Guidance Lessons

Family Newsletters for Creativity:

Kindergarten Family Connection-Creativity

1st Grade Family Connection-Creativity

2nd Grade Family Connection-Creativity

3rd Grade Family Connection-Creativity

4th Grade Family Connection-Creativity

5th Grade Family Connection-Creativity

Boletines Familiares Con Carácter Creatividad:

Conexión familiar de kindergarten-Creatividad

Conexión familiar de primer-Creatividad

Conexión familiar de segundo-Creatividad

Conexión familiar de tercer-Creatividad

Conexión familiar de cuarto-Creatividad

Conexión familiar de quinto-Creatividad

Texas Model Student Competencies:

Required character trait: courage

(C) demonstrate responsibility and courage when making decisions for the common good of the classroom and community; and (D) discuss the importance of obeying laws and rules.

Goals:

Students will define courage

Students will give examples of showing courage when making decisions for the good of the classroom and community

Family newsletters:

Kindergarten Family Connection-Courage

1st Grade Family Connection-Courage

2nd Grade Family Connection-Courage

3rd Grade Family Connection-Courage

4th Grade Family Connection-Courage

5th Grade Family Connection-Courage

Boletines Familiares Con Carácter Valentía:

Conexión familiar de kindergarten-Valentía

Conexión familiar de primer-Valentía

Conexión familiar de segundo-Valentía

Conexión familiar de tercer-Valentía

Conexión familiar de cuarto-Valentía

Conexión familiar de quinto-Valentía

k-2

All classes started off with a breathing strategy, kindness challenge, and positive affirmations before learning about courage. We read When You are Brave by Pat Zielow Miller which inspire students to embrace their inner light--no matter what they're facing--and to be brave. Students then created a shield of courage as a reminder to use courage to make the world a better place and be the best version of themselves. 

3-5 

All classes started off with a breathing strategy, positive affirmations and a kindness challenge before learning about courage. We read Sofia Valdez for Prez by Andrea Beaty which is about a young girl who shows courage by tackling a big problem in her community: an unsafe landfill. Despite challenges, she bravely works to turn it into a park. Her story highlights that courage is about taking action, even when it's difficult or scary, to create positive change. Students then cracked the code on two mystery quotes about courage.

k-2

ll.E. Students develop healthy relationships

(C) Caring: interpersonal skills, including charity, compassion, consideration, cooperation, empathy, generosity, kindness, and patience.

II.D.i Students will develop and use conflict resolution skills

3-5

Texas Model Student Competencies:

Personal Health and Safety

IV. A. Students incorporate wellness practices into daily living

IV.A.i Students will understand wellness as an element of healthy functioning

(Good Citizenship, Caring)

IV.A.ii Students will learn techniques for managing stress

(Caring)

Family Newsletters for Cooperation:

Kindergarten Family Connection-Cooperation

1st grade Family Connection-Cooperation

2nd grade Family Connection-Cooperation

3rd grade Family Connection-Cooperation

4th grade Family Connection-Cooperation

5th grade Family Connection-Responsibility

Boletines Familiares Con Carácter cooperación:

Conexión familiar de kindergarten-cooperación

Conexión familiar de primer-cooperación

Conexión familiar de segundo-cooperación

Conexión familiar de tercer-cooperación

Conexión familiar de cuarto-cooperación

Conexión familiar de quinto-Cooperación

Breathing Strategy:

k-2

All classes started with a breathing strategy, positive affirmations and a kindness challenge before learning about cooperation, healthy friendships, and conflict resolution. We read Rita and Ralph's Rotten Day by Carmen Deedy. This book highlights the importance of respectful communication during conflicts and the importance of apologizing to repair friendships.  Students then played a conflict resolution matching game filled with ideas on how to solve conflicts with friends. 

3-5

All classes started off with a breaking strategy, kindness challenge, and positive affirmations before learning about ways to manage test anxiety/test taking strategies. participated in a "donut" stress about the test presentation/discussion before filling their donut boxes with testing strategies, coping skills and positive self talk. Visit the guidance tab on the counselor's website for more info!

TEKS: (A) Trustworthiness: honesty, integrity, loyalty, punctuality, and reliability.

Trustworthiness. The student understands how personal skills, choices, and actions relate to character building. The student is expected to: (A) describe how personal choices lead to personal actions; Character Traits §120.A. June 2022 Update Page 2 of 7 (B) explain what it means to be trustworthy; and (C) identify personal actions that build trustworthiness, including being honest and punctual.

Goals:

Students will explain what it means to be trustworthy.

Students will identify actions that build trustworthiness. 

