Today, Ella’s class did an activity during social studies. I am going to use Colette’s description of the exercise in order to explain it…
Hello Parents,
Today in the Octopus classroom, as part of our Social Studies unit, Jasmin Hoo, our fantastic diversity director came in to lead an activity. She began by asking Ms. Kay to leave the room and then gave the Octopuses one simple direction. The direction was for the students to form a circle and then when Ms. Kay was asked to return, they were not to let her into the circle no matter what. They were told that they could do this in any way as long as they were still being safe with their bodies.
What followed was challenging to witness, but provided what we feel was a powerful learning opportunity. As Ms. Kay walked around and attempted to join the circle by asking students, many of our Octopuses began to laugh. Several students began to taunt her by chanting “Excluded, excluded” and pointing at her. Other students moved their bodies aside and told Ms. Kay that she could come over, but quickly moved their bodies back to block her when she would come over. Most of our students laughed and joined in on a variety of taunts. A few of our students did not laugh, but remained silent. When Ms. Kay asked those students if she could join their circle, they avoided eye contact with her but whispered “No” or shook their heads. As the activity progressed and Ms. Kay began to express frustration, sadness and finally resignation, those students and a few others began to look down at the floor and to show increasing discomfort. Then entire activity lasted for about five minutes before Jasmin and I stopped the activity and asked the group to reconvene.
Ella was one of the kids who was very upset – she remained silent – did not make eye contact. She did tell Kay “no” when she asked to get into the circle but Ella told me, “I thought we were playing a game and it turned out to be mean and I didn’t like it”.
The octopus class is working on bullying, being an advocate, being a good friend, how to take care of yourself etc. This activity really shook Ella.
Later on during the day at free time, she sat down and wrote this card for Kay.
What a love!
Beautiful shot of Ella and papa.
Ella picked out an oyster and got a silver pearl.
This is true love – grandma actually put her hands in the water! What do you think of the photo bomber behind them?
Classic shot in front of the giant wall of fish.
Awesome trio of love.
I photo bombed Ella!
Playing an amazing game – I forgot the name but it teaches all about the United States.
Mommy and Ella with the elephants at the Museum of Natural History.
Ella in front of the scariest exhibit in the whale hall. The sperm whale fighting a giant squid. We were so afraid of this when we were younger.
We met up with Jordin and Twyla and another one of their friends. Notice how the girls are paying attention and looking at the camera and the boys are just doing their thing!
Beautiful cousins.
Maybe one day…
Mommy kvelling over Ella reading the Four Questions.
Georgia, Bronwen. Ella and Milo after finding the afikomen. Milo found it!
Sweet cousins at Fireman’s Park.
Doing a little spring cleaning – I found my old brownie uniform!
Fun at the museum of math.
These two love each other so much.
Storytime with AJ.
Climbing right up to the sky.
Ella and Milo had a blast at this playground.
Ella loves her papa so much.
Hanging out with Milo and Zach.
Last chance to touch the sky. See you in the summer!
This was about 2 weeks ago. We took Ella and Juliet to Pet Pride behind the ballpark. The girls had so much fun together and Panda made a new friend!
Here is a shot of Sakura (in Japan!) during a Skype session that we had. I blocked out Ella accidentally when I was taking the picture, but I put a movie at the end of Ella showing Sakura how well she pogo sticks. It was so cool doing the Skype conversation. Sakura took us all over her apartment, showed us the view outside, played the piano for us and of course showed us her entire Powerpuff Girl collection!
Here is Ella doing early morning farm duty at CDS.
Here is Ella’s latest and greatest book. She wrote about getting her green belt. It has been wonderful watching her storytelling evolve. Her teacher says that she loves to write and tell stories. Incredible stuff.
Ella’s latest self-portrait.
Ella, Sunny and Juliet at en event at City Hall called a billion rising – an event about violence against women and children on v-day.
We went to Tahoe last weekend with our friends Rachel, Liz and Isabel. Here is Ella on a snow/ice castle.
We all tried tubing for the first time. It was incredible! (movie at the end)
On top of the tubing run.
We bumped into Ella’s friend Hannah and her parents and rode the tram up together. It was 2000 feet up!
Hannah, Ella and Isabel at the top of the tram. We were at Squaw Valley where the 1960 something Olympics were held.
Ella gets the goal again!
Ella and Hannah skating on the beautiful rink which was used in the Olympics.
Ella and Isabel flinging snowballs at me.
The moms at Squaw Valley.
It was really beautiful up there. Check out Lake Tahoe in the distance.
Ella and AJ having a jam session.
Ella and Milo were treated to some rather large cookies and peanuts outside of AT&T park.
Waiting on a long line for a cable car ride.
The most special love in the world.
The Leoanharts on the cable car.
Science experiments with grandma.
Panda and Ella having a sleepover party.
Love the look of Milo weraring Ella’s Giants hat.
Ella trying to bring Milo down the slide. Mission not accpmplished, but at least she tried.
Beautiful ELla.
Kids playing some baseball in the little stadium.
Ella’s cool slide.
Get those children across the street!
Ella at the aquarium.
Waiting on line for the bungee. Oh – how much excitement there is!
The kids did an amazing job bungee jumping. Ella must have flipped at least 18 times and Milo just smiled and jumped and loved it.
Heading down to the restaurant to bring in the new year. Too bad the picture of me, Sunny and Ella isn’t so great.
Big kids at the table.
Fun with grandma.
Running innocense.
Happy Nw Year with love from the Schwartz/Obstbaum/Leonhart families.
Sweet dreams angel.
Ella is such a good sport! She was trying pretty hard today.
Ella’s beautiful face painting from the party tonight.
Panda watched the World Series with his Giants jersey on. He is no longer afraid of the big panda.
Ella and mommy heading to CDS for the Welcome Picnic.
Ella getting ready for Taekwondo.
Me and my fur son Panda.
Mommy, Ella and panda chillin’.
Mommy, Ella, Mommy’s new boss Wendy and our friend Julia.
Ella getting to meet Jeremy Affelt.
A moment of silence.
OUr little urban farmers.
In the beginning of the week, Panda ripped his fingernail almost off. He had to get it removed. Here he is post surgery. He was pretty doped up, but still very sweet.
Here is Ella seriously rehearsing her song from Friday. She’s actually going to be drumming during this song.