Counselor’s Corner: Responsibility
by Shanna Kraai, Lower School counselor
The theme this month is responsibility. We practice responsibility by remaining attuned to our own actions and words, knowing the expectations for the environment we are in and taking care of the space and the materials that are within it.
We started off the month talking about responsibility in our Lower School Assembly with an emphasis on responsibility in three areas: for ourselves (behavior, words, kindness, personal space), for our resources (recycling paper, taking care of recess equipment, classroom materials), and for our spaces (classroom, fields, buildings, Sperling Cafeteria). In Assembly, children were asked to stand up or sit down based on the truth of the statements. All students stood up (truth) when the two phrases were read: I am responsible for the words that I speak. I am responsible for my actions.
Children love to be responsible. At an early age, toddlers begin to use the phrases: “I can do it,” “My turn,” or “I do it myself.” They are seeking autonomy within their world and place value upon completing tasks independently. When children are able to complete a challenge without the support of adults, it builds their confidence and sense of self as a unique and capable individual. Mastering a task reinforces a positive message to children that “I can do this,” “I am capable,” and “My actions have value to the community and people around me.”
Responsibility is an integral part of a community. Children are given responsibilities daily with their school materials, classroom jobs, etc. These responsibilities allow them not only to develop important life skills but also to recognize the value their actions place within the school classroom community. During Social Emotional Learning time, we are continuing our discussion about the responsibility we have for our emotions:
- Breathing Tool: Touch thumbs and index fingers together in front of you as if holding a tape measure. Slowly pull hands apart while taking a breath. On exhale, bring hands slowly back together. Repeat three times.
- Quiet Safe Place Tool: Place your hands over your ears while bending head slightly forward, or go to the safe place, quiet corner, or chill out zone in the classroom. Close your eyes and go to a quiet place in your head.
- Listening Tool: I listen with my ears, eyes, and heart. I practice listening to my body to understand what I’m feeling. I practice listening to the teacher as a community member.
Please consider picking up one of these books with the theme of responsibility from the Hassenfeld Library to continue the conversation about responsibility.
Another way that we build this skill at home is by giving our children household responsibilities. The home is another environment where you live in community on a daily basis. A community feels best when all people contribute to its care. Why not teach your child responsibilities through the use of age-appropriate chores?
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
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MS Quiz Bowl team heads to national championships
The Quiz Bowl team traveled to Bowling Green, Kentucky, to face several top teams from across the country at this year's South Warren Tournament. USN's second-place finish earned the team an invitation to the National Academic Quiz Tournaments' National Championships in May.Read More -
Alumni return to share insights with students
Read MoreIn an inspiring new initiative, USN's health care career spotlight, organized by Ruchika Ramachandran ’27 and Yvonne Wang ’27, brought a wealth of alumni back to the school for an evening of shared expertise and personal stories. This first-of-its-kind event was a great example of the power of connection, mentorship, and community evident throughout the USN community. -
Band students meet composer Larry Clark
Ahead of the All Bands Winter Concert, students got to play for Larry Clark, the composer who arranged the holiday medley that the band will perform at 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 9 in Durnan Auditorium.Read More
Contact
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
USN Mission:
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.