Counseling Corner

Summer is a time for fun and relaxation! It can also be a time to continue to support children's Social Emotional Learning. Below are five fun ways to promote SEL this summer (adapted from an article CASEL.org)

1. Nature Walks: A good way to promote the practice of mindfulness
2. Provide Opportunities for Artistic Expression: Encourage them to focus on feelings, hopes, and dreams
3. Cooking Together: Having time to cook and share a meal can promote cooperation, problem solving skills, and empathy
4. Be in the Community: Have time to volunteer and experience acts of service
5. Emotional Check-Ins: Create a space where children feel comfortable speaking and expressing how they are feeling, especially for uncomfortable feelings

As part of our general education social-emotional support, ALL students will receive either weekly or biweekly social-emotional "SOAR" lessons. Kindergarten lessons are taught weekly and grades 1-5 are taught bi-weekly.

These lessons are based on the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) competencies. Some topics we cover include feeling identification and strategies, problem solving and conflict resolution, friendship and bullying, goal setting, exploring differences, and decision making. Each month, we will provide an updated newsletter which previews our lessons for the month ahead.

Ms. Dore will be teaching lessons and working directly with students in 1st, 2nd and 5th grade. Ms. Songin will be teaching lessons and working directly with students in Kindergarten, 3rd, and 4th grade.

• We will be reflecting on our year and what we learned in SOAR
• We will be giving and getting advice for the next school year

Mrs. Tori Dore (grades 1, 2, and 5)

Email: vwintersdore@walpole.k12.ma.us

Phone: 508-660-7374, ext. 5615

Ms. Shannon Songin (grades K, 3, and 4)

Email: ssongin@walpole.k12.ma.us

Phone: 508-660-7374, ext. 5615