Self-Control

  • Managing Emotions, Thoughts, and Behaviorsselfcontrol

    Children with self-control pay attention and resist distractions. They follow directions, get to work right away, and work steadily toward completion. Self-Control means acting respectfully - being respectful of others, respectful of ourselves, and respectful of the community.

    • We model self-control by staying calm, identifying our feelings, and clearly stating problems.
    • We teach children to manage impulses through self-soothing techniques and calming exercises.
    • We celebrate self-control by recognizing when children wait patiently, stay focused, and respond to criticism without anger.

Curiosity

  • Exploring and Questioningcuriosity

    Curious children are never bored because their lively minds are actively engaged in experiences. They ask and answer questions to deepen their understanding, actively listen to others, and seek out things that interest them.

    • We model curiosity by asking questions that require investigation and research.
    • We teach children curiosity by encouraging energy and innovation in the kitchen, science lab, or art room.
    • We celebrate curiosity by joining our children in their process of wonder and inquiry; by cultivating their imaginations and fostering their creativity.

Citizenship

  • citizenship Working Respectfully and Responsibly with Others for our Community

    Good citizenship in our children is seen in their consideration for the well-being of others, in solving conflict constructively, and in following the rules that lead to a productive, safe, and happy community.

    • We model citizenship by speaking and acting with respect and responsibility.
    • We teach our children to be good citizens by demonstrating how we support students and staff to meet our community goals and needs.
    • We celebrate children acting as good citizens by letting them know their positive actions make them valuable members of our community - at MSA, in our town, and in our world.

Gratitude

  • gratitude Being Aware of and Grateful for Opportunities and Good Things Happening

    Grateful children say thank you and appreciate the people and opportunities in their lives. We include gratitude in every experience, good or bad, large or small, because it helps us learn.

    • We model gratitude by expressing our appreciation: saying thank you for the small and big acts of kindness we receive each day.
    • We teach our children to feel gratitude by discussing the people, opportunities, and events that we feel most grateful for.
    • We celebrate gratitude by applauding children for being appreciative, kind, and generous.

Optimism

  • optimism Expecting the Best for the Future and Working to Achieve It

    Children who have a positive attitude even when things don't go as planned display successful problem-solving skills, an upbeat outlook, and a happy approach to each day.

    • We model optimism by speaking and acting in positive ways.
    • We teach our children to develop optimism by helping them push through hard times with hope, momentum, and positive thinking.
    • We celebrate our children's optimism in the face of unexpected challenges and applaud them when they work hard to find a positive solution.

Integrity

  • integrity Behaving in a Way that is Honest, Sincere, and Genuine

    Children with integrity tell the truth, even when it may result in negative consequences, and they have a strong sense of justice.

    • We model integrity by speaking and acting in honest and sincere ways.
    • We teach children integrity by recognizing their sincerity when telling the truth, especially when it's difficult.
    • We celebrate integrity by letting children know we trust them and can count on them to be honest.

Empathy

  • empathy Understanding and Sharing the Feelings of Others

    Kindness, understanding, and empathy are all especially important in early education, where children begin to cultivate the ability to take on a variety of perspectives and act with concern for others.

    • We model empathy by being open to new perspectives and opinions, and expressing openness with our words and actions.
    • We teach children to develop empathy by focusing on the feelings we all have in common.
    • We celebrate children's kindness and caring of one another.

Grit

  • grit Reaching your Goals despite Obstacles

    Children with grit are focused and show persistence when a math problem is hard, when their blocks keep toppling over, or when they are searching for the right word to use in a story. Children with grit are resilient in their academic and personal lives, and bounce back when things don't go as expected.

    • We model grit by working hard and explaining how to be persistent and resilient.
    • We teach children to cultivate grit through helpful strategies, like positive self-talk, to get them through tough times.
    • We celebrate children's grit by highlighting times when their focus and effort paid off.