Happy October Eagles!
This month in 4th and 5th grade classroom lessons, we focused on building a Growth Mindset. 4th grade read Your Fantastic Elastic Brain. We discussed different parts of the brain and how each part gets stronger when we make it work hard and challenge ourselves. 5th grade completed a Growth Mindset Escape Room. They learned about things we can do to develop a growth mindset, such as using positive self-talk, setting goals, and learning from mistakes. I am continuing to eat lunch with all 4th and 5th grade students in small groups. I have enjoyed learning about your children this way! As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out. I am typically in the building Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Nicole Unger, M.Ed., LPSC
4-5 School Counselor
nunger@eastwoodschools.org
419-833-2821 ext. 213
During September, I visited all K-3rd grade classrooms to teach lessons on topics that I call “life skills,” or skills needed to be successful socially and emotionally in life. Perhaps, your child mentioned my visit. :)
In Kindergarten, we focused on having a growth mindset and not giving up. We learned that hard work is like exercise for the brain. Hard work makes our brain stronger and smarter!
In 1st grade, we learned about feelings. Some feelings are comfortable while others are uncomfortable. We can have more than one feeling at the same time. We can notice how someone might be feeling by looking for clues on their face and body. All feelings are normal and okay!
In 2nd grade, we learned that problems come in different sizes. We compared problems to the weather. Windy problems are very small (no biggie!) Rainy problems are small. We can be problem-solvers. If we try to solve the problem on our own and it does not work, then we might need help from an adult. Problem solving strategies might include using a coping skill or conflict resolution strategy (e.g. ignore, move away, talk friendly, talk firmly). Stormy problems are medium-sized and we will probably need adult help to solve them. Tornado problems are BIG. They are emergencies (e.g., someone is in danger, hurt badly, etc.) We need to ask for adult help right away!
In 3rd grade, we learned about things in life that are in our control vs. out of our control. We can usually change or try to fix what is in our control (e.g., what I say, what I do, what I think) . We cannot change things that are out of our control (e.g., uncontrollable forces of nature, what other people say, what other people do). However, we can find ways to handle and work through these situations. In any given situation, there are factors that we CAN control.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out any time with questions or concerns. I am looking forward to returning to all the classrooms this month! :)
Nikki Ohms, M.Ed., LPSC
K-3 School Counselor
