Miriam’s youngest students are learning to ‘keep their power’
Miriam School staff, faculty and students have spied a few young superheroes proudly wearing their capes through the halls of school lately. When they see them, they make sure to tell them what a great job they are doing of keeping their power!
Jill Guilfoy, a Miriam speech/language pathologist, sewed the capes herself to give the kids in Room 1. She told them that if they are able to act appropriately in school all morning, they may wear their capes to recess and lunch. If they have a good afternoon, as well, they wear their capes to carpool. The
students’ superpowers include being kind to others, asking for help, waiting their turn and acting in a way that is expected at school.
Room 2 teacher Candi Chiburis frequently uses the phrase “keeping your power” with her students. Ms. Jill borrowed that phrase, combined it with the young students’ fascination with superheroes and created this program!
“It has worked amazing,” Ms. Jill said. “Kids are motivated to earn their capes, and we’ve seen a decrease in challenging behaviors.”
Room 1 teacher Andrea Rosenfeld said they have incorporated superhero themes into the classroom throughout the day. “It has been motivating for the kids to tie in what’s expected here at school with the characteristics of a superhero. For instance, superheroes use kind and friendly words. And superheroes keep their hands and feet to themselves. It’s fun having that superhero piece, instead of just our Room 1 rules.”
Ms. Jill added, “And quite frankly, it’s just fun to run on the playground with a cape flying behind you!”
