Our school has been so lucky to be one of the schools chosen to partake in this positive psychology programme designed by the NEPS Cork South East team. The aim of the programme is to promote positive mental health and well being amongst students through the use of praise, gratitude and altruism. The students are encouraged to write in their grateful journals every day and post in their gratitude jar/tree, as it has been scientifically proven that being grateful increases positive neurochemicals such as dopamine in the brain. An "attitude of gratitude" has been proven to reduce stress levels, increasing energy, and sleep quality. Therefore helping us to live longer. Altruism teaches the children about the importance of helping others. 4th Class B are involved in Random Acts of Kindness Exercises each week. Giving and receiving praise has been proven to improve academic and pro-social behaviour as well as enhancing relationships between students, their peers, families and teachers.
4th Class B's Gratitude, Altruism and Praise Programme ( GAP). "An Attitude of Gratitude"!11/28/2019
With the Rugby World Cup being held in Japan this year, 4th Class B thought it would be a good idea to study Japanese art and culture. In geography our geologists in 4th Class B learned all about ice monkeys, sushi, cat cafés and Mount Fuji! In history, we learned about the legend of Princess Hase of Japan.
Phenology is the study of the change in nature over time. Our scientists in 4th Class B investigated why and how leaves change colour. They classified leaves according to opposite/alternate leaf structure as well as simple/compound shapes. We talked about deciduous and evergreen trees and classified the trees in our local area.
Linking with our American theme and with the Cork Jazz festival, we decided to learn more about Jazz instruments and techniques !!!
We are coming to the end of our ten-week basketball coaching block with John and Marian Gargan. Our confidence and skills have improved enormously. John and Marian are kind, encouraging and really talented coaches who we love learning from!
|
|