The fifth and sixth grade teachers have introduced a new advisory program, the Responsive Classroom. There are four homerooms in both fifth and sixth grades. The homeroom groups of about sixteen students in the sixth grade and twelve students in the fifth grade meet intentionally twice a week, for approximately thirty minutes on Monday and Friday.
Mary Giattina, the ML guidance counselor, describes the new advisory program as “exercises in building relationships among peers and with adults, connecting and sharing with others, and building community.” So far the students have participated in getting to know you activities, sharing and reflecting on learning new information about friends, and ending with a fun game. Built into each session is an opportunity for all students to speak, to the larger group, in small groups, or in partner pairs.
The new advisory system utilizes the building blocks of a social and emotional learning platform and promotes a responsive approach instead of a reactive one. Ms. Edwards, the 6th grade math teacher, has experienced the benefits of the Responsive Classroom; it promotes “amazing relationships” among the students and helps each student grow in self-confidence. By providing dedicated time during the week to share, make connections, laugh, and have fun, students can build self-esteem, lessen anxiety around school, and play an active part of their positive learning environment.
Both students and teachers will benefit from this new advisory program by building meaningful relationships at Galloway!