Hard to believe we have finally made it to 2021!! Is it just me or did the 2020 year just fly by AND drag on all at the same time? I think many of us are happy to put 2020 behind us and look toward the future of 2021. I hope you all had a safe and happy New Year with loved ones! Over the break I was able to see my brothers and mom who I am usually unable to see! Even with COVID restrictions, I hope you and your family were able to enjoy time together and make some happy new memories that were distanced and safe. 2020 was certainly filled with lots of ups and downs for all of us. I know I am looking forward to this new year and the positive things it will hold. What are you looking forward to in 2021?

Just like regular snowflakes, every salt crystal snowflake is different! Once you are done making them, notice the differences in each snowflake!

https://livingwellmom.com/salt-crystal-snowflakes/

TIP: If you want the crystals on your snowflakes to be even bigger, leave your snowflake pipe cleaner in the salt solution for a longer period of time.

Lynn Lyons is an international speaker and psychotherapist based in Concord, New Hampshire who helps children and families manage anxiety disorders. In this podcast, Lynn Lyons discusses what physical symptoms of anxiety look like and what you can do to manage it.

https://luxerecess.com/flusterclux/physical-symptoms-of-anxiety/

Too cold to go outside to make your own igloo? Not enough snow to make an igloo? Have no fear- this fun and 100% edible craft will give you the same experience without the frostbite! Click the link below for instructions and have fun! Get creative and make your igloo your own by adding more apples to the base or creating a winter wonderland around your igloo.

Edible Igloo Instructions

1. Why was Emmanuel labeled as a "curse" or being "different" from the rest of his family?

2. How did Emmanuel demonstrate a growth mindset throughout the book?

3. How can you demonstrate a growth mindset in your daily life?

Self care is extremely important, especially in the time of a pandemic. You cannot care for others if you do not first take care of yourself. Check out this article for tips and information regarding self care.

Self Care Article

We can all be a little moody sometimes just like Moody Cow. This is why it is important to find strategies to help us calm our bodies and be more mindful.

1. Whose fault was is that Moody Cow had a bad day? Was it really anyone's fault?

2. Were Moody Cow's reactions for big or little problems? What's the difference? How do you know?

3. Moody Cow used a mindful jar as his strategy to help calm his body. What strategies can you use to help calm your body?

Check out the activity below to make your own mindful jar, just like Moody Cow!

Mindfulness jars can help ease anxiety and settle worries your child may be having. Check out these fun ideas for different mindfulness jars. Tall plastic jars like the ones in the link can sometimes be found at Michaels in the dollar section, but any plastic jar will work such as a water bottle or mason jar! I've seen some students find small plastic test tubes at craft stores and even make them into necklaces!

Calming Jar Ideas and Instructions

What things are you going to say more often to others? Make a list and track how many times you say it in a day!

There is always a reason to celebrate and find something positive. I think that is especially important during the times of COVID. Check out these obscure holidays in January!

Jan. 3rd: Fruitcake Toss Day

Jan. 4th: National Spaghetti Day

Jan. 5th: National Bird Day

Jan. 6th: Bean Day

Jan. 7th: Old Rock Day

Jan. 10th: Houseplant Appreciation Day

Jan 11th: Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day

Jan. 12th: National Hot Tea Day

Jan. 13th: National Rubber Duckie Day

Jan. 14th: Dress Up Your Pet Day

Jan. 15th: National Bagel Day

Jan. 16th: Appreciate a Dragon Day

Jan. 18th: Winnie the Pooh Day

Jan. 19th: National Popcorn Day

Jan. 20th: Penguin Awareness Day

Jan. 21st: Squirrel Appreciation Day

Jan. 22nd: National Blonde Brownie Day

Jan. 23rd: Measure Your Feet Day

Jan. 24th: Compliment Day

Jan. 25th: Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day

Jan. 26th: Australia Day

Jan. 27th: Chocolate Cake Day

Jan. 28th: National Kazoo Day

Jan. 29th: National Corn Chip Day

Jan. 31st: Backward Day

Ms.Hunt is officially on Twitter. Follow my page for SEL updates, articles, and other helpful tips throughout the school year. @MsHuntSSS

Looking for more resources? Check out the Adjustment Counselor website for SEL information, resources, and more!

Adjustment Counselor Website

The Interface referral service is a mental health and wellness referral help line. Callers from Lynnfield are matched with licensed mental health providers from their database within an approximate two week period of time and are matched by location, insurance and specialty needs of the caller.

The number to reach is 888-244-6843 and they can be reached Monday-Friday from 9-5.

https://interface.williamjames.edu/

We are including this comprehensive list as it is a great resource for mental health resources in our area.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-xLJDUNz7g-oD6e-3Rmclvw75nmSWzQJ/view

December

November

October

Heather Hunt, MSW, LCSW

School Adjustment Counselor

Summer Street School

Email: hunth@lynnfield.k12.ma.us

Phone: (781) 334-5830 x3821

Twitter: @MsHuntSSS