First impressions last! This is why Year 2 started the year with a very important lesson on making sensible choices and thinking before we speak and act.

The boys walked into the classrooms with a tube of toothpaste and some toothpicks presented to them on their desks.

They were given one task: To time themselves and see how long it would take to empty the entire contents of toothpaste. Apprehensive at first, the boys soon took on the task, taking an average of only 35 seconds to squeeze out all of the toothpaste.

“Now what?” The boys were then given a challenge to see how long it would take to refill the tube of toothpaste using only the toothpicks that were provided. “Are you serious?” “This is impossible!” “This is going to take forever”.

After about 6 minutes of a messy attempt, the boys realised that this would be too hard to continue.

We then came together and discussed that the toothpaste inside represented spoken or written words or our actions.  Once a person says something positive or negative to someone, it’s impossible to take back what was said. Just like the toothpaste, once it’s out, it’s impossible to put it back in. If we say something bad to someone, we can try and fix it by saying, “I’m sorry”, but the damage has been done. The boys realised that they really need to think about what they say and do before they speak.

This was a great lesson to set the tone for our first Unit of Inquiry. Our Central Idea is An understanding of ourselves impacts the choices we make.

The Lines of Inquiry that will guide our learning will be:

• Our similarities and differences as learners (Reflection)

• Choices we make for our personal well-being (Causation)
• Our choices impact others (Responsibility)

We have had a great start to the term and are looking forward to an awesome year ahead!

Mr Shayne Pollard – Year 2 Teacher