, healthy decisions. Mrs. Williams added that 
"Each time we will be together we will come 
up with a Friendship Rule."
This weeks theme is including others and was 
introduced by playing the game hot potato. 
The students discussed what it felt like to be on 
the outside, or left out. They also had a candid 
conversation about being the person that leaves others out.
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig further illustrated 
what happens when someone is left out 
(they become invisible) and what can happen 
when they are included ("visible in glorious color").  
The lesson concluded with introducing Rule #1 - Include Others and a unique art project demonstrated buy in from all.

Continue the lesson at home: Ask your child what Brian (the invisible boy) did to help Justin (the new boy) and how that ended up helping Brian, too. Share with your student a time you may have felt out, or a time you included others.  Perhaps do a family project by coming up with the 1st of four family rules.

NCADA Notes 9/11

NCADA’s second visit to 2nd grade started with reading the Book Enemy Pie by Derek

Munson. Mrs. Williams asked the students Why was Jeremy Ross an enemy to the little

boy? What happened to make them be friends? Do you think it was a good idea what his

dad made him do? AND, the big question - Before we can say someone isn't our friend

we need to do what first?

This led right into Rule #2 - Give Everyone a Chance

A guessing game helped drive the

point home that we don’t know everything

about a person and getting to know someone better

really does make way for giving them a chance.

Students wrote on a piece of paper a few things

about themselves - like favorite color, favorite

school subject, something they are good at,

favorite recess activity - but NO NAME! Students

folded their papers, switched them around and

then guessed who was the original writer.

A few surprises were discovered!

Continue the discussion at home: Ask your child one

thing they learned about someone else...an interest, a

favorite something, or maybe a wish someone else has.

This is a nice activity to do when having a gathering. Maybe you can share something about

yourself with your child that may be surprising to them. What was your favorite activity at

recess? How about if you had recess now, as an adult, what would you do during that 20

minute break?

NCADA Notes 9/18

Students listened to the story The Sandwich Swap by Rania Al-Abdullah and Kelly DiPucchio. The story is about two girls, Lily and Salma, who are best friends and share everything together. The only thing they don’t share are their lunches. Lily has a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, while Salma has a hummus and pita sandwich, and they both think the other’s sandwich looks gross. When they finally express how they feel about the other’s sandwich, Lily and Salma’s friendship is pushed to the limits. 

From this book, students learned Rule #3- It’s okay for friends to like different things.

Following the story, the students completed a Venn Diagram with a partner. Each student wrote down some of their favorite things and could see the similarities and differences with their partner. Students learned that they can still be friends even though they like different things. 

Continue the lesson at home: Compare and contrast your likes and interests with your student. Celebrate the things that are the same and the things that are different. Also, discuss with your student how your interests have changed over time and reflect with your student on how their interests have changed over time.