"How Many Cubes Do You Have?"

Strawberry students reading  Giving Thanks to their buddies this morning

This morning during the CerritoBerry meeting we discussed what I like to call the "Cube Concept".  This is how it works: each child arrives to school with a certain number of cubes, and this amount changes daily.  If students feel "normal", they begin the day with five imaginary cubes.  Waking up too early, fighting with siblings, or forgetting homework would be reason to lose a cube or two.

Over time, some students arrive to school with a plethora of cubes--these types of students have enough so that minor incidences and annoyances do not bother them.  Others who continually lose cubes (or arrive with few) tend to act extra sensitive, easily irritated and show overall low self esteem.

Using the cube analogy is a way to teach empathy, perspective taking and understanding.  

Ask your child, "How many cubes do you have?" to gauge how they are feeling.  They'll tell you--and tell you why they have the amount they do.

Also, I posted fourth grade unit 3 math parent letter on the right.

Today's photos.

Quotes of the week:

"If you want to be happy, be."

"Be yourself.  Everyone else is taken."

"The fool who asks questions is better than the wise man or woman who listens."

Have a nice weekend!