Sanford Harmony is a program designed to teach children about cooperation, empathy, and effective communication in our classrooms. Over the course of the year, students in Pre-K to 5th grade, will participate in engaging activities designed to enhance their abilities to learn, work, and spend time together. Our overall goal is to create a positive school community for all our students.

 

Information will be sent home periodically to keep you apprised of the specific concepts and class activities so that families can reinforce them at home and in the community. Below is an overview of Stanford Harmony’s concepts and units:

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§ Unit I: Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and Inclusion activities promote an inclusive environment in the classroom. Students are taught to recognize and appreciate each other’s similarities and differences.

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§ Unit II: Critical Thinking

The activities in the Critical Thinking unit provide opportunities for students to develop empathy and reduce stereotypical thinking. Through participation in structured activities, students learn perspective-taking and critical thinking skills.

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§ Unit III: Communication

In the Communication unit, students participate in observational and experiential activities to increase their understanding of healthy and unhealthy communication patterns. Students are provided with opportunities to practice effective ways of engaging with others.

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§ Unit IV: Problem Solving

Activities within the Problem Solving unit promote constructive approaches for resolving conflict. Students are introduced to various conflict styles and the benefits and costs associated with each style. Students learn conflict resolution steps that facilitate successful interpersonal problem solving and healthy relationship patterns.

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§ Unit V: Peer Relationships

The goal of the Peer Relationship unit is to teach students the requisite social skills for engaging in positive peer interactions and to provide students with opportunities to rehearse these skills. Through their participation in dyadic and small group activities, students learn about qualities important to friendship, negative consequences associated with bullying, and how to provide peers with support.