Students at Blair Elementary are exploring Dr. Martin Brokenleg's Circle of Courage with their Family Team this year.  "The Circle of Courage embodies four core values for nur- turing all children in a climate of respect and dignity" (Brendtro, Brokenleg, & Van Bockern, 2002):

1. The Spirit of Belonging: The universal longing for human bonds is nurtured by relationships of trust so that the child can say, “I am loved.”

2. The Spirit of Mastery: The child’s inborn thirst for learning is nurtured; learning to cope with the world, the child can say, “I can succeed.”

3. The Spirit of Independence: The child’s free will is nurtured by increased responsibility so that the child can say, “I have power to make decisions.”

4. The Spirit of Generosity: The child’s character is nur- tured by concern for others so that the child can say, “I have a purpose for my life.”

Please read The Science of Raising Courageous Kids by Martin Brokenleg and Steve Van Bockern for greater detail:  

https://martinbrokenleg.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/12_1_Brokenleg_Van_Bockern.pdf

Students recently met in theri family, multi grade teams, to explore The Spirit of Belonging.  Their first meeting was all about coming to know one another and to forge the start of their relationship as a team.  Our student leaders helped to plan this first session along side out teachers.  

Our next session is on the Spirt of Generosity.  We will be reading a The Giving Tree: A Retelling of a Traditional Métis Story. This charming story, richly steeped in Métis culture, focuses on the boyhood reminisces of Moushoom as he describes finding the “great giving tree” with his mother and father.  by Leah M. Dorion (Author, Illustrator).  COme to our front foyer to see our own Blair Giving Tree with our learners thoughts and examples of generosity in their lives. 

Stay tuned for evidence our our journey to be posted on Our School Story!