Meachem Student Leaders Guide Peers through Social Emotional Learning
“Sadness helped him because she knew how he was feeling,” a second grader explained, after watching a scene from the movie Inside Out. “They just had to talk it out a bit so he could feel better.”“That’s right!” 5th grader Na’Myia West replied. “Do you feel like you understand empathy better now?”
This year, Meachem Elementary School students have new leaders in some of their morning circles: their peers! Each Friday, 5th grade PYP Ambassadors select a classroom and lead the morning circle – focusing on a monthly theme relating to social emotional learning. They teach younger students about empathy, caring, communication, creating a positive environment, and more. Just as importantly: they show leadership.
Social Worker Nadine Sansone attended a student-led restorative justice training over the summer. As her building’s Diversity, Equity and Belonging (DEB) Lead, she decided to bring those concepts into her own school building as a passion project.
“I have seen so much leadership from our ambassadors by doing these circles,” Ms. Sansone shared. “A lot of them try to engage more with other students and try to make it fun for everyone. I am hoping that by doing this, the other students feel more comfortable engaging and sharing since the questions are being asked by one of their peers. I am also hoping that the students in younger grades want to become a PYP ambassador and start to show leadership on their own.”
Each Wednesday, Ms. Sansone selects two 5th grade leaders to visit with her during lunch. One has previously seen how a student-led circle is run; the other will be an assistant of sorts, tagging along to observe. The students work with Ms. Sansone to determine the topic they’d like to teach about and what kind of circle they’d like to do. Then, armed with a printed script in case they get stuck, on Friday, the team enters a pre-selected classroom to teach their lesson.
“I’m in shock after I lead the circles,” 5th grade PYP Ambassador Na’Myia West explained. “I can’t believe I’ve done it! We’re leading other kids to success. I’m proud of myself because I don’t usually like to talk in front of people. But I don’t know how I’ll be able to work for NASA one day without being able to do interviews and talk to people, so I know this is helping me!”
“It’s good to show other kids what we’re capable of – and what they’re capable of,” fellow Ambassador Terry Miller added. “We’re leaders of the school… we’re the oldest in the building. I want them to look at me and see how they should be. I feel more important to the school now that I’m a PYP Ambassador.”
Each circle starts with the Ambassadors sharing what it takes to earn the title and a review of circle expectations. Then, the Ambassadors lead a feelings check-in. Passing along a small talking piece, the Ambassadors then lead a lesson – asking questions and patiently listening as the younger students respond. Lessons may include a movie clip or reading, a turn and talk or other small group work, and of course – open dialogue.
We’re so proud of these Meachem student leaders for using their leadership to support their younger peers!
