November Classroom Guidance Lessons

DUSO

November heralds the beginning of the holiday season and excitement is already in the air in the elementary! This month the 2nd graders are continuing their emphasis on dealing with teasing and bullying through role plays, bibliotherapy and class discussions.  Using the "Stop Bullying Now" resources we have enjoyed watching videos and playing interactive games. I encourage you and your children to visit this website, stopbullyingnow.gov, for additional reinforcement and information.  Tattling is one of those unpleasant activities of childhood and this is being addressed with the 1st grade classes.  The difference between reporting and tattling will be introduced through favorite books, Tattlin' Madeline and A Bad Case of Tattle Tongue.  Understanding how to handle mistakes will be the topic for the K-5 students. Ask them what we learned about Fairy Penquins!  Perfectionism starts at an early age and we will delve into this topic using DUSO stories and puppet shows.  The K-4 students also will be talking about this and the importance of trying your best.  The K-3's will explore different feelings and the importance of using your words to convey emotions.

It is busy around STJ and such a fun place to grow and learn!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

COACH G AND MR. BEARD OR IS IT MR. BEARD & COACH  G ?
EVEN TEACHERS GET INTO THE SPIRIT OF HALLOWEEN

50th Day of School

Selena, Lily, Jackson, Brooke, and Jacob celebrate the 50th day of school

Have we been in school for 50 days already-whew the first quarter has zoomed by!  The students have settled in and are working hard as their excellent report cards reflect.  Parents, thank you for your support and encouragement.  Please continue to make an early bedtime and a healthy breakfast a priority.  You would not believe the difference a well rested and well fed child makes in the classroom -just ask today's hula hoop champs!

Classroom Guidance Lessons

K-3's Reading Mean Soup

Would you like to add "Mean Soup" to your recipe file?  Just ask the three year olds how to make this easy recipe!  While talking about good ways to handle their angry feelings we read  a delightful book,"Mean Soup", by Betsy Everitt.  We discovered that laughter and exercise are two great ways to handle our mad feelings.  The K-4's also discussed feelings and the importance of using our words to talk about emotions.  Thinking for yourself and not following the crowd were topics covered in the K-5 classes.  Using the stories and puppets in the DUSO series are fun ways to cover important topics for these younger students.  1st graders met best friends, EG Eagle and Turtle, as they faced bullies and discovered that each person is special.  The 2nd graders are beginning an important unit on teasing.  Learning to get along with all different sorts of people and respecting others are topics we will cover often and in depth. 

I wish you could hear how insightful your children are and how enthusiastically they participate in our counseling classes.  If you see me with a smile on my face you can be sure a student put it there! Thanks for your support and please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.

BUCKET FILLING AND THE TROOPS

Last week the 2nd grade students in conjunction with their unit on "Bucket Filling" made cards to send to troops serving in Iraq.  Principal's Assistant, Mrs. Norman's, husband and his 1/131st Aviation Battalion have been stationed in Iraq since May. Mrs. Norman shared pictures and information with the students so they would have a clear understanding of  the work and living conditions of these troops. The students' sincere heartfelt cards are sure to bring much delight and comfort to these soldiers.  Hope you are seeing bucket filling going on at home! 

2nd Graders Support Troops in Iraq

Update on Classroom Guidance Lessons

Having the opportunity to visit each classroom for a weekly guidance lesson is one of my favorite activities.  It allows me a chance to get to know the students and watch them interact with each other.  In addition, the lessons are used to introduce and reinforce certain topics that support a healthy successful student.  Here's what we have been working on lately:  K-3's and K-4's respecting differences, K-5's understanding feelings, 1st grade developing understanding of the consequences of their choices and the 2nd graders are becoming "bucket fillers".  We read the wonderful book, Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud.  This book is based on the premise that we all carry invisible buckets and our buckets are filled by kind words and actions.  We can also be "bucket dippers" when we say unkind words.  Our goal is for all the students to have full buckets and be "bucket fillers" every day.  This book would make a great addition to your home. Their website is http://www.bucketfillers101.com/ for more information.



Francis Radiff & Erin Grigsby are Bucket Fillers!