I feel like I blinked and suddenly November was over. It's certainly starting to feel like winter with these colder temperatures, brrr! December is a busy month filled with school activities, personal commitments, and the anticipation of the long December break in the air. As an adult, it's easy to feel overwhelmed with our long to-do lists and fast-paced days. Let's not forget that the children around us can also pick up on our feelings. I encourage you to take some time to slow down and be present with your children this month.

While some students count down the days until December vacation with excitement and anticipation, other students count down the days with worry and dread. Time off from school can mean a lack of consistency and structure that is naturally built into a school day. Some students are able to be flexible with this change while others find it challenging.

Kids feel more confident when they have a schedule or plan to rely on and refer to. Make a vacation week plan with your child and include them in the process! Ask them when they'd like to go to bed and wake up everyday (within reason of course!). When would they like to eat lunch and what would they like to have? Are there any activities or playdates they would like to plan?

I hope you all are able to enjoy some quality time with people you love this December break!

Listen as all of the kids working in the garden describe their differences and what makes them unique! Notice how the kids work together so that everyone can feel supported and included! How do you support and include others?

Lynn Lyons is an international speaker and psychotherapist based in Concord, New Hampshire who helps children and families manage anxiety disorders. In this podcast, Lynn discusses what healthy boundaries look/sound like and how you can set them, with both kids and adults!

Podcast Link

Most classrooms here at SSS have their very own Calm Corner! This is a designated space in the room that students can go to if they are having different feelings throughout their day. This is a tool for them to calm their bodies without needing to leave the classroom.

You can create you very own "Calm Corner" at home! It can be a corner of your home or you can create your own with a cardboard box like the picture! Place comfortable items in the area for your child to sit on such as blankets, pillows, or beanbag chairs. You can place calming tools such as fidgets, coloring books, music, feelings books, and more in the area. Make your child part of the process! Ask them what they would like to have in the area to help calm their body.

Ms.Hunt is on Twitter. Follow my page for SEL updates, articles, and other helpful tips throughout the school year! @MsHuntSSS

Looking for more resources? Check out the Adjustment Counselor website for SEL information, resources, and more!

Adjustment Counselor Website

The Interface referral service is a mental health and wellness referral help line. Callers from Lynnfield are matched with licensed mental health providers from their database within an approximate two week period of time and are matched by location, insurance and specialty needs of the caller.

The number to reach is 888-244-6843 and they can be reached Monday-Friday from 9-5.

https://interface.williamjames.edu/

We are including this comprehensive list as it is a great resource for mental health resources in our area.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-xLJDUNz7g-oD6e-3Rmclvw75nmSWzQJ/view

November 2022

October 2022

September 2022

Heather Hunt, MSW, LCSW

she/her/hers (why I identify my pronouns)

School Adjustment Counselor

Summer Street School

Phone: (781) 334-5830 x3821

Email: hunth@lynnfield.k12.ma.us

Twitter: @MsHuntSSS