Social Skills in Action

by Marie Huard, Art Teacher

I was recently invited to a very special meal, a Thanksgiving dinner with Roe and Bethann’s Pre-kindergarten.  I had a splendid time and not just because Bethann did all the cooking.  Indeed, I arrived a bit early to find ordinary classroom desks transformed into a beautiful holiday dinner table.

 The students learned how to create a traditional place setting, spoon and knife on the right, fork on the left as they helped to set the table.  Roe also talked with the students about how different manners are expected for a formal occasions than might be for everyday ones.  Before we began eating, Roe took time to recall the spirit of our meal and class sang a Thanksgiving song together.  After a brief moment of silence together, dinner was served.

While the students eat lunch together every day, they knew that this meal was different and they put their good manners to work.  When asked, ‘May I offer you some mashed potatoes?”  The students responded, “Yes, please," or "No, thank you.” “Be open minded,” Roe reminded the class, encouraging them try just a little bit of the stuffing.

Yes, these social skills will take you far in life.  As a lively dinner conversation ensued, I reflected on how my experience with the Pre-K seemed to encapsulate what I love most about Greene Street; the spirit of building community of learners in working together, silent worship, and in just plain enjoy spending time together.