Summer Street Counselor Corner

Hello Summer Street students and families! My name is Ms.Hunt and I am the new Adjustment Counselor at SSS this year. I am so excited to join such a wonderful school and community. I have loved seeing you all in the hallways and visiting your classrooms. I cannot believe it is already October! It is definitely getting colder outside- so it is important to dress appropriately and bring layers to school. Over the long weekend I was able to visit my mom in New Hampshire. We went for a hike to see all of the beautiful leaves, which her dogs loved to try and eat. We also went apple picking and baked lots of yummy things like apple crisp and apple sauce. What is your favorite thing to do in the fall?

1. Set (and keep) a schedule

The closer this is to a ‘school schedule,’ the easier it will likely be on everyone. Once you’ve got something that works, stick to it.

2. Make sure they have any materials necessary to complete all assignments

Whether its pencil and paper, a stable WiFi connection, log-in information for all accounts - whatever they need to get the work done.

3. Provide an environment conducive to learning

This isn’t always easy. If they’re too isolated, it’s difficult to check in with them. If they’re at the kitchen table, depending on the child or their environment, they may be too distracted. This is even more challenging when everyone is home and the house is full.

4. Don’t teach–help them understand

Helping students understand is one of the more obvious remote learning tips for parents. This could be the topic for an entire book because how this happens is complicated and varies greatly from student to student and grade level to grade level and content area to content area.

6. Make sure all work is completed

And any work that remains incomplete is incomplete for a good reason and has a time-bound, actionable next-step (e.g., email the teacher asking for clarification on step 3 of the activity so that you can turn it in tomorrow by noon).

7. Help them check messages and communicate with school

Check for messages daily from teachers and other students and make sure to reply to any messages that require one.

https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/parent-tips-and-tricks-for-distance-learning

Watch the read aloud above and discuss these questions with your adults at home!

1. How can you tell how Ruby feels about her worry?

2. Why did the worry stop Ruby from doing the things she loved?

3. Ruby talked to her friend about her worry. Who can I talk to when I have a worry?

4. What are some of my worries?

5. What can I tell my worries when they are getting in the way?

It can be difficult to sit still, especially during hybrid learning when we have to sit in front of our computers! Some students find it helpful to have a fidget with them to stay focused or have a sensory tool to utilize during breaks.

A fan favorite sensory tool is slime! This can be used when you have a short break from class and need to be away from screens. Click the link below to learn how to make your very own slime right at home!

https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/how-to-make-slime-with-contact-solution/

There is always a reason to celebrate and find something positive. I think that is especially important during the times of COVID. Check out these obscure holidays in October!

Oct. 1st: National Homemade Cookies Day

Oct. 2nd: World Farm Animals Day

Oct. 3rd: World Card Making Day

Oct. 4th: National Golf Day

Oct. 5th: Do Something Nice Day

Oct. 6th: Mad Hatter Day

Oct. 7th: International Walk to School Day

Oct. 8th: American Tag Day

Oct. 9th: Moldy Cheese Day

Oct. 10th: National Angel Food Cake Day

Oct. 11th: It's My Party Day

Oct. 12th: National Gumbo Day

Oct. 14th: Take your Teddy Bear to Work Day

Oct. 16th: Dictionary Day

Oct. 17th: National Pasta Day

Oct. 18th: Meatloaf Appreciation Day

Oct. 21st: International Nacho Day

Oct. 22nd: National Nut Day

Oct. 23rd: TV Talk Show Host Day

Oct. 24th: National Bologna Day

Oct. 25th: World Opera Day

Oct. 27th: Black Cat Day

Oct. 28th: Plush Animal Lover's Day

Oct. 29th: National Frankenstein Day

Oct. 30th: National Candy Corn Day

Oct. 31st: Carve a Pumpkin Day

I couldn't include all the obscure holidays in October so feel free to look some up with your families and let me know what you find!

If you could create your own holiday, what would it be??

Heather Hunt, MSW, LCSW

School Adjustment Counselor

Email: hunth@lynnfield.k12.ma.us

Phone: (781) 334-5830 x3821