We use ‘Gem Powers’ in school throughout our curriculum. Each gem (ruby, sapphire, emerald, topaz, amethyst and diamond) is related to a particular learning skill set which are in turn related to a set of behaviours and feelings. The behaviours and feeling are generated by a number of neurotransmitter which either enhance our ability to learn or impede it. The project helps children understanding that they are in charge of their feelings and behaviours and with practice can gather more gems and sparkle even more.
Ruby – Being aware of others and how what you do or say might make them feel – thinking positively about other people. Also, helping and supporting others.
Ruby power at home: Supporting siblings in a game, getting dressed or reading. Random acts of kindness – helping prepare dinner. Understanding how others might feel because of their reaction to a situation (shouting, getting angry etc.).
Sapphire – Keeping focused and staying in control of the monster distractions, only focusing on what is important.
Sapphire power at home: Focusing and finishing one task at a time, for example, homework or tidying up.
Emerald – Bouncing back from mistakes and disappointment and controlling anger if it starts to get out. Also, being able to cope with not getting your own way or being disappointed.
Emerald power at home: When they are told they can’t do something or can’t have something or being told to tidy their room, they able to control the ‘it’s not fair’ attitude.
Topaz – Working together, using all the Gem Powers to work as a team.
Topaz power at home: Taking it in turns to share, working together to solve a problem or help others.
Diamond – Being able to notice a problem and thinking of ways to solve it.
Diamond power at home: Picking something up rather than stepping over it, cutting up their own dinner (even if it is a struggle) or tidying their bedroom without being asked.