Character Counts

*The intention of this newsletter compiled of some quoted information is to inform parents/caregivers about the Character Trait of the Month for February's, CARING, and to highlight what students will be learning during our SEL lessons. Resources and at-home activities have also been compiled for parents throughout this newsletter. SEL lessons may vary depending on classroom needs and Teacher request.

Social and emotional learning (SEL) provides provides an array of benefits. Not only can it increase students’ academic achievement, but SEL activities can build students’ self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. All of these skills are important for students’ academic, social, and eventually, professional lives.

This month, Woburn Elementary School Adjustment Counselors will be teaching students about the importance of CARING. We will have interactive discussions and will do a guided activity together. *Lessons and activities may vary from school to school*

.Being kind and thoughtful means making ourselves aware of the needs and feelings of others and then taking action to help them. It means taking the time to stop thinking about ourselves, to put the spotlight on somebody else’s needs, and to think “What can I do to make that person’s life a little better or easier?”

Sometimes we can’t do anything to solve somebody’s particular problem but just the act of showing concern and compassion can help to comfort them and make a difference. For example, your friend might be worried or sad about something that is happening at home. Even though you cannot solve that problem you can spend some time listening to your friend’s worries and supporting them as much as possible.

Caring and being thoughtful means letting things matter to us; not just for people that we know but also people that we have never met before. It means that we also value the needs and well-being of animals and the environment. Caring means that we have a concern when we see problems and unhappiness and wanting to help; from very simple gestures like buddying with a new pupil at school right through to spending your free time as a volunteer to help a good cause.

Examples:

• show care and concern for others.
• be kind and considerate even when others are not.
• help find a way to help others.
• show concern for others’ well–being.
• act compassionately and with empathy.
• be willing to show mercy and forgiveness.

1. Donating toys, books, and clothes

Donating unused toys, books, and clothes teaches children the value of generosity. It promotes selfless giving by asking a child to “take a walk in someone else’s shoes” and understand the reasons why other children might need certain things more than they do.

1. Book swaps

Book swaps are a fun way to facilitate new connections between kids. This activity introduces the idea of reciprocity, wherein giving one item means your child will receive an equally beloved item in return.

1. Charity crafts

Charity crafts provide a fun, more involved, and hands-on outlet for giving. Kids learn best through doing, and engaging in crafts taps into their natural creativity.

1. Volunteering

Volunteering puts children in a unique position to develop empathy and compassion. They’ll understand that sharing isn’t always material, but can be about exerting time and effort for the greater good of their community

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NApLHABirpY5fSjXCd-sp0FtRgj1QsZ3O-Egq2zlN14/edit?usp=sharing

• “People often forget what we say and usually what we do, but they always remember how we made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
• “Wise sayings often fall on barren ground, but a kind word is never thrown away.” – Sir Arthur Helps
• “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” – Oscar Wilde
• “Kindness is loving people more than they deserve.” – Joseph Joubert
• “Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as you ever can.” – John Wesley
• “I expect to pass through the world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness I can show to any creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer it, for I shall not pass this way again.” – Stephen Grellet
• “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop
• “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” – Edith Wharton
• “Real generosity is doing something nice for someone who will never find out.” – Frank A. Clark

• Generosity – This message puts the spotlight on young heroes who give from the heart. https://www.passiton.com/inspirational-stories-tv-spots/92-generosity
• Caring – Apple Stand: The greatest gift we give it is in our heart, what we believe, the way we live. https://www.passiton.com/inspirational-stories-tv-spots/62-apple-stand
• Open Door – Moment of decision when a teen has to choose between doing the right thing or staying with his friends. https://www.passiton.com/inspirational-stories-tv-spots/149-open-door
• Hockey – A call from a child in the middle of a busy day at work can be awkward. But calling your father between periods during a hockey game–well, it could be embarrassing especially if the request is for a bedtime nursery rhyme. Our father in this case obliges his young daughter. https://www.passiton.com/inspirational-stories-tv-spots/118-hockey
• Umbrella – In the most challenging weather, one can see what happens when someone cares enough to share. https://www.passiton.com/inspirational-stories-tv-spots/88-umbrella
• Power of Words – Change Your Words http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hzgzim5m7oU
• Touching Them All http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PhvXyoGVFw
• A Game of Hope http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuxejhBOCOo
• Mo Cheeks & Natalie Gilbert –National Anthem http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4880PJnO2E
• Power of the Words http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OIfGoNfm4w
• Craig Kielburger http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fx88LEhNneM

1. How did the characters in these books show caring? Could you show caring like that? How did it make the other characters feel?

2. What does it mean to care about someone?

3. Can caring be shown in small ways? What are some examples?

4. How do you feel when someone is kind and caring to you?

5. If you saw a classmate sitting alone, what could you do to show caring?

6. If you accidentally hurt someone's feelings, how could you show you care?

After Hours Mental Health Emergency Contact Info:

If this communication is regarding a mental health emergency occurring before or after school hours (8:10am-2:55pm on school days) or on a weekend, holiday or school break, call 911, go to your nearest Emergency Room or Advocates Mobile Crisis Team.

Advocates Mobile Crisis Team: 1-800-640-5432

Other Mental Health Resources:

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7: call or text 988

Interface Mental Health Referal Service (non-emergency, 9am-5pm): 1-888-244-6843