January Counseling Corner

Welcome back! I'm excited to begin 2026 together. January is a fresh start - a perfect time for students to reset routines, practice responsibility, and build respectful relationships as we enter the new year. In this newsletter, you'll find what your child will be learning in their school counseling lessons this month, along with some books and families strategies to support growth at home.

• 4K - How to handle our feelings
• 5K - Listening and including others
• 1st - Following directions
• 2nd - Showing respect
• 3rd - Showing respect
• 4th - Being responsible
• 5th - Everyday empathy

• Hands are Not for Hitting - Martine Agassi
• Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners - Laurie Keller
• Respect and Take Care of Things - Meredith Johnson
• The Golden Rule - Ilene Cooper

• The Juice Box Bully - Bob Sornson & Maria Dismondy
• We're All Wonders - R.J. Palacio
• Say Something - Peter H. Reynolds
• What If Everybody Did That? - Ellen Javernick

• Each Kindness - Jacqueline Woodson
• The Invisible Boy - Trudy Ludwig
• You, Me and Empathy - Jayneen Sanders
• The Day You Begin - Jacqueline Woodson

Kids learn from what they hear. Simple phrases like "Thank you," "Please," and "May I go next?" go a long way.

Create 3-5 family agreements (ex: "We speak kindly," "We clean up our space") and post them where everyone can see.

This helps children regulate before responding - and keeps interactions respectful.

A shared cleanup routine teachers kids to care for home and community environments.

Catch your child showing respect - holding the door, sharing, using a calm voice - and name it specifically.

Please reach out if you have questions about lessons, want to talk more about your child's needs, or would like to schedule a meeting. It's a joy partnering with our families!

803.476.4378 | gporter@lexrich5.org

Counseling Referral Form | School Counseling Website

Wishing you a bright start to the new year!

- Ms. Gillian Porter | School Counselor