Students will understand the importance of having integrity

Kindergarten Family Connection-Honesty

1st Grade Family Connection-Honesty

2nd Grade Family Connection-Honesty

3rd Grade Family Connection-Honesty

4th Grade Family Connection-Honesty

5th Grade Family Connection-Honesty

Boletines Familiares Con Carácter Honestidad:

Conexión familiar de kindergarten-Honestidad

Conexión familiar de primer-Honestidad

Conexión familiar de segundo-Honestidad

Conexión familiar de tercer-Honestidad

Conexión familiar de cuarto-Honestidad

Conexión familiar de quinto-Honestidad

Breathing Strategy: Bear Breathing

k-2

All classes started with a breathing strategy, positive affirmations and a kindness challenge before learning about honesty, integrity and trustworthiness. We read Howard B. Wigglebottom And The Monkey On His Back by Howard Binkow and Susan F. Cornelison. This book explains some of the reasons people may lie, why they shouldn't/how it can make you feel, and how to go about making the right choices. Students then played a trustworthy connect three game filled with actions that help build trust. 

3-5 focused on conflict resolution this month due to a focus on staar test preparation next month!

All classes started with a breathing strategy, positive affirmations and a kindness challenge before learning about cooperation, healthy friendships, and conflict resolution. We read Enemy Pie by Derek Munson. This book highlights the importance of not judging others before you get to know them and gets students thinking about multiple ways to solving conflicts with peers. Students then played a conflict resolution card game similar to Uno with open ended questions, true/false, and multiple choice all related to solving problems with friends.

TEKS: Responsibility: accountability, diligence, perseverance, self-control, and self management.

D) differentiate between and give examples of diligence and perseverance and identify strategies for demonstrating perseverance.

I.B.iii. Students will be able to engage in effective goal setting

Goals:

Students will define perseverance 

Students will differentiate between fixed mindset and growth mindset

Students will set a personal goal

Character Strong Family Newsletters:

Kindergarten Family Connection-Perseverance

First grade Family Connection-Perseverance

Second grade Family Connection-Perseverance

Third grade Family Connection-Perseverance

Fourth grade Family Connection-Perseverance

Fifth grade Family Connection-Perseverance

Boletines Familiares Con Carácter Fuerte:

Conexión familiar de kindergarten-Perseverancia

Conexión familiar de primer-Perseverancia

Conexión familiar de segundo-Perseverancia

Conexión familiar de tercer-Perseverancia

Conexión familiar de cuarto-Perseverancia

Conexión familiar de quinto-Perseverancia

Breathing Strategy: Firework Breathing/Summit Breathing

K-2

All classes started with a breathing strategy, positive affirmations and a kindness challenge before learning about perseverance and growth mindset. We read The Squish by Breanna Carzoo which highlights the importance of a resilient attitude and supporting each other when facing challenges or unexpected hurdles in life. Students then set goals and reflected on what challenges they might face as well as who can support them on their journey. 

3-5 coming soon!

TEKS: Caring: interpersonal skills, including charity, compassion, consideration, cooperation, empathy, generosity, kindness, and patience.

(C) define empathy and discuss the connection between empathy and charity

(C) explain and identify examples of how a person can demonstrate empathy through kindness, charity, generosity, and courtesy

(C) identify strategies for how a person can show empathy through one's actions

Goals:

Students will identify ways a person can show empathy through one’s actions

Students will define empathy

Students will explain the importance of showing kindness to others

Character Strong Family Newsletters:

Kindergarten Family Connection-Empathy

First Grade Family Connection-Empathy

2nd Grade Family Connection-Empathy

3rd Grade Family Connection-Empathy

4th Grade Family Connection-Empathy

5th Grade Family Connection-Empathy

Boletines Familiares Con Carácter Fuerte:

Conexión familiar de kindergarten-Empatía

Conexión familiar de primer-Empatía

Conexión familiar de segundo-Empatía

Conexión familiar de tercer-Empatía

Conexión familiar de cuarto-Empatía

Conexión familiar de quinto-Empatía

Breathing Strategy for self-regulation/stress reduction: Flower Breathing

K-2

We read the story Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev which is about a boy who is excluded from a pet club before finding another girl with an unusual pet. Their shared experience of exclusion allows them to connect on a deeper level. They work together to create a new club where all pets are welcome, showing empathy for other children and their pets who might also be marginalized. Students then created their own club with the one requirement: all are welcome.

3-5

We read read Tyaja Uses the Think Test by Linda Ryden. This story emphasizes considering the feelings of others before speaking by using the "think test". Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it inspiring? Is it necessary? Is it kind? Students then participated in a scoot activity to decide whether statements passed the "think test". All students are ready to consider the feelings of others before they speak!

TEKS: Good citizenship: having concern for the common good and the community; having respect for authority, law, justice, and the rights of others; being free from prejudice; having gratitude and school pride; being courteous, fair, and patriotic; and making responsible decisions. (A) describe the differences and similarities among gratitude, respect, and courtesy;

IV.A.ii Students will learn techniques for managing stress

IV. A. Students incorporate wellness practices into daily living

I.A Students have a positive self concept

GOALS:

Students will define gratitude.

Students will be able to identify the benefits of having an attitude of gratitude (lower stress/increase happiness/self-worth). 

Students will be able to identify people places and things they are grateful for.

