It is crazy to think we are already in November! I was able to adopt a cat at the end of October so I have been spending lots of time cuddling him. These kitty snuggles have been extra helpful keeping me warm now that it is getting colder outside!

I, for one, am extremely excited to sit down with my family for Thanksgiving dinner. There is nothing better than some quality stuffing and smoked turkey! For a lot of us, Thanksgiving and other holidays are going to look different this year. I know I have been brainstorming fun ways to celebrate the holidays while still staying safe and healthy. This may mean you and your family will create new traditions this year like family game nights, movie nights, ice cream sundae Zoom parties, and more. Maybe this year you will go all out decorating your house for every single holiday/season. I know this year I have been decorating every inch of my apartment with fall decor! If we get some snow, maybe you can make a snowman army in your front yard. Whatever you choose to do, make sure it brings you joy.

There are lots of exciting things happening this month. Check out the fun activities, tips, and tricks posted below!

Lynn Lyons is an international speaker and psychotherapist based in Concord, New Hampshire who helps children and families manage anxiety disorders. In this podcast, she talks about how a families laughter and silliness can have a critical impact on a child's mental health, especially during the times of COVID.

https://luxerecess.com/flusterclux/family-laughter-family-fun/

How to use the power of positive attention (instead of negative attention) to change a child's behavior. Published by the Child Mind Institute. Click the link below to read the article

The Power of Positive Attention

Lot of kids and adults are visual learners. It often helps to have a schedule to refer back to or to look at on the wall throughout the day. This resource offers kids the flexibility to change their schedule depending on what they are doing throughout the day. Encourage your students to take ownership of their schedule and remove the pieces they complete throughout the day. You can even use this resource as a template and create your own schedule cards. Get creative with it! Check out this free printable resource HERE.

Having difficulties with remote learning technology? Check out these remote learning resources HERE

Listen to the read aloud below, answer the following questions, and discuss the book with your grown-up at home!

1. There are a lot of different feelings. We can feel happy, sad, angry, or scared. All of those feelings are okay and happen to everyone. Can you name some feelings? What about a time you felt (feeling)?

2. Pick a feeling from the book and write or draw the feeling, then write down when you feel this way, and what you can do when you feel this way.

Get out those fun iron on decorations and glitter pens! Now is a create time to create your very own one-of-a-kind face mask. Make them holiday themed or decorate them with your favorite character from a book or show.

Linked below is an option to a pack of face masks, but any plain fabric face mask will do! Get creative and have fun- I cannot wait to see what designs you come up with!

Kids Facemask Link

Need some inspiration? Check out these fun ideas!

Face Mask Inspiration

Check out this fun DIY Kinetic Sand recipe- you can even eat it! (Although it may not taste that good...)

KINETIC SAND DIY

Talk to the people in your household to see what everyone is thankful for! Are you thankful for some of the same things? Check out the video below if you need some inspiration or want to have a laugh!

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 November!

Nov. 1st: Cook for your Pets Day

Nov 2nd: Fill your Stapler Day

Nov. 4th: International Stress Awareness Day

Nov. 5th: Play Monopoly Day

Nov. 6th: Nachos Day

Nov. 7th: Play Outside Day

Nov. 8th: X-Ray Day

Nov. 10th: Young Readers Day

Nov. 11th: Origami Day

Nov. 12th: Fancy Rat/Mouse Day

Nov. 13th: World Kindness Day

Nov. 14th: Spicy Guacamole Day

Nov. 15th: Clean Out your Fridge Day

Nov. 16th: Historic Teddy Bear Day

Nov. 17th: Homemade Bread Day

Nov. 18th: Apple Cider Day

Nov. 20th: Peanut Butter Fudge Day

Nov. 21st: International Games Day

Nov. 23rd: Espresso Day

Nov. 24th: Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day

Nov. 25th: International Hat Day

Nov. 26th: Milk Day

Nov 27th: Flossing Day

Nov. 29th: Square Dancing Day

Nov. 30th: Mason Jar Day

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

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/

Missed last months newsletter? Check it out below:

October Newsletter

Heather Hunt, MSW, LCSW

School Adjustment Counselor

Summer Street School

Email: hunth@lynnfield.k12.ma.us

Phone: (781) 334-5830 x3821

Twitter: @MsHuntSSS