Miss Mallory: Magic

As Director of Development at WINGS, I take visitors to see our program in action all the time.  The response is always positive - people GET what we do when they meet our kids and staff.  And, they have fun and leave inspired.  This past Monday, I took three women to Chicora Elementary to learn more about our work, see Community Unity (the first 30 minutes after school) and introduce them to our kids.  We were then lucky enough to sit in on the Bluebirds' discussion with Miss Mallory as the facilitator.  Pure magic!

Discussions happen each Monday when the week's learning objective is introduced.  This week, our kids are learning how to react positively to positive situations.  The WINGSLeader - in this case Miss Mallory - goes to a quiet classroom and has her nest of 4th/5th grade boys circle-up on the floor.  Next, a discussion unfolds. It's hard for anyone to talk openly and candidly about how they feel - but especially for tween boys.  But, Miss Mallory has such the relationship with her 10 boys, that the control themselves, talk often and listen well.  She uses the talking stick effectively - and respects it - so that only one person is talking at a time.  Miss Mallory encourages (and well!) each boy to share what they think positive reactions are, examples of positive reactions and a "what would you do" dialogue. 

Here, in discussion, is where Miss Mallory lets WINGS magic happen.

The Bluejay boys were thoughtful, honest and taking the discussion seriously - and all of that is to Miss Mallory's credit.  She's truly got the WINGS skills.  At almost the same exact moment, the women I were with turned to me and said "She really is great."  This statement coming from an ex-principal and a philanthropist steeped in education knowledge.  Not only is Miss Mallory great - she's cool.  Her boys know it, too.

Check out the complete Week 4 Learning Objective description below.  And, don't forget, we have tons of free social skills activities online.

Week 4:  Kids will brainstorm alternative emotional responses to positive situations and predict their consequences to choose the best response.  Kids will practice evaluating the level of success in their response.

Meaning:  This week is all about reactions to positive situations.  For example:  How to react appropriately when you win a game, or when you get all A’s on your report card.  There are many ways kids can react to positive situations and it’s important for them to find the best ways to react.  As you teach appropriate responses to positive situations, kids should be able to pick the best one for them in each situation and have them think about the consequences to their reaction.  For example, it is not always appropriate to cheer and yell when you get a good grade on a test because others in the class might not have done so well.  A good reaction to that might be to tell your WINGSLeader in private so you can celebrate, but not in front of everyone. 

Discussion Tips:

Tips for Responding to Positive Situations:

1. Feel good and enjoy the moment!
2. Think of all the ways you can react to your happiness.
3. Take a look at where you are and who you are with. 
4. Pick the most appropriate way to react to your happiness.