Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) is utilized to teach and affirm positive adult and student behavior as part of the larger Wish School culture and climate. Wish Students accumulate PAWS as a reward and affirmation for their positive behaviors.
PAWS
P - Practice Kindness
A - Always Be Respectful
W - Work Hard
S - Stay Safe
UConn HNS, as an aligned and contributing partner @ Wish School, integrates PBIS and PAWS within all educational programs and school-wide collaborations. UConn HNS staff also serve as the lead facilitators for “Thriving Thursdays” which operates as a rotation of school-wide initiatives that occurs every Thursday to celebrate different Wish School stakeholders through investments such as Staff Appreciation, PBIS School Store, Classroom Recesses, Classroom Snacks, and more.
"Lunch Bunch - Focus Groups" is offered once per month during “Thriving Thursday” with a sample size (10-15) of Wish School Students that spend 15 minutes during their lunch time with UConn HNS Staff to hangout, have fun, share food, and engage in a focus group conversation.
Students
On this UConn HNS “Thriving Thursday” @ Wish School, we were able to engage with students during “Lunch Bunch – Focus Groups” to hear students’ feedback on their learning and experiences regarding: Cycle One of UConn HNS Programs
Cycle One Overview - Introductory Cycle
| HNS Pillars | Cycle Theme | Teaching Emphasis – “Memorable Motto” |
| Nutrition Education | MyPlate | “MyPlate is a Healthy Plate” |
| Physical Activity | Physical Literacy | “Be Active!” |
| Transferable Life Skill | PAWS Overview | “Wish School Core Values” |
Student Engagement
On 10/09, Wish School Students in grades 3rd, 4th, 5th joined with UConn HNS staff to share in fun, eating, and conversation.
10 Wish School Students
2 Focus Groups - 5 students per group
3 UConn HNS Staff - 2 conversational facilitators; 1 note-taker
Nutrition Education
Rate the Snack: MyPlate Nachos
- 9/10 students gave this snack a very strong score of either Bussin (4) and Very Yummy (5); One student said the snack was a "No Thank You" because they "do not like the black beans"
- 4 students shared that they liked all of it.
- 2 students suggested adding more "salt & pepper".
- One student asked for "no black beans", another student asked for "more black beans". One student asked for "no tomatoes", another student asked for "more tomatoes". It's fun to be a part of students' different food likes and dislikes at this age!
One Important Thing You Learned: Dairy Section of the MyPlate
Students who have attended Wish School for years have seen the MyPlate many times from UConn. The students tend to associate MyPlate with healthy eating and possess solid working knowledge of the different foods and sections of the MyPlate, as showcased in the range of student feedback provided during this "Lunch Bunch - Focus Group":
- Simple things to cook; avoid too much sugar in cake
- Teaches us about foods that are special occasions (go-slow-woah scale)
- Use the MyPlate to help you when doctors talk about healthy eating
- I know that dairy, ice cream is a woah food and I just learned that whipped cream is a dairy
- Dairy helps with strong bones; fruit helps with nervous system
- Try all foods
- Try all foods; like fruits (eat-the-rainbow)
Physical Activity
Rate the Activities: Obstacle Course
- 4 Students - Rated as a 10/10
- 1 Student - Rated 9.5/10 because they "didn't like rolling on the ground"
- 2 Students - Rated 8.5/10 and 8/10, one sharing "ladders were difficult" / the other "ladders were great"
- 2 Students - Rated 7.5 and 7/10, both sharing "it was a little too difficult"
- 1 Student - Was not present the day their class went to UConn for the obstacle course, yet still suggested that we "add hula hoops for next time"
One Important Thing You Learned about Stretching
As we introduced the concept of Physical Literacy and the importance of being Physical Active during Cycle One of UConn HNS programs @ Wish School, one key area of focus was: Stretching. Wish School Students showcased important learning regarding stretching before physical activities to help prevent injuries, provide energy, and ensure safety. Students realize stretching after physical activities can relax their bodies.
- You get stronger; stretch after exercise
- For your safety
- Stretch everyday; keeps you safe
- Not get hurt; Stay Safe; Before you do anything
- Give you energy; before training
- Helps with cramps (x2)
- Helps relax your body
- Stretching helps you get ready to do stuff
School to Family Transfer?
UConn HNS works as part of Wish School. In doing so we also work alongside students and their families. We most certainly hope that student learning and behaviors connected with Nutrition Education and Physical Activity are transferring from school to family life. When students were asked about these transfers during this "Lunch Bunch - Focus Group", many different examples of School to Family Transfers were present. Very Exciting!
- Share with family that I ate food at school, like vegetables
- Shared fruit pizza recipe with family
- We get to do lots of fun stuff- challenges like the activities and raffles
- Ate healthy food and to be active; learning about healthy eating; stay active
- We always do stretches first, then we play
- Told family stretching helps with physical body cramps
- Chocolate bar—told my family about the pancakes
- How fun UConn is – we played musical chairs
- Shared everything—Brings recipe cards home— Mom stretches at home