Many children at McIlvaine Early Childhood Center go home throughout the school year talking about tossing fish, choosing their attitude, and making someone’s day.  What is this all about?  The FISH philosophy, of course!  FISH is an approach to classroom management that involves students, families, and teachers in establishing and maintaining supportive learning communities in the classroom and throughout the school.  The FISH philosophy started with a group of fishmongers from Seattle, Washington.  Despite their less-than-desirable work, they brought amazing energy, focus, and accountability to their jobs.  The premise behind their work is the four components of the FISH! Philosophy:   

Be There – When we interact with others, we need to really focus on that moment.  We must take responsibility for “being who we are while we’re doing what we’re doing.”

Choose Your Attitude – We cannot control what happens to us, be we do have a choice about how we respond.  By accepting responsibility for the attitude we choose, we also empower ourselves to change it.

Make Their Day – If we focus on those around us and do little things to make others feel good, we can have a powerful, positive impact on the lives of people.

 Play – If we can find joy in our work, then we will bring a light-hearted spirit to our lives.