In classroom counseling lessons this week the younger students (Kindergarten, First Grade and Second Grade) finished the first part of the Second Step curriculum focused on skills for learning. Next week we will begin a series of lessons about feelings (such as happy, sad, mad, calm), learning how to recognize our own feelings as well as the feelings of others (by "reading" their facial expressions, body language, and listening to their words).
Third grade students each created a practice plan for a skill they want to get better at doing. Ask your child about the steps they plan to take to get better at an activity of their choice.
Fourth and fifth grade students worked on a short-term goal with a partner, completing a jigsaw puzzle in three ways, including using only their thumbs--one thumb for each partner. This was the last lesson in a series about goal setting, planning actions to meet a goal and reflecting on the process.
Minute meetings are continuing at DCS. All current DCS students probably will have at least one meeting with me by around Thanksgiving break. I am also beginning to invite children to small lunch groups with me and one or two other students and will continue to find additional times when students can spend some time with classmates and me in the counseling room to practice skills using games and other activities, develop friendships, and solve problems.
