Marzolf Primary School
Hi Marzolf Primary School Students and Parents! I would like to introduce my Marzolf Primary School Counseling Page. I will add information in the form of stories, videos, and text which I feel might be especially helpful in navigating our "new normal", our journey through this experience with COVID-19. What is happening in our world is creating strong emotions in all of us. Take a deep breath and I hope you find the information below helpful. Please also reference my email on the main page. Do not hesitate to reach out to me. Stay well and keep on Shining!
Spotlight Topic/Tip-Week of May 11th-Physical Separation
Separation from loved ones can be difficult for children and adults. Separation encompasses many different situations; death of a loved one or pet, a special friend who moved, transitioning to school as a preschooler or kindergarten student, parent divorce, incarceration, and, COVID-19, to highlight a few. We might experience a range of emotions related to the separation. Sadness, anxiety, and anger can overwhelm us and these separations can be very stressful. We tend to focus on "what is not" instead of "what is". One tool I use with students is "The Invisible String". No matter what the nature of the separation is, we are connected to our loved ones by an invisible string. It is a wonderful visual reminder when emotions heighten due to separation.
Corona-bookforkids.pdf.pdfA wonderful story which explains the COVID-19 Virus in kid-friendly terms. It also reviews healthy tips for staying well.
Coping Skills and Strategies
Sebastien is like any kid; he faces many situations throughout his week which cause him to feel many different emotions. To stay calm, Sebastien uses Positive Self-Talk or "Cool Thoughts". "Cool Thoughts" are thoughts which help us to keep our sometimes stronger emotions more manageable so that we can cope and be a problem-solver. Sebastien tells himself over and over, even when he doubts himself, "I can handle it". Other examples of "Cool Thoughts" are-"I can do this", "I will be okay", "It's not a big deal", "I can stay calm", just to name a few. I encourage you to follow along with the story. And, if you want to, complete the optional activity. Simply, write one "Cool Thought" in the thinking bubble which might help you this week, especially if you are feeling challenged. Hang it some place you will see it as a reminder. Email me your "Cool Thoughts" if you would like so that I can share out! My "Cool Thought" for this week is "I got this".
My Cool Thought.pdfLearn how to manage strong feelings just like Howard B. Wigglebottom. He gets angry just like you and me. He learns how to pay attention to his "anger warning signs". He recognizes that when his belly feels "funny", that is one clue that he needs to calm down. Just like Curious George, he takes bubble breaths and backs away. Sing along at the end of the story to reinforce these important anger-management skills.
Curious George Bubble Breathing.pdfThe Art of Bubble Breathing
We breathe all day long and, most likely, give it little to no attention. It is something we do automatically. But attention to the breath is important, especially when we are heightened with emotion. When we start to feel anxious, frustrated, angry, or even silly at an unexpected time, we can slow those feelings down with our breath so that our brains can think and solve our problem.
Calm body = A thinking brain. Bubble breathing is a fundamental skill that allows us to feel calm. Learn from Curious George how to use Bubble Breathing by reading the attached story. Go ahead, give it a try! Remember to practice, and if you have bubbles, what a better way to learn!