Kelly Creek Counseling
May Newsletter
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!!!
May is Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month!
AAPI Heritage Month began in 1977 as a ten-day celebration of Asian Pacific American contributions to this country. In 1992, President George H.W. Bush signed a law expanding the celebration to the entire month of May. The observance commemorates two events: The arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843 and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, largely built by Chinese immigrants, on May 10, 1869.
How to Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Kids
AAPI Calendar Events in Portland
A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers'. They have big, round eyes and long lashes. She realizes that her eyes are like her mother's, her grandmother's, and her little sister's.
Drawing from the strength of these powerful women in her life, she recognizes her own beauty and discovers a path to self-love and empowerment.
Personal Safety Lessons
The topics that are covered are:
How to listen to your body to know if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable
How to be brave and say No!
What are safe vs unsafe touches
You are the boss of our own body
Identifying 3-5 adults that you trust that can help if you feel unsafe or need someone to talk to
I also like to follow up with information and resources so families can have these conversations at home:
Committee for Children: How to Guide for Talking to Your Kids About Abuse
This is a great resource for parents that give a How To Guide for each age about how to talk to your kids about safety and abuse.
“Erin’s Law” requires that all public schools in each state implement a prevention-oriented child sexual abuse program.
Kids Mental Health Resources for Parents and Guardians
GBSD Family Resource Series: Focus on Student Mental Health
Focus on Student Mental Health
Virtual Meeting for Families
May 4, 2021
6:30 to 7:30 pm
Do you feel comfortable having open conversations with your student about their feelings?
Do you know the warning signs of anxiety and depression?
Join GBSD school social workers for an online parent meeting focused on students’ mental health.
Short (20 Minutes or Less!) Podcasts for Supporting Kids' Mental Health Needs
3 Relaxation Strategies for Kids (Works on Adults too!)
Deep Breathing
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Progressive Muscle Relaxation for Kids
Relaxation Script for Young Kids
Grounding!
5-4-3-2-1 Grounding:
This grounding exercise is a great go-to for kids. All they need for this exercise is their senses! Have students practice identifying:
- 5 things you see
- 4 things you hear
- 3 things you smell
- 2 things you can touch
- 1 thing you taste
Resources for Talking to Kids about Race
Talking Race With Young Children (Podcast)
Even babies notice differences like skin color, eye shape and hair texture. Here's how to handle conversations about race, racism, diversity and inclusion, even with very young children. (This is just a 20 minute listen!)
How To Start Conversations About Anti-Asian Racism With Your Family (Podcast)
Anti-Racism For Kids 101: Starting To Talk About Race
If you’re nervous about talking about race with your kids, these books about racial diversity will give you an easy place to start destigmatizing difference & celebrating racial diversity.
Counseling Lesson Topics
Counseling Lessons are posted on Wednesday Mornings at 8am.
Recent Lessons:
Anxiety and Worry
Ways to Cope with Anxiety
Kindness
Gratitude
Coming Soon!
Mindful Listening, Seeing, and Movement