Counselor's Corner
From the desk of Miss Eallonardo
A Few Words From Miss Eallonardo
Yes, along with this being the month of the Thanksgiving Holiday, November is also dedicated to gratitude. It's more than just remembering to say "thank you", National Gratitude Month asks us to switch from focusing on the negative and remembering to be thankful for at least one positive thing our lives each of this month's 30 days. And, for those of us who want to post what we our grateful for on social media, you can use the tag #NationalGratitudeMonth.
I plan on posting to my Twitter account everyday in November, so you can see what 30 things I am most grateful for there!
Vote for the Next Miss Eallonardo Reads!
All of our kids can vote through Friday, Nov. 13, 2020!
You can find the story descriptions here: https://forms.gle/p5NN4e2JDgAP5gYN6
"Hair Love" - https://tinyurl.com/y63v52ru
"Grumpy Ninja" - https://tinyurl.com/y4trvvc2
"Pete the Cat Goes Camping" - https://tinyurl.com/y4a7h7n4
Tips to Teach Your Kids About Feelings
Since we will be learning all about feelings for the next few months in classroom guidance, I thought I would share some tips on how you can teach your kids about their own feelings, how to express those feelings, and how to recognize the feelings of others.
· Sing songs to help young children learn how to express their feelings.
There are all kinds of songs on YouTube to teach kids about feelings. A couple I found are:
o Feelings Word Power by PinkFong: https://youtu.be/a1NIWCr0R-k
o If You’re Happy by Noodle and Pals: https://youtu.be/l4WNrvVjiTw
o The Emotions Song by Sesame Studios: https://youtu.be/CXP6WqbeBpk
o Dave Matthews and Grover Sing About Feelings by Sesame Street: https://youtu.be/Po5lHYJJQfw
·
Get into the habit of labeling the feelings you believe your child is experiencing.
For example, if your child runs up to you and hugs you as you walk through the door, you can say something like “someone is excited to see me” or “someone is happy I’m home.” Labeling your child’s feelings as they happen helps them to build their feelings vocabulary.
·
When you read to your child, discuss how the characters in the story are feeling.
Point out any clues that lets you know what they are feeling such as facial expressions or behaviors. Then explain to your child why the characters feel the way they do. If your child is able to, let them take a turn identifying how the characters are feeling and why.
· When your child does something that upsets someone else, let them know how their behavior might make others feel.
For example, “When you called your sister names, she felt sad and her feelings were hurt. “ This will help your child be mindful of what they say and do to others. You can follow up by asking how they would feel if someone did the same thing to them. Encouraging your child to put themselves in someone else’s shoe teaches them how to be empathetic. Empathy is an important life skill that will allow your child to maintain positive relationships with other people.
· Model appropriate ways to express feelings to your child.
Our kids are always watching us and like sponges they soak everything up- good and bad. If your child sees you expressing your feelings in a positive way, over time they learn to do the same. However, if they see you yelling and throwing things when you get upset, they are more likely to mimic this behavior.
It’s important for kids learn that it is OK to have their feelings- all of them! Feelings are not specifically “good” or “bad”, what matters is how they express them. When your child is calm, discuss with them ways they can calm down when they are upset.
· Praise your child when they use words to express their feelings.
Even as adults, having the self-control to express your feelings appropriately is no easy feat. When your child tells you how they are feeling instead of having a complete melt down, praise them for doing so. Remember to be very specific. For example, “I like how you told your sister that you were sad when she called you names. That was very mature of you.” Praising your child for practicing good behavior makes them more likely to do it again in the future. It also lets them know that you are watching them and notice when they do good things.
Adapted from:
“9 Ways to Teach Children About Feelings” by Yanique S. Chambers. https://www.kiddiematters.com/9-ways-to-teach-children-about-feelings/, accessed on 10/27/20.
Attendance Matters
Since we are currently virtual at the moment, attendance is being handled differently. Here are a few things you need to know:
1. If your child is not able to participate virtually, you will still need to check in with your teacher to let them know that your child is doing school work. If you haven't already, please reach out to your teacher(s) to see how they want to handle your child's attendance.
2. Attendance is the same as if we were in the physical school building: if a child has 10 or more unexcused absences, that child is considered truant. Please make sure to stay in contact with you child's teacher and- if necessary- send in excuses/notes for any days missed.
Miss Eallonardo's Updated Classroom Guidance Schedule
We are starting a whole new unit Social Emotional Unit: All About Feelings. Last time we discussed how our feelings can look on the outside, and also how they make us feel on the inside. Now we will be learning about how to predict the feelings of others. Please see the calendar below to let you know which day your child is scheduled to attend with me.
If your child is unable to attend, a video of the lesson can be found in "ItsLearning" for two weeks after the original class took place.
· The morning session will be from 9:00-9:15am. The room opens at 8:55 so I can start letting students in to the Zoom Room.
· https://zoom.us/j/92059988922?pwd=VThLdWpMNkM5OGtFczFFZGxZeGRJUT09
· Meeting ID: 977 4619 9259
· Passcode: Pelican
· The afternoon session will be from 12:50 pm—1:15 pm. The room opens at 12:45 so I can start letting student in to the Zoom Room.
· https://zoom.us/j/92059988922?pwd=VThLdWpMNkM5OGtFczFFZGxZeGRJUT09
· Meeting ID: 920 5998 8922
· Passcode: Pelican
Need an Appointment?
There are several ways to set up an appointment, either for yourself or for your child:
1. Set up a meeting through Calendly.
Using the links below, you can set up an appointment-either for yourself or for your child. Calendly lets you know when I am (or am not) available. You will also be able to choose for me to contact you by phone, Zoom, or Google Meeting.
2. Request an appointment through email or phone call.
3. Have your child’s teacher request the appointment.
Please make sure to give the best time for me to call and the best way to reach you at that time.
Calendly Appointment for Parent/Guardian:
https://calendly.com/pwes_counselor/family
Calendly Appointment for Student:
https://calendly.com/pwes_counselor/kids
Phone(call or text)
(912) 483-8947
Office Hours
Mondays
1:00 pm –3:00 pm
Tuesdays
1:00 pm-3:00 pm and 4:00 pm—6:00 pm
Thursdays
1:00 pm—3:00 pm and 4:00 pm—6:00 pm
Fridays
1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Community Resource Information
Þ Gateway Behavioral 912-790-6500
Þ H.U.G.S. (Heads Up Guidance Services) Counseling 912-417-4320
Þ The Front Porch 912-652-6555
Þ ACCESS Mental Health- 912-200- 9818
Þ Chatham Health Dept. 912-356- 2441
Þ Curtis V. Cooper 912-527-1100 Salvation Army 912-651-7420
Þ American Red Cross 912-338-4894
Þ United Way 211 or 651-7700
Þ African American Health Information & Resource Center/St. Joseph (912) 447-6605 www.herohelpme.com