Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Visitors

I love when students drop by my office- even for a minute or two!  Sometimes when they are waiting for Nurse Whitman they say a quick "Hello" and use my dart board or give a hug to one of my stuffed animals.  The ease with which they come and go is wonderful, and it lessens any "stigma" that may exist about visiting the School Counselor's office!  Calvert Students are, in general, very comfortable talking with me- whether in the classroom or in my office.  However, students new to school could be shy about it, and coming in with classmates is always a way to start.  Then, if there is an individual concern, they are more apt to self-refer or ask their teacher or parent for an appointment.  Many children talk to me about friendship issues, as you can imagine, but also about loss of any kind, worries, test anxiety, goal-setting, and decision-making.  I commend you as parents for raising such articulate and compassionate kids- they are a pleasure to work with!


Maggie, Catherine, and Julia Enjoy an Impromptu Game of Darts!
 
My Office Offers Lots to Do
 
Catherine Loans her Glasses to Lily, the Frog!

Monday, January 27, 2014

Parent Forum Rescheduled

Our Lower School Parent Forum has been rescheduled!  Assuming the weather cooperates, it will be held on Wednesday, March 5 at 8:15 am in the multi-purpose room.  Dr. Trusty, Mrs. Martin and I will present about all aspects of executive function and how specific strategies can help students with attention, working memory, shifting between tasks, and organization.  We will also look at how worry and anxiety can play into the mix and offer strategies in this area as well.  We hope you can come!  No RSVP is necessary.

Students can Experience an Overload of Information where Input exceeds Output

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Sixth Age Support System

Heart Tugs

Heart Connections
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst is one of my favorite books to read with students!  It is a story about our connection to others by an invisible string that can tug on our hearts wherever we are.  It helps children understand that they are never alone; even if their loved one isn't present.  He or she is connected by that invisible string and can feel the love at all times.  This string is a "very special string made of love."  Sixth Agers talked about their connections- parent, grandparent, friend, pet, as well as loved ones who have died.  Then, each student cut out a paper heart, and drew a picture of at least one person they are connected to by invisible string.  Some made bracelets out of their hearts, others necklaces, while others put them in their lockers to remind them that even if their special person isn't with them at school, they can still feel the heart tug and the comfort it brings.