Family Newsletters for Gratitude:

Kindergarten Family Connection-Gratitude

1st grade Family Connection-Gratitude

2nd grade Family Connection-Gratitude

3rd grade Family Connection-Gratitude

4th grade Family Connection-Gratitude

5th grade Family Connection-Gratitude

Boletines Familiares Con Carácter Gratitud:

Conexión familiar de kindergarten-Gratitud

Conexión familiar de primer-Gratitud

Conexión familiar de segundo-Gratitud

Conexión familiar de tercer-Gratitud

Conexión familiar de cuarto-Gratitud

Conexión familiar de quinto-Gratitud

K-2

All students started off with a breathing strategy, positive self-talk, and a kindness challenge before learning about gratitude and the benefits of a having a positive mindset. Students read The Gratitude Jar by Katrina Liu which highlights the importance of creating habits of thankfulness and avoiding entitlement/comparison to others. Students then created their own gratitude jars as a tool to help develop healthy perspectives, increase happiness, and boost positive self-esteem. 

3-5 

All students started off with a breathing strategy, positive self-talk, and a kindness challenge before learning about gratitude and the benefits of a having a positive mindset. Students read The Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña which highlights the importance of appreciating the little things in life and reminds students that thoughtfulness and community are more important than material wealth. Students then participated in a gratitude challenge by thinking of 100 things they are thankful for from a variety of categories to use as a reminder throughout the year.

k-2

All classes started off with a kindness challenge, breathing strategy, and positive self-talk before learning about responsibility through emotional-regulation. Kindergarteners read the story How Are You Feeling, Juan Pablo Cameleon? by Dan St. Romain before coloring a chameleon based on what zone they were in and circling three coping strategies they would like to use to get to the green zone this year (ready for learning).  First graders read the story The Color Monsters by Anna Llenas before coloring a monster to match their feelings and choosing three coping strategies they would like to use to get to the green zone.  2nd graders read A Little Spot of Feelings by Diane Alber before coloring a little spot with how they were feeling and choosing 2 coping skills they already like to use and two new ones they would like to try this year. All students practiced saying I feel___________(name an emotion) I can_____________(choose a coping skill). These students are ready to make responsible decisions when they have big feelings!

All students started off with a breathing strategy, positive self-talk, and a kindness challenge before learning about responsibility through self-regulation. Students read Pause Power by Jennifer Law which teaches kids to "pause" and choose a calm down strategy when their buttons get pushed in order to make a responsible decision with their actions. Students then completed a coping skills bracket to narrow down their top coping skill and decided if students in different scenarios were reacting to a problem vs. solving the problem. Students also left with a pause button to keep as a reminder.  These students are ready to practice self-control and make responsible decisions when they have big feelings!  

Please see family newsletters below:

Kindergarten Family Connection-Respect

1st Grade Family Connection-Respect

2nd Grade Family Connection-Respect

3rd Grade Family Connection-Repect

4th Grade Family Connection-Respect

5th Grade Family Connection-Respect

Boletines Familiares Con Carácter Respeto:

Conexión familiar de kindergarten-Respeto

Conexión familiar de primer-Respeto

Conexión familiar de segundo-Respeto

Conexión familiar de tercer-Respeto

Conexión familiar de cuarto-Respeto

Conexión familiar de quinto-Respeto

TEK: Students are expected to develop an awareness of self-identity as well as recognize multiple perspectives, differences, diversity, biases, and the social and cultural context in which they live.

II.A.i. Students will appreciate their own culture

II.A.ii Students will respect others as individuals and accept them for the cultural membership

II.A.iii. Students will effectively relate with others based on appreciation for differences and similarities

II.A.  Student interact effectively with a diverse population

II.A.iv. Students will evaluate how stereotyping affects them and their relationships with others

 (C) explain what it means to demonstrate respect and courtesy and why it is important to demonstrate respect and courtesy to others; and (D) describe ways in which individuals demonstrate respect for authority and law.

Goals:

Students will differentiate between respectful and disrespectful actions

Students will explain why diversity is important

Students will develop self awareness by identifying what makes them unique

Breathing Strategy of the Month: Box Breathing

K-2

All classes started off with a breathing strategy, positive self talk, and a kindness challenge before learning about ways to demonstrate respect and the importance of celebrating differences. We read the story  Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martninez-Neal which highlights the importance of heritage and cherishing your unique story. Students then reflected on what makes them unique as well as drawing an example of what respect looks like. 

3-5

All classes started off with a breathing strategy, positive self talk, and a kindness challenge before learning about respect and the importance of celebrating differences. We read the story The Sandwich Swap by Her Majesty Queen Raina Al Abdullah which highlights the importance of keeping an open mind and respectful attitude when learning about/trying new things from different cultures. Students then reflected on what makes them unique by designing a "unique me" t-shirt as well as sorting phrases into what respect looks like, sounds like and feels like.

TEKS:

 (C) Caring: interpersonal skills, including charity, compassion, consideration, cooperation, empathy, generosity, kindness, and patience.

 (C) explain and identify examples of how actions can demonstrate kindness to others.

Family Newsletter:

Inicio De La Amabildad

Kindness Kickoff