Interactive Workshops that Promote an Environment of Kindness

Gillispie students PreK to Grade 6 were treated with visits from Practical Karate owner and Gillispie parent, Frank McCarroll, who engaged students in interactive workshops designed to help children create an environment of kindness at school and cope with confrontational or bullying behaviors from other students or strangers.

Using the book Have You Filled a Bucket Today?: A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids and his own experiences growing up, Frank showed students that making a conscious effort to be kind and appreciative to others grows happiness in a community. Frank also gave students strategies for dealing with anyone that is not being kind or gets in their personal space in a confrontational way.

Whether they practiced the “Ignore, Smile & Strut,” strategy of dealing with teasing or actual physical self-defense maneuvers, all students left these workshops with a renewed sense of confidence to stand up for themselves and others.

About Gillispie School: Gillispie is an independent toddler through Grade 6 school in La Jolla, CA. We believe that learning is a journey in which children are active participants. Our students partner with teachers to further their academic, creative, and social growth, and we balance a child-centered approach that does not rush childhood with well-researched academic programs that demand higher-level thinking. Click here to learn more about our school.