This page is an ongoing list of good resources I find. I am continuously adding to it, and rarely deleting! I hope you find some of it helpful!
Mindfulness at WLIS!
Did you know a human being has between 60,000-80,000 thoughts a day and approximately half of them are negative or self-critical? Mindfulness is a useful tool for noticing and extracting yourself from the cycle of unhealthy thoughts.
Today 5th and 6th graders at WLIS had the privilege of learning about mindfulness, meditation and calming anxious thoughts from an outstanding local mindfulness expert, Simone Yeomans. Our wonderful Parent Council made funding these presentations possible, and I am very grateful for that! I am also grateful to be part of a school corporation that values mental health and promotes making time in our busy school day to teach our students about their own emotional well-being.
Our 4th graders will see the presentation on Monday 4/3/23. Please take time this week to talk to your child about what they learned. The objective of the mindfulness presentation was to teach our youngest generation to take care of their minds and bodies, while destigmatizing mental healthcare. The students also learned many techniques today to apply to negative thoughts and emotions in their everyday lives. We will also implement and practice these techniques as we move through standardized testing in the coming weeks.
It is exciting to see our kids interested in their mental health. Thank you for your daily support of our school community!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Talking to 10-12 year-olds about school shootings--I have had multiple parents email me, following the most recent school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, asking for help talking to their child about school shootings. How do you teach them how to stay safe without scaring them? Below is what I have found to be some helpful steps and also not too much information to absorb!
These discussions are a chance for you to answer questions that they might have and provide some reassurance. Research shows that kids actually feel less scared when they are allowed space to talk about scary things. You can answer their questions and tell them that school shootings are rare. Remind them that the adults in the building practice and prepare for dangerous situations many times a year and also help the students practice 2x per year as well.
The American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics generally recommend avoiding the topic with children under 8 as their brains are not yet able to process trauma.
Start by processing your own emotions. Your body language and facial expressions will affect them more than what you say. Think about what story you want them reviewing in their heads later--which they will inevitably do. Think about how you want that story to go in their minds and try to present it in a way that aligns with that.
You can also take this opportunity to share important life messages that you want to communicate. For example, being sure to tell an adult if you ever hear a classmate say something scary or worrisome, even if it might be a joke.
Avoid euphemisms or fuzzy language such as using "passed away" in place of "died". Although this language sounds more sensitive, it is actually more confusing to children.
Keep the story simple. Something like, "Someone with a serious illness felt angry and hurt people."
Always start with a "pretest" if you think they already have some information. This way you will have an idea of what they already think or know.
Gently correct inaccurate information.
Limit media exposure. Even if they appear to be engrossed in play, children often are aware of what you are watching.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Continued Career Explorations!
In February, your child learned about careers and areas of interest that match their personality type!
Each 4th and 5th grader took a survey on TIMEforkids.com/your-hot-job. Each of them will have a log in and password to continue to explore beyond their 45 minute guidance lesson! For 6th graders, they are using mynextmove.org for a more in-depth look into their personality type!
Check out these websites for more information!
timeforkids.com/your-hot-job
mynextmove.org
Mindfulness at WLIS!
Did you know a human being has between 60,000-80,000 thoughts a day and approximately half of them are negative or self-critical? Mindfulness is a useful tool for noticing and extracting yourself from the cycle of unhealthy thoughts.
Today 5th and 6th graders at WLIS had the privilege of learning about mindfulness, meditation and calming anxious thoughts from an outstanding local mindfulness expert, Simone Yeomans. Our wonderful Parent Council made funding these presentations possible, and I am very grateful for that! I am also grateful to be part of a school corporation that values mental health and promotes making time in our busy school day to teach our students about their own emotional well-being.
Our 4th graders will see the presentation on Monday 4/3/23. Please take time this week to talk to your child about what they learned. The objective of the mindfulness presentation was to teach our youngest generation to take care of their minds and bodies, while destigmatizing mental healthcare. The students also learned many techniques today to apply to negative thoughts and emotions in their everyday lives. We will also implement and practice these techniques as we move through standardized testing in the coming weeks.
It is exciting to see our kids interested in their mental health. Thank you for your daily support of our school community!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Talking to 10-12 year-olds about school shootings--I have had multiple parents email me, following the most recent school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, asking for help talking to their child about school shootings. How do you teach them how to stay safe without scaring them? Below is what I have found to be some helpful steps and also not too much information to absorb!
These discussions are a chance for you to answer questions that they might have and provide some reassurance. Research shows that kids actually feel less scared when they are allowed space to talk about scary things. You can answer their questions and tell them that school shootings are rare. Remind them that the adults in the building practice and prepare for dangerous situations many times a year and also help the students practice 2x per year as well.
