2nd Grade

Second Grade

I am in the 2nd Grade classrooms every other week for a 40 minute lesson. I teach 14-16 lessons total in each classroom. A summary of the lesson will be posted below.

Our conversations about mental health at school are best supported by continued conversations at home.  Discussing mental health is as important as discussing physical health (in age and developmentally appropriate ways).   An example of this would sound like: "I take care of my physical health in a lot of ways.  I make sure that I get enough sleep, I eat foods that fuel my body, I get outside or move my body, I brush my teeth, bathe, and go to the doctor when I need to.  Just like my physical health I also need to take care of my mental health.  I get outside and move my body regularly because it helps me destress, I stay connected with my friends, I get enough sleep, I practice emotional regulation, and when I need to I talk to specialists or take medication."   Part of the health and safety piece at home is to monitor internet usage, ensure that medications (especially prescriptions) are locked up, as well as, locking up firearms; this is imperative to our children's safety.

Lesson 1| August 28-29| Getting to know the adults in your school and what they can do for you! Today we met Mrs. Osborne our school counselor. Mrs. Potato Head was a key element to our lesson.  We discussed how Mrs. Osborne is similar to Mrs. Potato Head. Mrs. Osborne LISTENS to us when we need to TALK or have a QUESTION.  She HELPS us HELP ourselves.  We discussed who other helpers were in the school and talked about Mrs. Osborne coming to our class every other week to teach us lessons on friendship, conflict management, safe and healthy choices, feelings, and being a great student! **Students may request to see the school counselor individually with a note to the counselor outside of my office door or a parent or teacher referral. 


Lesson 2 - 5 | September 11- Oct 31 | Conflict Resolution Unit: Kelso's Choice's Peace Wheel is the curriculum used as a foundation for conflict resolution.  Students identify what is a small problem (something they are smart enough and strong enough to solve on their own.  Often a conflict that is annoying or frustrating) and what is a big problem (something dangerous, unsafe, or scary) and adults they can go to for help (both at school and at home).  


Lesson 6- Current | Nov 14- Current | Emotional Regulation: In Second Grade we will use the Slumberkins Curriculum, The Feels, to identify Big Emotions, that the emotion tells our body an important message, and that they are here to take care of us as we take care of them.  This curriculum focuses on 5 emotions as a whole: scared, mad, sad, worried, and calm.  We will dig deeper into Mad, Worried, and Calm.


Upcoming Units:

Future Planning: We will define the words skills and interests.  We will read about Santa Claus and how he got his job in the book, How Santa Got His Job.  We will discuss the skills and interests he used for each job and how he landed on the perfect career for him.  Students will also fill out an application form to apply to be one of Santa's Reindeer, Elves, or a Substitute Santa!

Safe and Healthy Choices: We will discuss personal safety including Physical and Emotional Well Being