Counselor's Corner
by Mrs. O
PurposeFull Practice: Empathy, Lesson 2 and 3
Dear McKinley Family,
This week marks the end of Empathy, Lesson 3. You can be so very proud of your children, as they innately understand and practice Empathy on a daily basis. For instance, one of our wonderful staff members, Mrs. Crater, was hit in the head by a soccer ball this week. She was so moved by the empathy and kindness shown by our children, that she emailed me about it.
This leads me to the introduction of next week's PurposeFull Practice: Kindness. I like to say that Kindness is Empathy's Best Friend. As we move through the lessons, our children will be on the lookout for kindness, and explore the many magical ways to show and receive it.
Please view the resources below and enjoy some family time while going through them. I have included Zones of Emotion/Regulation, and information about the brain's "Guard Dog" and "Wise Owl". The children learned that it is difficult to feel or express Empathy when we are in the Blue, Yellow, and Red Zones (all of which place us in our Guard Dog brains). As you watch the videos, you will understand how it all fits together. The students were able to grasp these concepts and iterate them back to me with incredible precision.
I hope you have an amazing weekend filled with sunshine and memory making.
Warmly and gratefully yours,
Mrs. O (Ormachea)
McKinley School Counselor
530-632-6687
************************************************************************************************
Overview of Resources:
Family Connect and Create (FCC)- Invite to our Upcoming Valentines Connect and Create
1. Definition of Empathy
2. Links to Parent Resource Letters (English and Spanish) re Empathy
3. Excellent Read Aloud- Listening With My Heart, and Video- The Owl and the Guard Dog
+Brain and Zones of Regulation/Emotion Illustrations.
4. Mindfulness Practice: Be the Pond
This practice helps us to get our emotions under control, and get into our Wise Owl brain.
5. Our McKinley Schoolwide Expectations Chant- I'm going to start handing out Duck Bucks to students who have it memorized.
6. Families that Play Together, Stay Together: Information and Links to Local and County Events for Families
Family Connect and Create
Family Connect and Create Day- Valentines Craft and Assistance Filling Out Valentine's Day Cards
When: Tuesday February 8, 2022
*****Come when you can: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM*****
Where: Sycamore Library
What: Create Memories and a Sweet Valentine's Day Project
**Students can also bring in their Valentine's Day cards and get help filling them out
**Healthy snacks and a sweet treat provided
Who: Parents/Guardians and their Student/s
Bring: Yourself, your child/ren, and their Valentine's Day Cards (if they would like to complete them during this time)
More details to come... <3
1. Definition of Empathy
2. Links to Parent Resource Letter: Empathy (in English and Spanish)
3. Listening With My Heart -Read Aloud
The Owl and The Guard Dog- Video
4. Mindfulness Practice- The Pond
5. Our McKinley School Expectation Chant
6. Families that Play Together, Stay Together: Things to Do in Our County
AWANA Club, Gridley
When: Tuesday nights from 6:15 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: First Baptist Church, Gridley
What: Handbook Time, Council Time, and Activity Time
Who: Children 3 years of age through grade 12
How: If you are interested, click on the link below for more
information.
More Fun at Our Own Gridley Library
After School Fun: Looking for a great way to spend an afternoon? Join your friends at the Gridley Library for awesome games, LEGO, crafts, and the best movies! Every week is a different activity! When: Tuesdays @ 3:00-5:00 PM Where: Gridley Library
Or
Li'l Bitties Storytime: If you are looking for a way to connect with other moms and dads of children 0-5, while participating in a brain-worthy and fun activity for your youngster; this may be your answer. What: Li’l Bitties is a Storytime for ages 0-5 When: Every Friday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Where: Gridley Library
Chico Creek Nature Center
Craft- Cinnamon Salt Ornaments
Chico Area Parks and Recreation Guide
Mrs. Ormachea
Email: tormachea@gusd.org
Website: http://mckinley.gusd.org/Parent-Info/Counselors-Corner/index.html
Location: 1045 Sycamore St, Gridley, CA 95948
Phone: (530) 632-6687