Counselors' Corner
Fall/Winter 2016
A MESSAGE FROM THE ELEMENTARY COUNSELORS...
Welcome to the 2016-2017 School Year!
Meet the Elementary Counselors:
Forge Road Elementary
Mrs. Lauren McGrady
Lingle Avenue Elementary
Mrs. Erin Hicks
Northside Elementary
Mrs. Jennifer Pascale
Pine Street Elementary
Miss Jennifer Kotay
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE TIPS...
Before the conference:
- Review your child's work, grades and progress reports before the conference
- Talk with your child about his or her progress in school
- Make a list of questions or concerns to discuss during the conference
During the conference (remember each conference lasts only 15 minutes)
- Be prepared to hear feedback about your child's progress and areas for improvement
- Find out if your child is meeting school expectations and academic standards
- Ask to see examples of your child's work and view grades and test scores
- Ask what you can do at home to help your child be successful in school
- Let the teacher know if any situation at home may affect your child in school
After the conference:
- Share what you learned from the meeting with your child
- Explain to your child some of the recommendations that the teacher suggested he/she do at home
- Implement some of the suggestions at home that the teacher may have given you
- Reach out to the teacher if you have any further questions or concerns
Adapted from the Harvard Family Research Project
Anxiety... To Worry or Not to Worry?
Even in the best circumstances, all children experience some form of anxiety as they grow. In fact, some fears are expected as a part of normal development. From about ages 3-6, children may experience separation anxiety, concerns over new and unexpected situations, and fears over what is real or not real. They may struggle with transitions to school or be fearful of the dark or what may be under the bed. As they grow through school age, they may fear real world dangers such as storms and burglars. Worries about social acceptance and academic and athletic performance may emerge. As they continue to grow through their teens, concerns about moral issues and future success can be common.
Parents can support their children through these challenges by being accepting of their concerns, listening to their concerns, gently correcting any misinformation, and encouraging them to approach the difficult situation one step at a time until the situation becomes more familiar and comfortable. When should parents worry about their child’s worries? Anxiety is considered a disorder not based on what is causing the anxiety but rather by the degree to which the anxiety impacts daily life. When children become constantly “keyed up” or “wound up” or when avoidance becomes a default reaction and your coaxing and reassurance aren’t enough to talk them through, additional support may be needed. As school counselors, we’re here to help provide additional support and resources to support your child and your family.
Adapted from Worry Wise Kids
Homework Tips...
The beginning of the school year can be stressful for students as well as parents, alike. Getting into a new routine with different expectations from the previous year can be very stressful. One of those stresses can come from the demand of homework. Here are a few tips to help homework go smoother and decrease everyone's stress level.
1. Make a Routine. Have your child complete homework around the same time each night so that it becomes expected. For example after they come home from school, let them have a snack or a little playtime and then they can get started on homework before dinner.
2. Set up an area that is homework friendly. Make sure the area is well lit and free of clutter and distractions.
3. Be a Cheerleader. Make sure to be a cheerleader and praise their efforts with their homework. Children need to feel that they are doing a good job and look for that cue from their parents and families.
4. Monitor their work and help them to manage their time by chunking out parts of their assignments. If the assignment is long or there are several parts, have your child work on one part and then move onto the next to make it less stressful.
5. Get to know your child’s teacher. Attend school events and get to know your student’s teacher. This will help you to know what they are looking for when it comes to assignments.
6. Allow your child to do his/her own work. It is important to allow your child to make mistakes with their homework. This allows them to learn from their mistake and figure out a different way of solving the problem.
7. Set a good example of getting work done. Children follow more than what we think they do. If they are seeing that their parents are completing their work or budgeting their finances on time, children are more likely to adapt these same habits.
8. If you continue to have problems with homework, talk with your child's teacher about other possibilities.
Adapted from kidshealth.org
Welcome New Families!
-Let your children know you care. If your child is anxious about school, send personal notes in the lunch box or book bag. Reinforce the ability to cope. Children absorb their parent's anxiety, so model optimism and confidence for your child. Let your child know it is normal and okay to be anxious. They will soon meet friends, get to know their teachers, and learn the routines of the building. Share any anxieties that you have experienced with your child, maybe starting an new job, and let them know how you dealt with similar stresses.
-Do not over react. If the first few day are tough, try not to over react. Young children in particular my experience separation anxiety or shyness. This is normal and teachers and staff are trained to help them adjust. Try not to linger when dropping off. Reassure them that you love them, will think of them during the day and you will see them at the end of the day. Remain calm and positive.
-Acknowledge anxiety over a bad experience. Children who had a difficult time academically or socially or were teased or bullied may be more fearful or reluctant to return to school. Share your concerns with the school. Reassure your child that you and the school are working together to try and make sure this problem does not happen again. Reinforce your child's ability to cope and give the some strategies to help them manage difficult situations on their own, but also encourage them to tell you or a teacher if the problem persists. Maintain open lines of communication with the school.
-Arrange play dates. Try to get involved in the new school or community. If possible arrange get-togethers with some of your child's classmates to help your child establish positive social relationships with peers.
-If possible, plan to volunteer in the classroom. It may not always be a possibility, but try and plan to volunteer in the classroom periodically throughout the year. This can help your child understand that school and family life are linked and that you care about the learning experience. This may also help you get firsthand exposure to the classroom environment and routine. Most teachers welcome occasional parent help, even if you cannot volunteer regularly.
There are many things you can do to help your child adjust. The most important thing you can do is just to love, support and listen to them. Keep an honest and open line of communication open with your child. Also know you can contact the school or the counselors, who are always willing to help out in anyway they can.
Upcoming Dates...
Parent-Teacher Conference:
Thursday 11/17 from 5:00-8:00
Monday 11/21 from 12:00-3:00 and 5:00-8:00
Thanksgiving Break:
No school for students from 11/21-11/28. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Christmas Break:
Students have an early dismissal on 12/23 and do not return to school until 1/2/2017. Happy Holidays!!
You can check your individual elementary school for dates of holiday concerts or school specific activities.
This and That!
FRUIT CORNUCOPIAS: A Healthy Snack for Kids!
Ingredients:
12 waffle cones
Fresh fruit of your choice (grapes, berries, apples, orange slices)
Directions:
Line inner portion of waffle cone with parchment paper. This will keep the cone from getting moist from the fruit. Line the inside of the waffle cone with fresh fruit.