Counselor's Corner

Grades 4, 5, and 6 have begun guidance lessons focusing on relationship skills and responsible decision making. A mindful moment starts off each lesson led by a student volunteer.

Student-led mindful moments play a pivotal role in promoting mental well-being and fostering a positive learning environment within educational settings. By empowering students to take ownership of these moments, they not only cultivate their own mindfulness practices but also encourage a sense of responsibility and community within the classroom.

These moments allow students to pause, reflect, and connect with their thoughts and emotions, ultimately enhancing their ability to manage stress, improve focus, and regulate their emotions.

Respect is the cornerstone of healthy relationships, effective communication, and social cohesion. By instilling respect in children, we not only cultivate empathy and understanding but also equip them with crucial life skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Respect teaches students to value diversity, appreciate different perspectives, and navigate conflicts constructively.

Grade 4 students sorting "Respectful or Rude" scenarios, discussing their opinions while practicing respect within their group.

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Respect and making good decisions are deeply intertwined, as they both stem from fundamental values and principles that guide our actions and interactions with others. When individuals respect themselves and others, they are more inclined to make decisions that reflect this respect. Respect involves considering the impact of one's actions on oneself and those around them, leading to thoughtful and ethical decision-making.

Teaching kids how to make responsible choices equips them with the ability to assess situations, consider consequences, and weigh potential risks before taking action. These skills not only help children navigate daily challenges effectively but also instill a sense of accountability and self-discipline.

Sixth grade's lesson focused on learning about peer pressure, an important topic as they begin transitioning towards their middle school journey. Teaching kids about the concept of peer pressure involves empowering them to recognize and navigate situations where they might feel pressured to conform to the behaviors or attitudes of their peers. It's crucial to emphasize the importance of staying true to themselves and making decisions based on their own values and beliefs rather than succumbing to peer influence.

Students began their lesson with a survey to help them identify their values and how future decisions may go with or against their personal values. Students then practiced and performed role play situations, having their classmates answer "What would you do?," sharing different strategies to use in peer pressure situations.

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Fifth graders had a blast working on teams of four to solve six social skills related puzzles with an escape room theme. Each correctly solved puzzle gave the team a clue to the final phrase.

Social skills are essential for elementary school kids as they lay the foundation for healthy relationships, effective communication, and successful interactions with others. By developing strong social skills, children learn how to collaborate, resolve conflicts, and empathize with their peers, which are vital aspects of their social and emotional growth.

Grade 6 lessons focus on supporting their transition to middle school. Each student has completed their MAMS IRP survey in the Naviance College and Career Readiness Program. Every student will meet with Mrs. Sekunda for a transition meeting to discuss their goals and any concerns (and excitement!) for the upcoming year.

Upcoming lessons will focus on going to middle school as well as highlighting all of the many positive aspects of moving up. Students will learn the importance of time management, organizational skills, practice social skills to make new friends, and always the favorite - learning how to open a lock.

At this time of year, tuning into our senses on a mindful walk can expose all kinds of hidden treasures and signs of new life. By noticing each of our five senses, we move from our ‘doing’ mind to our ‘being’ mind, feeling more grounded. Perhaps pick one sense at a time or ask your children to choose.

Sight. Look for new shoots emerging from the ground, or ripples in nearby puddles and streams. Maybe you can spot a squirrel darting up a tree trunk, or a family of ducks crossing a pond.

Sound. Listen for different birdsong, or the rustling of the wind through the trees.

Touch. Notice the sensation of squelching in the mud, or soft, bouncy grass underfoot. Senses combine when jumping on cracking twigs or bumpy gravel; the sound and feel together can evoke a childlike joy, even for us grown-ups!

Taste. Whether you take something with you or are adept at foraging for safe-to-eat berries and herbs that begin to grow at this time of year, mindful eating can really bring us into the here and now.

Smell. Ever noticed how the smell of freshly cut grass can transport you to a childhood memory? Or how walking past a lavender bush has you thinking about your grandmother? There is a strong link between our scent receptors and memory, which enables us to reminisce fondly, and to create new scent memories. Have fun with your children exploring the scent of crushed mint leaves or fallen rose petals!

Spring mindfulness inspiration for families