The American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics generally recommend avoiding the topic with children under 8 as their brains are not yet able to process trauma.
Start by processing your own emotions. Your body language and facial expressions will affect them more than what you say. Think about what story you want them reviewing in their heads later--which they will inevitably do. Think about how you want that story to go in their minds and try to present it in a way that aligns with that.
You can also take this opportunity to share important life messages that you want to communicate. For example, being sure to tell an adult if you ever hear a classmate say something scary or worrisome, even if it might be a joke.
Avoid euphemisms or fuzzy language such as using "passed away" in place of "died". Although this language sounds more sensitive, it is actually more confusing to children.
Keep the story simple. Something like, "Someone with a serious illness felt angry and hurt people."
Always start with a "pretest" if you think they already have some information. This way you will have an idea of what they already think or know.
Gently correct inaccurate information.
Limit media exposure. Even if they appear to be engrossed in play, children often are aware of what you are watching.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Continued Career Explorations!
In February, your child learned about careers and areas of interest that match their personality type!
Each 4th and 5th grader took a survey on TIMEforkids.com/your-hot-job. Each of them will have a log in and password to continue to explore beyond their 45 minute guidance lesson! For 6th graders, they are using mynextmove.org for a more in-depth look into their personality type!
Check out these websites for more information!
timeforkids.com/your-hot-job
mynextmove.org
Read the article! https://biglifejournal.com/blogs/blog/praise
Anxiety in students becomes more apparent every year. The year 2020 has brought about an abundance of crises creating anxiety in our kids. This may look like:
Continued trips to nurse for stomach ache or headache
Refusing to come to school
Panic attacks at school
Crying
Need for perfection
Symptoms: Anxiety symptoms include muscle tension, physical weakness, poor memory, sweaty hands, confusion, constant worry, shortness of breath, upset stomach, and poor concentration. Anxiety in children can look very similar to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Reasons for increased anxiety: COVID-19 and the rippling effects of the pandemic, Parental pressures (real or perceived), comparisons to other children (real or perceived), terrorism, media fears, social media pressures, overhearing adult conversations.
Causes of anxiety: These include a combination of genetic, environmental, psychological, and developmental factors, over-scheduled children, and poor sleep.
Child and teen problems resulting from anxiety: poor school performance, problems with peers, substance use, staying home from school--attendance issues, anger
Personality traits of an anxious child: overly responsible, perfectionistic, difficulty relaxing, worrying, likes to please, avoids conflict, passive, hypervigilant
How Parents Can Help Their Child:
Help them to identify sources of anxiety about school: Common worries include school performance, parental pressures, appearance, social acceptance, friend pressures and bullying.
Teach them about anxiety:
Normalize reasonable fear or anxiety.
Teach the connection between the physical, cognitive, and behavioral signs.
Connection between thoughts and behaviors
Identify positive thoughts, such as: “This challenge can be overcome.”
Growth Mindset--Power of “Yet”
Challenge the child’s misinterpretations
Teach mindfulness. “Witnessing” involves labeling feelings without judgement: “It’s a thought not a fact,” or "That’s my feeling, now what are my choices?”
Use the Miracle Question
Reframe the harmless: “What is the worst thing that can happen?”
Teach young people to recognize somatic responses--proactive measures.
Use role playing, YouTube clips, bibliotherapy, etc.
Play the Part: Show what a relaxed confident person looks like.
Accept Failures--Discuss the lows of the day along with the highs--not every day is going to be perfect.
Did you know that every school counselor in the state of Indiana is required by law to discuss or present information on bullying to all students each year? In 2013 the Indiana Department of Education passed this law. In September, the Happy Hollow School Counselor spoke to all 24 classrooms about kindness, respect for others, and bullying protocol. Rest assured that your child has received this information!
Neuroplasticity:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELpfYCZa87g
Kahn Acadamy Video On Growth Mindset:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtKJrB5rOKs
Anxiety in students becomes more apparent every year. The year 2020 has brought about an abundance of crises creating anxiety in our kids. This may look like:
Continued trips to nurse for stomach ache or headache
Refusing to come to school
Panic attacks at school
Crying
Need for perfection
Symptoms: Anxiety symptoms include muscle tension, physical weakness, poor memory, sweaty hands, confusion, constant worry, shortness of breath, upset stomach, and poor concentration. Anxiety in children can look very similar to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Reasons for increased anxiety: COVID-19 and the rippling effects of the pandemic, Parental pressures (real or perceived), comparisons to other children (real or perceived), terrorism, media fears, social media pressures, overhearing adult conversations.
