My students have been making cross-curricular and worldly connections using the Umbrella Skills. One student mentioned to me that she was feeling ‘rain’ in her life. When I asked her to tell explain, she said some friends were calling her ‘bossy’ and it felt like rain. We talked about what different skills she might be able to use, and she chose empathy. “Maybe they were just having a bad day”.

Another time, I walked by a group holding a Book Club. As I listened in, one of the students mentioned that the main character was showing a Fixed Mindset: she thought she couldn’t do something. Another student had found the same thing. I did not direct the conversation at all, so it was neat to see this play out organically.

While reading the book Ferdinand, one student put up their hand and said that Ferdinand was showing Authenticity. He did not care what others think of him, instead taking time to sit down and enjoy the flowers.

Our school culture and the mental wellbeing of our students are paramount! Our monthly themes, based on the Umbrella Project’s varied emotional and cognitive skills, are reflected at our assemblies, in our front display cabinet, on our morning announcements, in our classroom activities and on social media. We post our work in the hallways so all of our parents can share in the skill we are practicing.

We are glad to be equipped with “umbrellas” and we are having fun learning how to use them to protect ourselves in the “rain” ! This is a wonderful program for our school!