Moyer School Counseling Newsletter
October 2017
Be United for Kindness, Acceptance and Inclusion
October is National Bullying Prevention month and we will be learning about ways to prevent bullying incidents by embracing kindness, acceptance and inclusion. Classroom guidance lessons will be centered around recognizing and responding to bullying situations. We will also share videos and morning announcements around embracing each other, accepting differences and practicing kindness towards others. Students will be asked to participate in Unity Day on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 by wearing ORANGE and sending one large message of support, hope, and unity to show that we are together against bullying and united for kindness, acceptance and inclusion.
October Classroom Guidance Topics
We will be learning about recognizing, refusing, and reporting bullying incidents as outlined in the Steps to Respect guidance curriculum.
Grade-specific topics are outlined below:
Kindergarten:Llama Llama and the Bully Goat. Learning to say "stop" as well as how to report.
First grade: The Invisible Boy story. Learning ways to include others and show kindness.
Second grade: My Secret Bully story. Steps to Respect Guidance Curriculum.
Third grade-Fifth grade: Steps to Respect Guidance Curriculum. Role-playing assertiveness skills, videos, and recognizing support systems.
Home Links
Students in grades 3-5 will receive a Home Link handout which reinforces the guidance lessons covered in the classroom. Check those backpacks!
Empathy Building books
Research shows that children with high levels of empathy tend to not bully other children. We can build empathy skills by teaching it in our homes and modeling it for our children. We can also give children opportunities to practice empathy and engage in the habit of caring for others. Whether at home or in the classroom, involve children in making plans or solving conflicts — encourage them to reflect on the perspectives of others. I like this list of books that foster empathy skills with young children.
Red Ribbon Week- October 23-27, 2017
Our PTO sponsors Red Ribbon Week and will be coordinating activities, dress-up days and treats for the students. Red Ribbon Week focuses on making good choices and staying drug-free. The official slogan this year is Your Future Is Key, So Stay Drug Free. Please look for more information to be coming home in October.