50 Blossom Street Edison, NJ 08817
(732) 650- 5320
Welcome to Counseling and Student Services!
Check regularly for updates!
Robert.Monteleone@edison.k12.nj.us
Be sure to drop by and take a look daily for new links to activities, videos, and lessons involving mindfulness and meditation, social emotional learning, relaxation and focus, and more!
This video was produced by the CDC and helps young learners understand what the Corona-virus is, and what they can do to stay safe and healthy during these times.
This video features a reading of Argyle Fox, a story about a fox whose plans keep getting messed up by the pesky windy day. This book shows the importance of perseverance, creativity, appropriate choices, and the power of having an open mind!
A brief book reading, of a really great book with excellent illustrations!
Life is a book all about changes, and challenges. How we start small, but grow through challenges, and find new ways to succeed!
At the end of the reading are some great reflective questions on change, and how we can "work through the wilderness", and grow.
This video, introduces a great app I will be using to get responses from students on a variety of lessons on topics of discussion.
At the 1:45 mark, I begin to read "The Invisible Boy" by Trudy Ludwig.
Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game or birthday party...until that is, a new kid comes to class
After the reading, there are some great questions, and an opportunity to share your opinions and feelings through the use of the app FlipGrid.
To Join Flipgrid, click the link www.FlipGrid.com/MrMonte and log in using your School Email address. Then, take a look as I add more videos on books, activities, or just questions that I want to hear what you feel!
FlipGrid is a platform that allows students to respond to questions by a brief video recording, these are monitored, and appropriate responses are posted for classroom peers to see. If you do not want your child recording video, no problem! There are plenty of activities that do not require recording of any kind.
Over the next few weeks, Mindful Schools will be streaming free Mindfulness classes for kids and families (K-5).
What to expect:
Fun and interactive activities for kids such as mindful eating, movement, and more
30 minutes of mindfulness and a restful break from the busyness of daily life
Experienced teachers from the Mindful Schools Training Team
These classes begin at 1:00 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. You can join the classes through any device that has a web browser, or call in via your phone.
Looking for a new way to wind down? Would you like to create a routine that assists with focus, patience, and relaxation? Take a look at the following slides which offer a variety of activities and instructions on how to perform these mindfulness exercises.
Great video!
Shows fun examples (cartoons and video) of Mindful Breathing Techniques.
Recommended for Grade [K-2]
Guided meditation/ Mindful Breathing
Follow the instructions for a great relaxing activity.
Recommended for all ages
Square Breathing, a focus and relaxation activity. This guided meditation takes you through a brief breathing exercise to assist with relaxation.
Recommended for all ages
Breathing Exercise for adults and Pre-teens and teenagers.
Introduces some of the science behind mindful breathing.
Recommended for [5th and Older]
The following two Slide shows provide a variety of social emotional learning activities at different grade levels.
There are enough activities for ten days, choose one activity per day, and be sure to check back for more lessons & activities!
This is a Social Emotional Lesson for students, that has students reflect on accountability for the things we say. This lesson offers videos, worksheets and a read along of "My Mouth Is a Volcano".
Recommended for grades 3-5, some of the links such as the read along, and worksheets are applicable for younger learners.
K-2
K-2
1st, 2nd, 3rd
1st, 2nd, 3rd
3rd, 4th, 5th
A story which helps students understand mindfulness, and ways to practice zen exercises.
3rd, 4th, 5th
A story which shows us that small mistakes can turn into beautiful masterpieces! Making a mistake can be the best way to learn!
Music can be a great way to maintain focus, to increase our energy, and to help us eliminate distractions. Here are a few playlists featured on Youtube, which offer a few hours of music, that would be great to listen to while working from home.
Disney Piano Music Playlist
Energizing Positive Music!
This playlist is great for refocusing, a little more upbeat to encourage more energy!
Smooth Jazz Music for Kids
Offers a relaxing, calm and low key environment.
Low key, hip-hop beats for studying
This came as a recommendation from some of my older students, who enjoy listening to music with a beat and no lyrics.
Very creative and entertaining video which introduces a variety of poses through nursery rhymes.
Recommended for [Pre-K, K, 1]
Put on this calming video, and try to match the movements, and stretches that are shown.
All ages
Excellent video!!! This has great visual examples, is entertaining, and provides a solid introduction to breathing, posture and movement used during yoga! 30 min
Recommended for [2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th]
The following three videos are visual cues, these assist with setting a breathing rhythm. Try to follow the line to the right, or the animation in the center and match your breathing. When rising, inhale deeply, when falling, exhale slowly.
When we are stressed, sad, confused, or angry, the most important thing to remember, is to breathe. Our breathing changes when we are upset, and our brain uses more energy! So, we need to help ourselves calm down, think clearly, and make a good choice, by refueling our bodies with more oxygen!
K, 1st, 2nd
3rd, 4th, 5th
3rd, 4th, 5th
This activity helps to turn off stress, and encourage positive energy
Check out otters, exotic fish, sharks, turtles, penguins and more!
Each day at 1:00 pm the live feed starts, before then, you can check out recordings, or other exhibits!
Cape May County Park and Zoo are offering virtual tours! Each day take a look at this website, as there will be a new update, featuring new exhibits.
A variety of Mandalas and Animals you can color online! This is a great stress reducing activity. Put on some music, focus on breathing deeply in a calm fashion, and relax while "painting" some cool patterns.