I don't know about you, but I think I am still full from Thanksgiving dinner! It sure is starting to feel like winter around here. I personally LOVE to bake anything and everything during the winter months, especially before the holidays. When I go home to visit my mom for the holidays it is our tradition to bake all different kinds of cookies and give them to her neighbors. This year we may have to change things up a little bit due to COVID. What are some holiday traditions your family has? Although our traditions may have to be a little different this year, it doesn't mean we still cannot have them! We just need to put our thinking caps on and get a little creative to make them safe and enjoyable. Let's do our part this holiday season to keep everyone around us safe and healthy by following distancing guidelines, wearing our masks, and washing our hands!

We have lots of articles and activities to share this month. Check them out below!

Listen to this read aloud and discuss the answers below with an adult in your family!

1. What does it mean to worry? What did it look like for Wilma Jean? What does it look like for you?

2. What are some worries you have in your life?

3. With an adult, list your worries like Wilma Jean did. Then, sort your worries into "can control" and "cannot control". What do you notice? Are there any worries that you can work to control or come up with strategies to manage?

4. Who can you go to at school and at home when you are feeling worried? Come up with a few different names of adults and peers.

We all benefit from fidgets every one and a while. Kids can wear this DIY right around their neck so they can have easy access to a fidget any time they need! Get creative making your necklace with different size and color beads!

https://mommyknowswhatsbest.com/how-to-make-a-chewable-necklace-for-kids/

Some students are able to focus better or calm their bodies when they have something in their mouth. To make a safe chewie necklace, make sure silicone beads are:

-food grade silicone

-BPA free

-phthalate free

-lead free

-PVC free

Kids who seem to be stuck in a negative mood may need help to bounce back. This pandemic has affected everyone differently. Check out this helpful article for parents published by the Child Mind Institute linked below

Signs of Depression During the Pandemic

Lynn Lyons is an international speaker and psychotherapist based in Concord, New Hampshire who helps children and families manage anxiety disorders. In this podcast, listeners ask Lynn to discuss questions they have submitted regarding anxiety, meltdowns, and depression in their kids.

https://luxerecess.com/flusterclux/anxiety-depression-in-kids-meltdowns-parenting-podcast/

Edible Playdough is safe and easy to make! Check out this website with 15 different Playdough recipes to try out!

Edible Playdough

For me, snow makes the holiday season even more festive and fun. Even if we don't have snow this season, you can make your own with this fun and simple craft!

Snowflake Instructions

This holiday season, choose to spread kindness. Check out Kid President's video to get inspired.

How do you plan to spread kindness this holiday season? Can you spread kindness with your family and friends, or can you spread kindness by yourself? (or both??)

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 December!

Dec. 1st: Eat a Red Apple Day

Dec. 2nd: Cider Monday

Dec. 4th: Wear Brown Shoes Day

Dec. 5th: Bathtub Party Day

Dec. 6th: Put on Your Own Shoes Day

Dec. 7th: National Cotton Candy Day

Dec. 8th: National Brownie Day

Dec. 9th: National Pastry Day

Dec. 10th: Nobel Prize Day

Dec. 11th: National Noodle Ring Day

Dec. 12th: Poinsettia Day

Dec. 13th: Violin Day

Dec. 14th: International Monkey Day

Dec. 15th: National Lemon Cupcake Day

Dec. 16th: National Chocolate Covered Anything Day

Dec. 17th: National Maple Syrup Day

Dec. 18th: Bake Cookies Day

Dec. 19th: Oatmeal Muffin Day

Dec. 21st: Crossword Puzzle Day

Dec. 23rd: Metric Conversion Day

Dec. 24th: National Egg Nog Day

Dec. 25th: National Pumpkin Pie Day

Dec. 26th: Candy Cane Day

Dec. 27th: Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day

Dec. 28th: Card Playing Day

Dec. 30th: Bacon Day

Dec. 31st: Look on the Brightside Day

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

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

Missed last months newsletter? Check it out here:

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