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5. Social-Emotional Health


Overview: Social and Emotional Health

Goal: To recognize the complex relationship between physical health, self-esteem, positive social interactions and other influences, as well as the role of positive character traits, responsible decision making, communication and collaboration and collaboration skills in developing good social skills and emotional health during adolescence.


Life Skills
  • Technology
  • Goal Setting
  • Writing
  • Critical Thinking
  • Communication
  • Reading
  • Creative Thinking
  • Presentation
  • Cooperation
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Social Skills
Developmental Assets
  • Integrity - Youth acts on convictions, stands up for his/her beliefs.
  • Responsibility - Accepts and takes personal responsibility.
  • Honesty - Tells the truth if it isn't easy.
  • Interpersonal Competencies - Demonstrates empathy, sensitivity, and friendship skills.
  • Caring - Young person places high value on helping other people
Assignments for each unit are contained in the Health Links - Assignments and Resources portal.  Students and parents can access the portal using the account login provided to them at the start of the course.  The link below will take you to the portal.
Parent Bulletins (Grades 1-5): Aligned with each two-week unit that Middle School students and parents will be exploring, students and parents in grades 1-5 will be encouraged to explore health related topics and to build family engagement around health issues.  Students in grades 1-5 will receive paper copies of the bulletin, but they can also be accessed (downloaded) from the following page. 

Grade 1-5 teachers, please visit the link below and print paper copies of Parent Bulletin 1 for your students grade level.
*  Teachers can obtain additional materials and lesson resources for this topic from Mr. Arnold.
Family Foundations

Examples:
  • As this course begins, check out the online resources and information we have started to organize in the Health Links websites.  Talk together and have an understanding of the requirements and resources that will help you learn more about important health topics.
  • Set aside regular time to talk together and discuss the health topics your child is exploring this semester.  This family connection is vital to how your child thinks about and will make choices that impact their health and happiness.
  • Explore thoughts about Social and Emotional health and talk together about the relationships in your family.  Consider what you can do to build positive relationships in your family, which help with the health and well-being of your family.

Unit Presentation - Social and Emotional Health
March 30 (Monday), 11:15 - Noon

Pete Loiselle
Middle School Teacher, Surry


I have been married to Christine for 17 years and have no children and one
cat.  I graduated from Brewer High School in 1982 and from UMaine in 1985.
I spent the next four years teaching at St. Mary’s School in Houlton and
then the past 18 years at Surry Elementary School.  Some of the things I
enjoy in life include UMaine football and hockey, NASCAR, walking, biking,
hiking, and swimming.

Eight years ago I was in the hospital for my third of four visits for
cellulitis.  It was during that time it was recommended I begin the process
for gastric bypass surgery.  Following several meetings with a psychologist
and my primary care physician I was referred to the person I feel changed my
life forever.  I was scheduled to visit a dietitian at Eastern Maine Health Care in Bangor.  The meeting was to take 1 ½ hours!  On October 1, I met Lynn Bolduc. Those of you who have heard me speak in the past, I call her my Goddess.  She listened to my needs and helped me learn how to lose weight in a healthy way and encouraged me to begin an exercise regimen. Three years later I had lost 500 pounds, and six years later my weight is still the same.  I have been able to maintain my weight through continued exercise and watching what I eat.  My diet has not changed since I met my ideal weight, but I have allowed myself to enjoy treats (i.e. food in the teacher’s room or lunchroom, going out to eat).  I still enjoy my daily salads for lunch and 4 fruits a day.  I learned how to eat healthy and that has allowed me to make smart decisions in what I eat and how much. Moderation plays a key part in my life now, something I never paid attention to 5 years ago.  I exercise daily.  Walking 4 miles a day 7 days a week,
weights three days a week and arm bike 75 minutes a day four days a week.
There are days when I enjoy my walk more than the food I eat.  Something I
never would have imagined.

Resources

Websites

Dealing with Peer Pressure
Dealing with Feelings
The Cool Spot
Body Image and Self-Esteem
Girls and Body Image Tips (Common Sense Media)
Boys and Body Image Tips (Common Sense Media)
Above the Influence
The ABCs of Child Development (parents)
Talking with Kids About Tough Issues (parents)
Talking with Kids About Tough Issues (student-parents)
How to Talk with Your Kids About Sex (Dr. Laura Berman)