Elementary Counseling News
Fall 2017 Update
Welcome Back
Have you noticed that new beginnings bring a sense of excitement, anticipation and often feelings of nervousness or anxiety for children? Whether it is a new school, new teacher and classroom, or new friends it is not unusual for children to experience ambivalence about moving forward.
The Child Mind Institute dedicated to researching trends and issues affecting families, states that "the start of school may be especially challenging and stressful" as children navigate new expectations.
Creating the autumn routine for families often takes time, patience and practice as you try to strike that healthy balance that includes homework, earlier bedtimes, sports or other opportunities for enrichment.
The Institute also suggests limiting "screen time"-which includes computer, TV, or handheld device, making sure they are off at least an hour before bed.
This can contribute to a calmer introduction to positive sleep hygiene for children as well as adults who can benefit from such a routine.
As routines become more established and your child has "turned the corner "and becomes more accustomed to changes, it is helpful for your family to have positive things to look forward to doing together. Parents play a critical role in setting the tone and climate that help children see the new challenges as positive learning experiences and growth producing opportunities.
Parents often see children as needing more reassurances and encouragement during seasons of change and although reassurance will not erase all the feelings of uncertainty, it can plant seeds of hope and optimism.
Week of Respect: Peace Building
- Introduce lessons about how to solve conflicts peacefully.
- Create posters about conflict-resolution that that will be displayed throughout the school.
- Introduce students to the concept of Peace Building through daily morning announcements.
- Provide teachers with conflict-resolution exercises that can be used throughout the school year.
- Coordinate a staff training during the Week of Respect that will focus on helping students to better manage interpersonal conflicts. The facilitator of the workshop is Christa Tinari, who is a nationally recognized speaker, trainer, and peace builder.
- Offer an evening presentation on conflict-resolution by Ms. Tinari that is open to parents of K-12 students. The presentation will held on October 5th, at 7:00pm, in the Governor Livingston Auditorium.
Reframing the Concept of Conflict...
Is conflict good or bad? Often times we’ll ask our elementary school students this question and almost 100% of the time the answer is, it’s “bad”. In reality, conflict is a normal part of life for both children and adults and does not have to be a negative experience. Each of us experiences, processes and perceives the world through our own unique set of eyes; therefore, disagreements, clashes of needs or wants and differing opinions are inevitable. Conflict is not in and of itself inherently “bad” but rather neutral. We know that conflict can be uncomfortable and difficult. However, in the end, conflict can be measured by how it is handled, our responses and behaviors when conflicts arise.
If conflict is inevitable and a normal part of life, how do we change our mindset and the mindset of our children surrounding everyday conflict? It starts with our perception! Remember, conflict does not have to be a negative experience. When conflict is perceived as an opportunity for growth, empathy, awareness, insight, understanding, and compromise (where appropriate) it can lead to strengthened relationships and positive outcomes. The more skilled our children become at handling and navigating conflicts, the more prepared they will be for all of life’s challenges in the future.
What does this mean for your elementary school students? First, normalize conflict (It happens to all of us), then try and look at it from a positive perspective (I can learn more about the other person and come up with a great solution that's a win/win for both of us) and then practice the steps to resolving conflicts in a peaceful way. Focus on solutions and provide them with the skills to “work things out” when those times arise. Learning to 1) stop and breath, 2) share feelings in a kind and respectful way, 3) listen to each other and come up with solutions together, are critical to the process of working through conflict. Ultimately, it can create a more peaceful environment at school and home.
CONFLICT-RESOLUTION RESOURCES:
https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/tips/ways-of-dealing-with-conflict/
This is a one page overview of how to help your child cope with conflict. It discusses why these conflict-resolution skills are important, as well as practical tips for how to help support your child in the development of these skills.
Coming Soon....
Mindfulness lessons- The second part of our counseling initiative this year will focus on bringing mindfulness into the classroom. The counselors will visit each classroom in the Spring to facilitate mindfulness exercises and to help students to find ways to use the techniques in their daily lives.
Game club-This is a group for second through fifth graders that meets weekly before school. It is a time to connect with others, play games and work on pro-social behaviors. It is a way for students to connect with their peers and build community at school.