When the Wahkiakum School District shifted to a four-day school week in September this year, it allowed for Wahkiakum Community Network to pilot its program Kid’s Connection. Wahkiakum Community Network saw this not only as an opportunity to help parents but to make the transition easier for young students as well. The students that attended Kid’s Connection played a game called Putting It All Together Jeopardy and were asked questions like “Name two ways to manage your feelings that are healthy and safe for yourself and others.” This 200-point question was a way for the students to recall the social and emotional concepts learned at Kid’s Connection.
“The curriculum in Kid’s Connection helps with life shifts we all have on occasion.” Suzanne Mackey commented. Mackey, a Healthy Community Specialist for Wahkiakum County Health & Human Services, facilitates the program. “We cover expressing emotions appropriately, managing anger, making healthy choices,” she continued. “It gives kids the tools they need to navigate the changing world they live in.” Kid’s Connection is a robust, evidence-based program, but Mackey shared that the lessons were accessible and well-tailored to the age group. “They probably thought they were just coming to a playgroup,” she stated. “The first time I explained that they were going to be learning, you could see their eyes widen a bit! But the curriculum keeps it interesting for the kids and they had a lot of fun. Each topic is explored through an art project, game, or interactive roleplaying. I think that made it a lot easier to engage with the curriculum.”
By week nine, Mackey was blown away by her participants’ progress. “We played a game that referenced all the social/emotional learning we had done so far. As I was putting the gameboard together, I was surprised by how hard some of the questions were. But they did amazing. I couldn’t believe how much they retained and remembered for that age group!” Minette Smith, the Coalition Coordinator for Wahkiakum Community Network, sat in on a few days of Kid’s Connection. “Suzanne does an amazing job,” Smith shared. “She gives every child individual attention and really deeply cares about everyone in the group. She really enjoyed working with every single kid and getting to know them. I just couldn’t ask for a more amazing facilitator.”
Parents echoed the quality and intent that went into making Kid’s Connection. “In the short time my son was in the program he has made great strides in social and emotional growth,” a parent commented. “His self-esteem and self-awareness are so improved! Every child could benefit from this program.”
“Kid’s connection gave my child a safe place to talk about his feelings, his goals, and his struggles,” another parent stated. “The class taught him how to understand his feelings and strategies to manage his emotions. He was able to bond with other kids his age.” Attendees had good remarks as well, praising the learning environment and sharing the fun they had in learning these concepts. “I learned help with self-control when I’m angry,” one participant shared. Another stated that they should have mac and cheese every day. Most of the lunches were provided by Family Youth Systems Partner Round Table through Great Rivers Behavioral Health. Mackey feels it’s a huge plus for the program and will make sure lunch is on the menu through future runs of the program. “It really gave us that extra time to bond and have organic conversation,” Mackey commented.
With the pilot run’s success, Kid’s Connection is gearing up for a second session in the Spring. The cap for this group will be six students, so parents are urged to let Kid’s Connection staff know which age group should be next.
Those interested in learning more or providing feedback can contact Suzanne Mackey at suzannem@co.wahkiakum.wa.us or 360-795-8630 Ext. 283.
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