Mrs. Miller's Counseling News
Twin Oaks Elementary - UPDATED 4/18/ 2022
Like flipping a switch . . . poof . . . her worries were gone!
Twin Oaks Families:
I was recently reminded by one of our kindergarten students that worries don't need to ruin your day. Early in the school year, I shared a book with the primary grade classes titled The Very Hungry Worry Monsters. The story goes that there are worry monsters out there in the world who happily eat our human worries. In fact human worries are one of their favorite treats! Once you feed the worry monster, you can let go of that worry and get on with your day. Our principal, Ms. Denisa, loved the story so much that she generously purchased a couple of stuffed Worry Monsters for the counseling office. They come with zipper mouths where students are invited to feed their worries to the Worry Monster.
As with so many fun ideas, I used the Worry Monsters in classrooms during lesson times for a few weeks; and then, I moved on with many new lessons. Sadly, the Worry Monsters were forgotten on my shelf, gathering dust. Fast forward to last week, when one of my "regulars" entered the counseling room in a huff. Her faced was scrunched up, and she announced "I've got a big problem, Mrs. Miller." After a few minutes of inquiry she had explained that because she had not completed all of her morning work, she would NOT be allowed to have free time in the afternoon.
I agreed that this was a worrisome situation, but one that could quickly be remedied tomorrow, when she would get another chance to earn free time. We both stewed about her disappointment for a bit, and the student remained very upset. Suddenly, she eyed the Worry Monsters and said, "I know! I need to feed the Worry Monster right now!" I helped her write out her worry, we crumpled it up and fed it to the Worry Monster, zipping its mouth shut tight. Instantly, the child's expression changed. She smiled a serene smile, and exclaimed, "I love those Worry Monsters, Mrs. Miller. They work every time."
I have to admit, I was astonished. I was struck by the simplicity of the act, and the unwavering faith of a small child. Like flipping a switch. . . poof. . . her worries were gone! As we adults try to wrap our heads around the power of mindfulness, prayer and intention, we could learn a thing or two from this little one.
What's happening in School this week: Counseling lessons this week in the primary classrooms will focus on our PBIS theme of Trustworthiness. We will hear the story of Rainbow Fish and the Big Blue Whale. We will practice our mindfulness breathing skills, and do a fun energizing dance video! 3rd-5th graders will be exploring career ideas. They will start by identifying their strengths and interests. We will talk about the difference between a job and a career, and research interesting "career clusters," by exploring on a couple of kid-friendly websites.
***(PLEASE NOTE April and May DATES HAVE CHANGED)***
We just finished our third Conscious Discipline Parenting Series PARENT NIGHT, and have one last one planned for the month of May. If you are still interested in joining, it's not too late. Simply mark your calendar for May19th, and come to the Zoom session. Also, email me, so I can get the FREE PARENTING BOOK to you ASAP. Please see the information and Zoom link below.
COUNSELING ROOM MASK POLICY: My room has two excellent air purifiers, and I try to keep the area very safe for all who enter. For students who wear masks, I will continue to wear a mask when meeting individually with them in the Counseling Office.
Featured in this newsletter issue: Weekly Message, School Counseling Lesson Overview, Conscious Discipline Parent Series Information, Problem-solving/Time Machine examples, Classroom Counseling Lesson Schedule, How to Access Mrs. Miller Online, Parenting and Community Resources.
REMEMBER, I'm available via email and office phone Monday-Friday. Don't hesitate to reach out to me with individual needs. I'm here to support you! My email is: miller_de@4j.lane.edu. My direct office phone is: 541-790-3442. If you need to reach me outside of business hours, feel free to text or call my Google Voice number at: 541-972-3347.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Miller
Self-harm is a real problem. Find out how you can help by attending a 4J Community Event.
Free Parenting Book for every participant ~ by Becky Bailey, Ph.D.
~~~~~~ Child Center Offers FREE ~~~~~~ Parenting Problem Solving Classes!
CLICK LINK BELOW for INFORMATION
MOBILE FOOD PANTRY INFORMATION
Food for Lane County and 4J will be hosting a weekly mobile pantry at each region. Each distribution will be offering a variety of pantry staples, bread and produce. Questions? Please contact us at 541-790-6880. Food for Lane County y el distrito de 4J llevaran acabo una distribución de alimentos de la despensa móvil semanalmente en cada región del distrito. En cada distribución se ofrecerá una variedad de productos para la despensa como pan, fruta, vegetales, arroz, frijoles, etc. ¿Peguntas? ComunÃquese al 541-790-6880.