K-2 November & December Guidance Lessons

In grades K-2 we continue our work with the Zones of Regulation.  Students are developing language to describe their feelings and  to categorize them into zones.  We are now moving our focus to strategies that help ourselves get into the green zone.  Using resources from Social Thinking, we have been talking about the thoughts that we have that keep us from regulating our behaviors or emotions.  In the coming weeks we will practice sensory strategies that improve focus and regulation.

Mix It Up!

Tuesday October 23^rd Hudson is celebrating Mix It Up Day.  Students will mix it up by sitting with different people at lunch and getting to know someone new.  We will also recognize Mix It Up Day by wearing mixed up clothing! If weather permits, we hope to have lunch outside.

 What is Mix It Up at Lunch Day?

A national campaign launched by Teaching Tolerance over a decade ago, Mix It Up at Lunch Day encourages students to identify, question, and cross social boundaries.  We ask students to move out of their comfort zones and connect with someone new over lunch.
It’s a simple act with profound implications. Studies have shown that interactions across group lines can help reduce prejudice. When students interact with those who are different from them, biases and misperceptions can fall away.
From teachingtolerance.org

October Guidance Lessons

In K-2 classrooms, our lessons introduced and reviewed the Zones of Regulation.  We categorized emotions that belong in each zone.  In the blue and green zones we feel in control and in the yellow and red zones we feel out of control.  We emphasized that it is normal to experience different zones at different times.  Next time we meet we will practice strategies for getting into the green zone.  These lessons support our students' emotional and behavioral regulation skills.

In third, fourth, and fifth grades, we  are focusing on creating a positive social environment that fosters kindness, compassion and responsibility.  In fourth and fifth grade, we build students' understanding of relational aggression, develop pro-social behaviors and help create a safe social climate.

BJC Weavings Retreat

Weavings creates a safe space for mothers to express their grief while honoring their children and celebrating their forever motherhood. Through this weekend retreat, mothers experience support from a community of other women who have also lost a child, learn new coping tools, and take time to care for themselves. 

WHEN October 26-28, 2018 

WHERE Pallottine Renewal Center Florissant, MO Weavings, available at no cost to the participant, is open to mothers who have experienced the death of a son or daughter at any age, not only those served by BJC Hospice. 

BJC Weavings Retreat

Child Abuse Prevention Program

Each year we invite educators from the Child Abuse Prevention Program to talk with Hudson students about personal safety.  The lessons build upon themselves as students move through grade-levels.  I have attached information that highlights the contents of each presentation.  For additional information, please visit this link;  you will find a video for parents and tips on talking with your children about staying safe.

CAPP educators will visit with students Thursday 9/20 & Friday 9/21.  If you have questions or concerns, please contact me prior to Thursday 9/20.  

The September newsletter from Children's Hospital has useful information for families about social media and digital use.

For the past few years, we have been practicing mindfulness exercises during guidance lessons.  This  year many of our teachers have taken on the challenge of incorporating these practices into the daily lives of our students.  I have put together a Google Community to share resources with staff and invite you to use them as well.
Mindfulness in the Classroom















Image: Heidi Forbes Oste