Altogether, "Happy Vibes" had 32 students sign up to participate. At our first session, students were quite anxious and nervous. Very few students knew each other as our group was composed of 6 different classrooms. They did not want to talk or play games with the other students, and (literally) clung onto us or our Grade 6 helpers as a way to cope with unfamiliar faces. However, as the sessions progressed, we noticed that students became more comfortable with one another and began to relax. Towards the end of our program, students were laughing and playing with each other as if they had known each other for years. Students were comfortable with one another and several friendships had develop over the past weeks.
Student Responses After the Implementation of HV
Who has made a new friend?
64% of the our students responded positively that they had made a new friend in "Happy Vibes".
Do you feel more comfortable with children from outside your classroom now?
55% of our students responded positively that they feel more comfortable with children from other classrooms.
Do you feel more comfortable making new friends since we gave you some strategies?
77% of our students responded positively about feeling more comfortable and confident to approach other children to try and begin a friendship.
Did you like Happy Vibes? Would you want a similar program to stay in our school?
91% of our students response positively about enjoying Happy Vibes and and wanting this program to continue in the school.