Guidance and Counseling Program

September

Classroom Guidance Lessons at RCES

Lesson Title:

Interpersonal Relationships

Students will work on effectively expressing themselves,
making positive statements to/about others, and

 learning how to care for their mental health & well being.

Kinder

Bucket Filler

Words Matter Lesson

This month our Kindergarten students will learn about the power of their words. When we are kind and helpful, we are filling other people’s “buckets” and our own! When our buckets are full, we feel happy and content. You can use this vocabulary to discuss your child’s actions or words or to ask questions about what they learned. Maybe you can make a secret mission to fill someone else’s bucket. Another idea is to have a friendly family competition with small cups (to represent buckets) to see how quickly you can fill each other’s bucket (each kind act could be represented by a small pompom). When everyone’s cup is full, have a celebration (movie night, ice cream, etc.)

First Grade

Should I Share My Ice Cream?

Words Matter Lesson

In first grade this month, our students are learning that their words matter. Our words can be uplifting and encouraging or hurtful and discouraging. We compared our words cotton balls and sandpaper, highlighting how our words can feel to others. At home, you can ask your student to share with you some “cotton ball” words that they learned. As they are speaking at home, you can also refer to cotton balls and sandpaper to discuss how their words affect other people. We want to empower our students to build others up!

Second Grade

What if Everyone Said That?

Words Matter Lesson

In second grade this month, our students will practice positive statements to/about others. Students will also work on effectively expressing themselves. At home you can brainstorm some things we say that might hurt other people’s feelings. (Ex: You can’t sit here. I don’t want to be friends with you anymore. You can’t play with us.) Ask your child to add negative words that we say about ourselves when we are feeling upset to add to the list. You can also have your child think of something that they have said in the past or say regularly now that might negatively affect others’ feelings or our own.

Third Grade

Emotional Backpack

Words Matter Lesson

In third grade this month, our students are talking about the power of our words. Specifically that the things we say to others and to ourselves can be heavy and hurtful or light and encouraging. Your student will make a paper backpack with light and encouraging words from their classmates. Ask them to share those words with you!

Fourth Grade

Gizmo’s Pawesome Guide to Mental Health

In fourth grade this month, our students will discuss Gizmo’s concepts of mental health and wellness. We will talk about how to care for the student’s mental health and well being. It uses a child-friendly approach, featuring Gizmo, a therapy dog. At home, you can ask your student to share with you what they learned about recognizing their feelings and what are some coping strategies they might use.

Fifth Grade

Gizmo’s Pawesome Guide to Mental Health

In fifth grade this month, our students will discuss Gizmo’s concepts of mental health and wellness. We will talk about how to care for the student’s mental health and well being. It uses a child-friendly approach, featuring Gizmo, a therapy dog. At home, you can ask your student to share with you what they learned about recognizing their feelings and what are some coping strategies they might use.

September Morning Meeting slide themes include:

• Respect
  
  
• Coping Skills
  
  
• Conflict Resolution
  
  
• Making and Keeping Friends
  
  
• Assertive Communication