3rd grade- Talked about the "R" of respect. Brainstormed ways to be respectful to others (adults and peers). Then we realized it was an R for RUMOR! Oh no! Discussed what a rumor is, why rumors can be bad, and what we should do if we hear a rumor.

4th grade- We discussed tough feelings and the importance of empathy. We talked about how our feelings and attitude can affect others--the ripple effect. Talked about how to see something from others point of view, try to understand how they feel, and the choices we can make to help others who are having tough feelings.

5th grade- Reviewed our I-decisions and we-decisions. Debriefed about how/why we-decisions are hard and how we can make them. Talked about THEY-decisions. Lots of people make choices for us every day and we don't always like that. How can we respond? Talked about the importance of self-control. Related the importance of getting along with others and using self-control to interacting with other students. Our words and actions have a lasting impact on others.

Kindergarten- We talked about how to be good friends to others. We read Best Friends and discussed *how to be a friend *being friends with more than one person *how to join a group. We looked at pictures and identified the positive friendship choices.

1st grade- We talked about how to be a good friend by being a good learner. We read Hunter's Best Friend at School. We discussed the positive vs. negative friendship choices in the book. We talked about how part of being a good friend is being a good learner so our friends can learn. We brainstormed what to do if our friend isn't making good choices--how to be a good role model for them.

2nd grade- We talked about bullying: when someone is unkind on purpose over and over. We talked about strategies for dealing with unkind behaviors. We discussed when it is a kid sized problem that they need to try to work on first (no one is hurt and they can use their words ex-someone making a mean face) and when they need to get help from an adult (someone is hurt, they've tried to solve it and can't, they are worried/afraid). We also talked about how they can/should ALWAYS talk to their parents/guardians at home when they have problems!  We read The Bully Blockers Club and reviewed the main character's strategies. We reviewed our school-wide strategy of STOP, WALK, TALK.

3rd- How to pick a friend... We looked at a fancy bag and a not-so-fancy bag. They had to pick which present they wanted just by looking. We talked about how you can't tell what is on the inside based on just looking at the outside. We talked about how to pick a friend and what characteristics we should look for (and have ourselves!).

4th- Perspective. We looked at some optical illusions and talked about how people see things differently. We read a few common situations and brainstormed different points of view. We discussed the importance of talking to the other person and hearing their side of the story!

5th- We decisions. What kinds of decisions to we have to make with others (recess, class projects, family decisions, etc.)? How do we make those choices when people have different ideas and opinions? Practiced working in groups to make positive and possible choices.

Kindergarten: learned what a School Counselor does--HELPS! :) We did the School Counselor Hokey Pokey and read a little coloring book about how School Counselors help kids with feelings.

1st: also learned what a School Counselor does. We talked about tough feelings-what they are, when we have them, and how School Counselors can help you with tough feelings so you can be a great learner in class. I also proved that I am magic by taking torn up yucky feelings and turning them into a big smile!

2nd: reviewed what a School Counselor does and how to let me know if they need help. Talked about new friends. Read Emily's New Friend and discussed.

Ms. Roof and I will be in the 3rd-5th grade classes this week. We are reminding students what the role of a School Counselor is and how to contact us. Ms. Roof is new to Fairview this year so she going more in depth with her classes about who she is.  My 5th graders are talking about their internal compass and what questions they should ask themselves before making decisions.  4th grade is talking about competition vs. cooperation and how and why teamwork is important in the classroom. 3rd grade is talking about the positive characteristics needed to be successful as individuals and as a group in their classes this year.