Getting together with classmates after class

GETTING TOGETHER WITH CLASSMATES AFTER CLASS
Hello.
Have we not noticed that the last days of our childhood are approaching due to the worries of life, classmate? We haven't even had time to realize that those school days, when we spent sitting at the same desk, fighting and making up again, are over, classmate. I know, looking at the way you walked today, you remember every day, every moment again. If you remember, you are busy looking for an answer to the question, why did I grow up right away? Do you remember, classmate, those of us who were late for class and listened to our teacher, did not do our lessons, copied each other, skipped class and went to the movies? Do you remember everything now, classmate?
Today everything is passing before your eyes.
Those bells that you hated so much and asked if you could ring a minute later are now a dream for us. Today it will be played for the last time as a lifelong memory for you and me. As you think about these things, you feel your body trembling.
Today is the day we have been waiting for for 11 years. 11 years? Time flies so fast that we don't even notice it. What have we not seen with you in these 11 years, classmate? You have become my closest person during this time. Now, like swallows, we fly in different directions.
May the bell that rings today be the last bell at school for us, may it say "goodbye" to our childhood, but it can't say goodbye to you and me, to our friendship, okay? When this bell rings, will you and I continue to be that dear friend, each other's pillar of support, and the closest confidant? Of course it will stay that way!
I wish you only patience and perseverance on the threshold of a new life. May your path always be open and your face bright!
God bless your flight, my classmate!
Whether innate or learned, the ability to get along with others makes for a much more pleasant and productive life. Teaching students to get along with classmates is a skill that will serve them beyond their time in classrooms (and help minimize classroom scuffles in the meantime—a win, win!) Although this comes more naturally to some, here are 4 ways to help students create a habit of harmony:
1 Make explicit rules of respect, love, kindness, and sharing *

Develop classroom (or household) rules that are based on these traits. Rules should be stated in terms that all children can understand and posted in the classroom. For some additional buy-in, consider having students create their own list of rules at the beginning of the year, using graphics and pictures as needed. (This is also a good opportunity for teaching the Golden Rule and empathy)

2. Teach students to verbalize feelings, not blame through example and teaching of I-Messages.

When conflict or hurt feelings arise, you can model empathy and minimize escalation by addressing the feelings it has caused in the offended child instead of chastising the offender. For example, “How do you think Jenny feels when she doesn’t get a chance to share her idea?” , instead of “Stop interrupting ,Chloe.” In the same way, teach students to use I-messages to communicate their feelings: “When you interrupt me I feel frustrated and ignored”, rather than “You are being mean when you interrupt me”.

3. Help children develop coping strategies **
Because conflict is often part of collaboration, giving children coping strategies to process the tension and react appropriately is important. Possible coping strategies include:
- When angry, stop and think before you speak or react
- Take a breather/break and remove yourself from the situation that is making you hurt or angry.

- Seek help from an adult (especially in the case of bullying, etc)

- Make time to talk with the other person about reaching a compromise/resolution

- Ignore the other person.

- Make a joke/ change the subject

- Write/journal about the frustration and possible motivation of people involved.

Role-playing different scenarios is a good way to have students practice these strategies and gives them a variety of reactions to select among (they can pick ones that are natural for them so they will actually use the strategy).
4. Give students to opportunity to work together—and then work our their differences.
Remind students of the importance of empathy and diversity: Part of growing up means being able to consider things from another person’s point of view, even if you don’t necessarily agree with it. When you try to see where the other person is coming from, it’s easier to stay calm and work toward a solution. Experiencing a variety of thoughts and people can make for a rich, interesting life experience.

What other suggestions can you add to this list?