We just wrapped up our “Wonder”-themed series in the studio. It was an 8-week session that incorporated concepts from R.J. Palacio’s book (and movie) Wonder. We didn’t spend a lot of time recapping what happened with Auggie and his friends, but what we DID do was:
- The girls created an accordion book that highlighted how unique and special they each are. We celebrated individuality and differences.
- The girls created their very own “kindness cards” with uplifting, positive messages and we then incorporated that activity into massive random acts of kindness. Both the Monday and Thursday groups went on field trips to the local library and assisted living facilities to leave their cards and brighten someone’s day! The importance of this was to show the girls how good it feels to do something for someone else, even if the act is random and you can never be thanked for it.
- We spent a couple classes talking through social situations and raising the girls’ emotional IQs by having open circle time about what it feels like to be left out. We discussed how we can reach out to those who are feeling isolated and alone. They were given strategies for how to be more inclusive in their day-to-day activities.
- We talked about how challenging “groups of three” can be because someone often feels left out. We talked about body language and positioning and how to make managing an odd number of people easier. I showed the girls how to more effortlessly have a group discussion as opposed to talking/whispering/sharing one on one. There have been some in-studio challenges with friend groups of three, so this was a timely discussion and the girls definitely picked up some good social/emotional information that they can utilize every day.
- We used yoga to demonstrate how sometimes we can feel off-kilter and wobbly and unsure and unsteady. With the yoga exercise, we learned that even when we are feeling fragile, shaky, and insecure, life is a lot more manageable when there are people around you to help hold you steady. We saw what it looked like to be the insecure party and also what it looked like to help hold someone up.
- We had developmentally appropriate discussions about projection and managing big, scary emotions. We agreed that sometimes when people are in pain, they intentionally/unintentionally share that pain with others. We talked about how we have no idea what people are experiencing in their private lives, so instead of judging someone as mean or rude and being mean and rude back, we can choose to extend them a little kindness and empathy.
- We collaged, we painted, we did acrylic paint pouring and used alcohol inks for the first time. We had a BLAST!
You daughters leave this studio each week feeling empowered, mature, creative, self-aware, and loved. Thank you for allowing them to be with me. They get so many gifts during each class—gifts that will serve them well in school and in life.
Our next animal-themed series starts in a couple of weeks. Both the Monday and Thursday sessions are sold out and I cannot wait to get started!! You can visit my Web site to learn more about upcoming programs for boys, women, and online support classes for parents. April vacation programs for boys and girls will be posted soon.
Before I go today, I would love to share with you some images from yesterday’s class. The girls produced some GORGEOUS work!
