Mrs. Cohen’s Counselor’s Corner
Happy Friday, Arrowhead Families! We made it!
With children in 5th and 7th grades, my head often spins with varying schedules, needs, and ways to keep my family connected. As I listen to and watch the news and contemplate our current world, I find myself reflecting on my own parenting and school counseling practices and ways to promote acceptance (not merely tolerance) and inclusiveness. One thing I believe we can ALL agree on is that we ALL want our children to be accepted, respected, and included.
In our elementary school setting, there have been times when students noticed differences about many things, including hair, food, skin color, and clothes. Sometimes students have expressed their observations in kind ways and sometimes they did so in a way that sounded/looked judgmental and offensive.
I encourage you to talk with your children about ways they are unique, and help them find ways to celebrate their differences. Together you can listen to the book below, “Big Hair, Don’t Care” by Crystal Swain-Bates. This book is a fun to listen to African-American children’s book aimed at children who may need a reminder from time to time that it’s okay to look different and to celebrate the things that make them who they are. Click on the PDF attachment below for a message from Mrs. Cohen.
