Counselor Monthly Classroom Tip

September Lesson tip:

Our counselor lesson in September was about resolving conflict with others. With k-2 grade students we played a game and looked at situations where it takes 2 people to be flexible and solve a problem. With 3-5 grade we discussed solve arguments in an appropriate way. We used the C.A.L.M. method of working out arguments which is an acronym for C: stay clam, deep breaths A: be Angry at the problem not at the person. L: Listen to each other side before coming to a solution. and M: come to a middle ground or a win win for both sides and settle Differences Fairly.

October Lesson tip:

During the month of October, K- 2nd grade students had a lesson on what it means to show respect to others including students and teachers. Sharing friends, using your words when frustrated, standing up for others, respect invites others to be our friend, respect for what others wear to school, respect for others in class so that learning at high levels is a priority and showing respect for the school were the topics of focus. The 3-5 grade students had similar topics of showing respect to others at school. We used Jeopardy as a tool for learning and discussion.

November Lesson tip:

Resilience was our counselor lesson topic for November. K-2 grade students were reminded to keep going when school is challenging by using our switch (hand) to ask questions and our (ears) to focus and pay attention. Students have control of their switch just like turning on and off a flashlight. A positive attitude is helpful as well as encouragement to keep planting and planting seeds of learning and growth and try, keeping in mind it’s okay to fail or make a mistake until one day the seeds sprout into understanding. The 3-5 grade enjoyed active learning with some flexible, bounce back, moldable objects. Discussion about muscle memory and making reading, math, study habits more automatic with muscle memory as we are willing to be resilient and put the time in. We discussed also it’s more important to try many, many times and understand a concept well, rather than try once and quit if we don’t have perfect understanding of the particular concept.

December Lesson tip:

Managing emotions and being able to calm down has been a great thing to discuss for December. When we have too much energy and are in the “RED” Zone one must give attention and care to calming down in order to not hurt ourselves, others or do something we might regret. Deep breathing, taking a break or walk, counting to 10 are are just a few of many things one can do to release extra energy and return to the “Green” Zone. If we can manage our emotions we can make good choices, not give up on ourselves when we have a challenge and keep a cool head to not hurt others. We discussed the Zones of Regulation curriculum by Leah M. Kuypers as part of the lesson.

January Lesson tip:

Peace House came to D.C.E. during the month of January. Safety was the main theme of their message. For K-2 grade, using our I mean business voice when you see someone unsafe, understanding safe touches and learning about the trusted triangle of adults at home, school and community that we can talk to when we need help. The 3-5 grade focus was very similar but we also defined child rights, and defined and helped them understand what child abuse is. They also have a trusted triangle of adults they can rely on to talk to when they feel unsafe.