Hello Eastwood Families,
In April, I had so much fun visiting the K-3rd grade classrooms for our monthly SEL lesson.
In Kindergarten, students learned about and practiced using an I-Message to problem solve. An I-Message is a respectful way to communicate how you are feeling and what you need. It sounds like, I feel ___ when you ___. Can you please ___?
In 1st grade, students identified the connection between positive and negative choices along with consequences. All choices have consequences. Students learned they have the power to make the right choice!
In 2nd grade, students learned about empathy. They learned what it means to "put yourself in someone else's shoes" and ask themselves these questions: How would I feel? What would I need? They worked in small groups, practiced identifying the emotions of others, and reflected on what they would need if they were in that same situation.
In 3rd grade, students began to identify a few tricky ("sticky") friendship situations. They learned strategies to help navigate these situations. A "competition" friendship situation is when someone tries to show you they are better than you…a lot. (e.g. one-ups, brags) A "rules" friendship issue is when a friends tells you what you can and cannot do, who you can and cannot play with, etc. A "changes" situation is when a friendship changes or ends. Some examples of helpful strategies (depending on the "sticky" situation) include ignoring/walking away, using helpful self-talk, saying an I-Message to the person, continuing to be friendly (respectful), and finding different people to spend time with and talk to. We will continue with this important topic next month, too!
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out any time with questions or concerns. I am looking forward to spending more time with your children! :)
Nikki Ohms, M.Ed., LPSC
K-3 School Counselor
nohms@eastwoodschools.org
419-833-2821 ext. 205
Hello Eastwood Families,
During the month of April, 4th and 5th graders learned about digital citizenship and online safety. They listened to a story called The Technology Tail by Julia Cook, and played an online game about these topics. Technology isn’t going away, so it has become increasingly important for students to know how to be safe and good digital citizens online. The Wait Until 8th Movement is gaining popularity as a way to protect children from the distractions and dangers of smartphone or tablet use. You can find out more here: https://www.waituntil8th.org/
Please do not hesitate to reach out any time with questions or concerns. I am looking forward to returning to 4th and 5th grade classrooms this month for the final time this school year.
Nicole Unger, M.Ed., LPSC
4-5 School Counselor
nunger@eastwoodschools.org
419-833-2821 ext. 213
