Elementary Counseling News
Winter 2018 Update
We've Been Busy!
- Conflict Resolution lessons-Earlier in the year we came into each of the classrooms to introduce the Peace Path; a tool to help students learn how to practice conflict-resolution skills. The students have had time this year to practice these skills and to integrate healthy ways of solving their disagreements.
- Lunch Bunches-These are small lunchtime groups that run throughout the year where students get the chance to learn and practice social skills through games, activities and group discussion.
- Game Club-This is an opportunity for students to gather before school to engage in games while working on healthy competition, collaboration and communication skills.
- Classroom Lessons and meetings with students-We've been continuing to provide individual, small-group and classroom lessons to support social and emotional learning.
Mindfulness
What is Mindfulness?
Throughout the months of March and April, the elementary counselors will be teaching all second through fifth graders about mindful strategies as part of our Spring counseling initiative.
Mindful Tips for Parents
- Talk to your children about how they are feeling. Focus on the present.
- Create your own glitter jar using a mason jar, water and glitter. This can help start a conversation about how the mind can feel "mixed up", and how mindfulness can help the glitter settle and ease our worries.
- Practice deep breathing together. Remember to breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.
- Encourage your children to STOP (Stop, Take a breath, Observe your surroundings, and Proceed). Mindful moments during times of frustration can be helpful for adults and children and promotes a more positive outcome.
For more information, read the New York Times article below.
A Night Event for Parents and Caregivers:
Reading Room
Here are some resources about mindfulness for both children and families.
Mindful Games: Sharing Mindfulness and Meditation with Children, Teens and Families by Susan Kaiser Greenland
Visiting Feelings by Lauren Rubenstein
A picture book for elementary grades which shows children how to mindfully be aware of and explore all the different feelings they might experience.
What Does It Mean to Be Present? By Rana DiOrio
A picture book for elementary grades which shows children through a group of friends' experiences at school, home and at the beach that being present is not simply showing up but rather savoring the moment, becoming focused, aware and mindful.
Our Newest Counselors
Miss Goldstein - Mountain Park and Mary Kay McMillin
Email: hgoldstein@bhpsnj.org
Phone: (908)-464-1713
Mrs. Bartlett - Thomas P. Hughes
Mrs. Bartlett has been a school counselor for 4 years. She enjoys reading, snowboarding, music and going to the beach. On weekends she loves getting outside and playing at the park with her kids. Mrs. Bartlett recently started learning to play the ukulele and is having so much fun, it’s never too late to learn something new!
Email: ebartlett@bhpsnj.org
Phone: (908) 464-1717