Montrose Messenger: SEL Edition
December 2022
It was nice seeing so many of you during the parent/teacher conference period. Teachers and families spending dedicated time together helps students in so many ways!
This year, Montrose is focusing on two goals that will improve our practice and enhance your child's learning experience. They are Social and Emotional Learning and Sensory Integration. Our goal is to provide meaningful and useful strategies that students (along with staff and families) can use to reset, regulate and refocus. As part of that focus, we will be sharing strategies with you. We believe that when we use the same language, techniques and strategies to promote awareness and regulation, students have double the benefits.
This newsletter, created by Ms. Betsy and Ms. Kelly, is dedicated to providing you with Social and Emotional Learning information that may be useful as you navigate the holiday season. We hope you find it helpful!
The holidays can be a stressful time for many families. As adults, we sometimes underestimate the effects of stress on young children. It is important that we give children - and ourselves - a toolbox of strategies to help deal with the stressors that can creep up during the excitement of holiday festivities. We are going to try and help you expand your toolbox as you navigate the holidays this year. This does not mean your road will be a smooth one, but hopefully it will have a less bumpy trip and fewer tears from all.
Children thrive when they have a schedule. However, during the rush of the holiday season this is not always possible. Lack of schedules and excitement can lead to sensory overload and meltdowns.
Whenever possible, infuse a bit of a “schedule” or “normalcy” into this busy time. Carve out some quiet time with your family or child to read a book in private, have a quiet meal, a hot chocolate, or do a puzzle. It could be even better to take a walk to notice the beauty around you.
Take a BREATH (or 3)! The parasympathetic nervous system is a network of nerves that release your body after periods of stress and danger. When we are in the midst of holiday busy-ness we can be in a constant state of fight or flight. We need to help ourselves and our children engage this parasympathetic nervous system in order to relax, destress and naturally activate the body's healing. *One thing to note is that you should not encourage children to do any breath work that involves them holding their breath.*
Check in on each other. Ask "How are you feeling?" It’s always nice when someone checks in during the day. Any feeling is great! Make sure that you express your feelings as well, because children learn by watching models. If you say “I feel frustrated” - you can add “I need to take a break”. STOP, "DROP", and EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS.
Infuse Mindful Movement into your long car rides, train rides, or those times when you're sitting in the airport. Sitting without any movement has been proven to be unhealthy. Mindful movement helps build a mind-body connection . It has a positive effect on our mind, body and hearts.
Make sure you and your child are taking the time to rest your body and mind. We know this is easier said than done, however, we are at our best when we are getting enough rest. Not only do our bodies reap the benefits but our mind and moods are better when we are well rested. “Goodnight Yoga” may be helpful in getting your child ready for dreamland.
Thank you, PTA!
If you would like to further support our SEL Lending Library, please consider purchasing items from this list and have them shipped to Montrose. ATTN: SEL Team
Sensory and Social Emotional Resources Wish List
If you would like to donate an Amazon gift card, that would be appreciated, as well.
We appreciate you!
Mrs. Samuels
Seeking Volunteer Artists
Mrs. Samuels
Montrose Early Childhood Center
Email: bsamuels@soms.k1.nj.us
Website: www.somsd.k12.nj.us/montrose
Location: 356 Clark Street, South Orange, NJ, USA
Phone: 973-378-2086