What's On Deck?
Cardington Elementary's School Counseling Newsletter
Character Counts!
Play by the rules - Take turns and share - Be open-minded - Treat all people with respect - Recognize that "fairness" doesn't necessarily mean everyone getting the same; fairness is everyone getting what they need to be successful
February - Caring
Be kind - Be compassionate and show you care - Express gratitude - Forgive others - Help people in need - Love yourself
The Zones of Regulation
"Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you react to it."
-Charles Swindoll
Our Zone is determined by our feelings and our states of alertness; not our behavior.
The Blue Zone is used to describe low states of alertness and down feelings, such as when one feels sad, tired, sick, or bored.
The Green Zone is used to describe a calm state of alertness. A person may be described as happy, focused, content, or ready to learn when in the Green Zone. This is the zone where optimal learning occurs.
The Yellow Zone is also used to describe a heightened state of alertness and elevated emotions; however, one has some control when they are in the Yellow Zone. A person may be experiencing stress, frustration, anxiety, excitement, silliness, the wiggles, or nervousness when in the Yellow Zone.
The Red Zone is used to describe extremely heightened states of alertness and intense emotions. A person may be elated or experiencing anger, rage, explosive behavior, devastation, or terror when in the Red Zone.
When implementing the Zones, it is important to keep these four basic principles in mind:
1. It is natural to experience all of the Zones; there is no bad zone.
2. Our Zone is defined by the feelings and internal states we experience.
3. Our behavior is a byproduct of how we manage our Zone; therefore, consequences should not be tied to a Zone.
4. The context we are in helps us figure out how to manage our Zone so our behavior meets the demands of the social environment, and in doing so we are able to achieve the tasks we are trying to accomplish and/or the social goals we’ve set for ourselves in that situation.
Self-Regulation
Digital Citizenship
"Our kids are growing up on a digital playground and no one is on recess duty."
-Kevin Honeycutt
Oftentimes, this seems to be the case. The internet can wield much knowledge, engagement, and fun for our children, but are we taking the time to clearly and directly teach our children how to be good digital citizens? We started this conversation with our 3rd and 4th grade students during our November guidance lessons.
To continue this conversation at home, check out Common Sense Media. The website offers a large library of ratings and reviews for movies, games, apps, TV shows, websites, books, and music. You will also find information to help families understand and navigate the problems and possibilities of raising children in the digital age.
"Media and technology are at the very center of all our lives today -- especially our children’s. Kids today spend over 50 hours of screen time every week. The media content they consume and create has a profound impact on their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Learning how to use media and technology wisely is an essential skill for life and learning in the 21st century. But parents, teachers, and policymakers struggle to keep up with the rapidly changing digital world in which our children live and learn. Now more than ever, they need a trusted guide to help them navigate a world where change is the only constant." (commonsensemedia.org)
Students can also practice internet safety through interactive games and activities at the FBI's Safe Online Surfing.
The Mirror Exercise
Here's a challenge for the whole family! Instilling a sense of self-worth now in your child can benefit them immensely in the future. Students learn these practices by seeing the adults around them modeling positive self-talk, fixing mistakes, taking risks, and never giving up. These are all qualities of a "Growth Mindset". Learn more about "Growth Mindset" here!
Upcoming Events!
The NED Show!
*This assembly is for Cardington-Lincoln Elementary students only.
Tuesday, Jan 9, 2018, 09:15 AM
Cardington-Lincoln Elementary School, Nichols Street, Cardington, OH, United States
Questions? Let's Chat!
Email: megan.burson@cardington.k12.oh.us
Website: http://sites.cardington.k12.oh.us/elementary/school-news/
Location: Cardington-Lincoln Elementary School, Nichols Street, Cardington, OH, United States
Phone: (419) 864-0609