Causes of anxiety: These include a combination of genetic, environmental, psychological, and developmental factors, over-scheduled children, and poor sleep.
Child and teen problems resulting from anxiety: poor school performance, problems with peers, substance use, staying home from school--attendance issues, anger
Personality traits of an anxious child: overly responsible, perfectionistic, difficulty relaxing, worrying, likes to please, avoids conflict, passive, hypervigilant
How Parents Can Help Their Child:
Help them to identify sources of anxiety about school: Common worries include school performance, parental pressures, appearance, social acceptance, friend pressures and bullying.
Teach them about anxiety:
Normalize reasonable fear or anxiety.
Teach the connection between the physical, cognitive, and behavioral signs.
Connection between thoughts and behaviors
Identify positive thoughts, such as: “This challenge can be overcome.”
Growth Mindset--Power of “Yet”
Challenge the child’s misinterpretations
Teach mindfulness. “Witnessing” involves labeling feelings without judgement: “It’s a thought not a fact,” or "That’s my feeling, now what are my choices?”
Use the Miracle Question
Reframe the harmless: “What is the worst thing that can happen?”
Teach young people to recognize somatic responses--proactive measures.
Use role playing, YouTube clips, bibliotherapy, etc.
Play the Part: Show what a relaxed confident person looks like.
Accept Failures--Discuss the lows of the day along with the highs--not every day is going to be perfect.
Did you know that every school counselor in the state of Indiana is required by law to discuss or present information on bullying to all students each year? In 2013 the Indiana Department of Education passed this law. In September, the Happy Hollow School Counselor spoke to all 24 classrooms about kindness, respect for others, and bullying protocol. Rest assured that your child has received this information!
- Development and implementation of a bullying prevention program using age appropriate, research based information (IC 5-2-10.1-12(d)(1))
- No later than October 15 of each year, each school in the corporation shall provide age appropriate, research based instruction as provided under IC 5-2-10.1-12(d)(1) focusing on bullying prevention for all students in grades 1 through 12. (IC 20-30-5-5.5)
- Instruction indicated above should be delivered by a school safety specialist, school counselor or any other person with training and expertise in the area of bullying prevention and intervention. (IC 20-30-5-5.5)
Neuroplasticity:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELpfYCZa87g
Kahn Acadamy Video On Growth Mindset:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtKJrB5rOKs
7 Habits of Happy Kids
Bullying Prevention and Tips for Parents
http://www.schoolcounselor.org/magazine/blogs/may-june-2012/prevent-and-address-cyberbullying-behaviors
www.kidshealth.org
www.pbs.org/parents/parenting
www.ahaparenting.com
10 Ways Parents Can Put Their Kids On Track To Be Successful Students:
(full article at http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/learning/school-help-elementary.html#)
1. Attend back-to-school night and parent-teacher conferences
2. Visit the school and its website
3. Support homework expectations
4. Send your child to school with a full belly and a well-rested
5. Teach organizational skills
6. Teach study skills
7. Know the disciplinary policies
8. Get involved
9. Take attendance seriously
10. Make time to talk about school
Other Resources:
Bullying Prevention and Tips for Parents
http://www.schoolcounselor.org/magazine/blogs/may-june-2012/prevent-and-address-cyberbullying-behaviors
- Parents Helping Parents, Building Bright Futures for Students with Special Needs, www.php.com
- Parenting Ideas and Strategies:
www.kidshealth.org
www.pbs.org/parents/parenting
www.ahaparenting.com
10 Ways Parents Can Put Their Kids On Track To Be Successful Students:
(full article at http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/learning/school-help-elementary.html#)
1. Attend back-to-school night and parent-teacher conferences
2. Visit the school and its website
3. Support homework expectations
4. Send your child to school with a full belly and a well-rested
5. Teach organizational skills
6. Teach study skills
7. Know the disciplinary policies
8. Get involved
9. Take attendance seriously
10. Make time to talk about school
Other Resources:
- Behavior Charts and Tools:
- Youth Mental Health Awareness:
Body Safety and Abuse Education
In 2018 the Indiana Department of Education created Indiana Code 20-30-5-5.7 which says that all schools shall provide age appropriate instruction on child abuse and child sexual abuse to students in kindergarten through grade 12, every school year.
https://childmind.org/article/10-ways-to-teach-your-child-the-skills-to-prevent-sexual-abuse/
In 2018 the Indiana Department of Education created Indiana Code 20-30-5-5.7 which says that all schools shall provide age appropriate instruction on child abuse and child sexual abuse to students in kindergarten through grade 12, every school year.
https://childmind.org/article/10-ways-to-teach-your-child-the-skills-to-prevent-sexual-abuse/