Counselor's Corner
HILLSIDE ELEMENTARY: October 2019
Kindness Counts!
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Here at Hillside, we strive to create a culture of kindness, where everyone learns what it means to be kind and how to practice kindness. During the students' October counseling lessons, Mrs. Snyder focused on one of our Core Values, Respect. Students were taught the skills of kindness. Behavioral science research confirms that being kind toward others has powerful effects on individuals’ mental health and quality of life. Having a kind and supportive school environment sets the stage for optimal academic learning.
Our Second Step Program lessons taught by your child's teacher focused on four Skills for Learning. These skills include Listening, Focusing Attention, Self-Talk, and Being Assertive. These skills will help every child be a successful learner. For more information on this unit, please click here. Please encourage your children to use these skills.
Our October Safety Patrol students have been spreading kindness and promoting an inclusive environment for all. These 4th-grade student leaders have been seen at our front and back playgrounds, in our circle and in our hallways during early morning arrival and dismissal. They have been playing games with our younger students, helping students find a friend to play with, refereeing for the game of gaga and kickball, and helping our younger students walk to class. Additionally, Safety Patrol students have read a book on kindness to all of our kindergarten and 1st-grade classes.
Learning happens best when it is done both at school and at home. Below are many ways that you can help your child continue to learn about the theme of kindness through reading about it, talking about it, and practicing it! We have really enjoyed exploring this topic at school, and we hope your family will enjoy it just as much!
Thank you for your continued support!
Warm regards,
Counselors:
Dr. Bloom, School Psychologist
Mr. Forcinito, School Psychologist
Mrs. Snyder, School Counselor
Unity Day- Sweethearts and Heros
Read About Kindess!
Be Kind, by Pat Zietlow Miller
Try a Little Kindness, by Henry Cole
Because Amelia Smiled, by David Stein
The Jelly Donut Difference- Sharing Kindness with the World, by Maria Dismindy
One Voice, by Cindy McKinley
Each Kindness, by Jacqueline Woodson
The Invisible Boy, by Trudy Ludwig
Buckets, Dippers, and Lids: Secrets to Your Happiness, by Carol McCloud
10 Ways to Practice Kindness All Year Long!
- Treat all people with respect
- Be responsible for your words and actions
- Have a positive attitude
- Notice when someone does a good job and compliment him or her
- Be honest with yourself and others
- Give others confidence by encouraging them
- Try to understand how other people feel
- Remember that everyone has different talents and abilities
- Start each day with a happy thought
- Be a bucket filler to everyone you meet!
Talk about Kindness!
Here are some discussion points to help you talk about kindness with your child:
Tell me about a time when someone was kind to you. How did it make you feel?
What do you think kindness means and why is it important?
Who is someone in your class you can be kind to?
What are ways you can be kind to people at home, at school and in the community?