Building a Family of Learners at Seaford Manor

The new year has started off with a focus on personal and collective growth at Seaford Manor Elementary School. In classrooms throughout the building, students are setting ambitions and building connections with their peers while using literature as inspiration. 

Fifth graders in Jillian Copius’ and Meghan Hunt’s classes read “One Word for Kids,” then followed the book’s directive by selecting words to motivate them for the 2024-2025 school year. Each child put his or her word on a key chain that will serve as a visual reminder. Words included believe, kindness and positivity. Students also wrote why they chose their specific word along with an action plan. 

In first grade, students in Angelina Lee’s class read “Our Class is a Family.” They then discussed the Seaford Scholar trait of “principled” and how they can achieve that by following the classroom rules and being respectful of each other. That followed with the creation of a class charter. Every student then made a bracelet with the word “first” on it, to remind them that they are a first grade family. 

“They're together for life,” she said. “They’re going to go to high school together, so we want to start building those bonds now.” 

Ms. Lee’s students also read “Butterflies on the First Day,” and completed a Mood Meter activity to discuss their first-day feelings. On a paper butterfly, each child wrote four experiences from the first few days of the school year that helped them overcome any worries. She explained that it is important for students to be able to identify and manage their emotions so they can be in the best position to learn.  

Activities throughout the building supported Seaford’s various social and emotion learning initiatives including growth mindset, RULER, Habits of Mind and Seaford Scholars.