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Classroom Practice/Program

others”; second highest response was 37% for “How to really listen to others.” Based on their learning,
most girls mentioned that they now know ways to be a better friend by working to understand others
without judging or interrupting them and they know how to be kind to others by simply listening and
supporting them. The students spoke openly about things and people they love. I believe the girls
were safe and felt comfortable enough to share their problems and to speak plainly about what they like
and don’t like. Based on our near-perfect attendance for every session and attendance in group during the
school’s Book Fair, I concluded that the students found worth and value in attending the club.
Next Steps/Planning

Although the club was a successful venture and the girls reported gaining knowledge and time to
practice new strategies, there are ways one could improve this activity. One area to strengthen a future
group is by teaching direct problem-solving strategies. When the group discussed stressful situations
in Week 2, the light discussion about how to deal with stress was not as organized as it should have
been. The girls shared areas of stress they experienced, such as family, the upcoming Trunk or Treat
(Halloween activity), and rigorous classwork. Some students interrupted one another and wanted
to share excitedly without a structured process. Facilitators need to teach communication strategies
earlier in sessions so they can be practiced in a safe environment. When the conversation was directed
to specific problems the girls experienced, they suggested helpful approaches were to “scream into a
pillow” or “eat ice cream.” Although these are coping strategies, they are not the healthiest options!

The author and several students learn how to listen with focus and purpose via a
Cosmic Kids Yoga video on YouTube.

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