All students receive lessons in decision-making and I would like to expand this to include lessons on peer mediation. Older students will even get the opportunity to problem-solve and work through some real-life situation with me during class. I am very excited about this program.
Facts about Peer Mediation: http://www.creducation.org/cre/teachers/cre_practices_descriptions/peer_mediation
The second program I will be continuing is mindfulness. I am sure you have seen the new craze in coloring books for adults. These are an example of mindfulness. I want the students to be able to calm themselves down and think about their decisions before they act. I believe the best way to do this is to give them the skills they need to learn it! I can't wait to see the results!***
Facts about Mindfulness:
http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/tips_for_teaching_mindfulness_to_kids/
Lessons will be updated throughout the year with definitions, goals, and at home activities...
August - Lessons this month will include introductions and the Big 3: Respect, Responsible, and Safe. We will also focus on exactly what it means to be Respectful.
Respect - Treating others the way you want to be treated. "The Purple Rule"
Activity - http://www.micheleborba.com/Pages/BMI05.htm
After these lessons, students will be able to answer the questions:
1. What is a school counselor?
2. How can I show respect for myself, to others, and to property?
September - We will have guest speakers from Compass Health and Children's Advocacy Center to teach us about Anger Management and Kids' Rights.
Personal Safety Skills and Coping Strategies - Child Advocacy Center's Autumn Reardon will present to all classes on Kids' Rights.
Kid’s Rights program - Preview the program video “My Body Belongs to Me”.
"Be Cool" Anger Management activities presented by Compass Health for all grade levels.
At Home activities - http://www.kimscounselingcorner.com/2012/09/16/50-activities-and-games-dealing-with-anger/
October - We will continue our unit on the Big 3 and focus on Responsibility. Problem-solving skills and healthy choices will be the focus during Red Ribbon Week.
Responsible - Being prepared. Being accountable for your actions. Following directions.
Activities - http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/teacher-made-activities-teaching-responsibility
After these lessons, students will be able to answer the questions:
1. How can I be responsible both at home and at school?
2. Why are rules important at school?
3. What are my roles at school?
Red Ribbon Week activities - http://redribbon.org/activities/
After this unit, students in grades K-3 will be able to identify and demonstrate the skills needed to solve conflicts and make and keep a friend. Students in grades 4 and 5 will be able to demonstrate and exhibit mutual respect for individuals within diverse groups and implement strategies to solve problems.
November - The Big 3 wrap-up: how to be Safe.
Safe - KAHFOOTY (ask your child what this means!). Make good choices.
Gratitude - All students learned what gratitude is and why it is important. Students not only discussed what they were thankful for, but why, and then wrote gratitude cards and letters to thank others.
December - Kindergarten - 2nd grade will focus on Friendship and Bullying Behaviors.
Students in grades 3 & 4 will have a special lesson about our 8 pillar words this year: Critical thinking, respectfulness, collaboration, communication, creativity, responsibility, citizenship, and resilience.
January - Refresher lessons from 1st semester with a focus on anger management.
February - Continuation of the 8 pillar words. 4th grade students will practice peer mediation.
March - Self-control and Careers!
Self-control - Great time of year for this reminder: Stop and think before you act.
Activities - http://www.imom.com/7-ways-to-teach-self-control/#.V6zYaPkrLcs
http://mattbgomez.com/fun-activities-for-practicing-self-control/
April - Test-taking tips in all classes
Motivation - All students learn what motivation is and how it helps in school and at home. It can also keep you healthy!
Activities - http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/schoolage-active.html
http://www.momentsaday.com/10-activities-help-young-children-develop-a-positive-attitude/
May - End of the year wrap-up and teamwork games!
Patience - Patience is as much as waiting as it is about having a good attitude with waiting.
Activities - http://meaningfulmama.com/20-ways-teach-kids-patience.html