October 2017 - Wellness (K, 1)

During October, Wellness will be introducing all kindergarten and 1st graders to the Zones of Regulation. A quick 'cheat sheet' is pictured below.  The purpose behind this program is to give all of our youngest students an easy means to recognize and communicate their feelings, as well as take notice of other people's feelings.
This is from the introduction of the book:

Self-regulation is something everyone continually works on whether or not we are cognizant of it.  We all encounter trying circumstances that test our limits from time to time.  If we are able to recognize when we are becoming less regulated, we are able to do something about it to manage our feelings and get ourselves to a healthy place.  This comes naturally for some, but for others it is a skill that needs to be taught and practiced. This is the goal of The Zones of Regulation (or Zones for short). ​

As children mature, they will be able to better understand nuanced feelings and contextual context of reactions. At this early stage we are introducing them to the concepts of self-reflection and developing skills sets to self-regulate.

Oct 2017 Gr 3: Self Esteem

Dear Families,

October’s third grade Social-Emotional-Learning lesson involves  viewing a program called My Best Me: All About Self-Esteem. We have learned that self-esteem is determined by how much we value ourselves and our abilities. Many children today struggle with feeling helpless, and not good enough. The weight of the world can sometimes appear to be on their shoulders.

The program is composed of these four main points:

1 . All Your Talents: Assessing your own strengths and weaknesses helps give you a better sense of where you can excel, and feel good about yourself. Accept who you are.

2. Your Best: Doing your best is what really matters. We all have strengths and weaknesses, and must acknowledge that we may have to work harder at some things than others.

3. Being Different is Good: Taking pride in your personal identity is an important way to gain good self-esteem. Be true to yourself.

4. Choose Who You Listen To: Rely upon the people who accept you. Never let other people’s negativity keep you from pursuing your goals.

Talk to your child about what self-esteem means. Share your own experiences with your child.

Have you ever experienced low self-esteem? What helped you regain your self-esteem? Are there

things that your child wishes to improve? Work together to develop a reasonable, step-by-step

action plan that will help your child use his or her strengths.

Thank you for helping us as we examine this important topic!

October 2107 Gr 2 - Personal Space

One of my favorite 2nd grade lessons! Personal space is the area of space that closely surrounds our bodies. Generally, you can measure your personal space by extending your arms out—the space between your fingertips and body is your personal space.

Being respectful of someone’s personal space is a social skill. Individuals who have difficulty showing appropriate social skills may unknowingly invade personal space. Conversely, individuals with social-skill difficulties or sensory issues may be extremely opposed to anyone being in their personal space. It is also important to keep in mind differing cultural ideas about personal space.

Some children have difficulty following the rules of personal space. This can present problems in the school setting where children are constantly surrounded by others.  

We discussed that there are several components to personal space in addition to physical proximity. Seeing space incorporates when something/someone is too close, or blocking our view. Hearing space can be violated when we are too loud while in close range. Property space is respecting the boundaries of one another's work space or personal belongings. 

There are several strategies to help a child learn the rules of personal space. Here are some examples:

Model good body language – Stand at an appropriate distance from your child and let her see you stand at an appropriate distance from others.

Teach social cues for body language  – Explain and demonstrate facial expressions, eye contact, or body movements someone might make if he/she is uncomfortable with you being in his/her personal space. These can include turning your head, backing away, crossing your arms, etc. Have your child identify these cues and practice responding appropriately to them.

Look at pictures  – View pictures of appropriate and inappropriate personal space. Compare the pictures with the child and have him/her label the body language (e.g., “He is too close,” “That kid looks uncomfortable”). 

Practice personal space – Have your child stand up and hold out his/her arm to “see” personal space.

Have a discussion about personal space  – Explain what personal space is, why it’s important, and how to  respect the personal space of others.

Give breaks to a child who needs personal space  – Allow a child who has sensory issues with others in his/her space to have breaks from groups during the day.