One way I try to foster healthy relationships is to involve students in special groups. I run a year-long group entitled TLC Kids. The TLC stands for Tender, Love, and Care. The students referred to this group could benefit from extra attention, and exposure to fun activities and lessons. The elementary school I work in has students from Pre K through 5th grade, although I only select about 20 students between 2nd and 5th grade so the age gap when they are together is not as vast.
Over the years I have also learned to include some high school helpers. The middle and high schools are located on the same campus, so it is easy for students to walk from building to building. I usually ask for referrals from the high school counselor to find students who are a good fit. It is a win-win situation, as I could use the help, and the experience can be a resume builder for students planning on pursuing a career working with children.
The TLC Kids meetings are monthly. The activities are typically based around holidays or parent speaker specialties. Over the course of this year, we have had speakers present on dog grooming and safety, as well as American Sign Language. I have also had the students color and create cards to give family and friends for Christmas and Valentine's Day. For the month of May, I plan on having the students decorate thank-you cards to send to the military for Memorial Day.
Depending on my budget, I also enjoy taking the TLC Kids on an end of year field trip. In the past, we have visited a local horse farm. Animals are such a great source of love, and students always seem to have a great time, especially when they have the opportunity to ride the horses!
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