May 2012
In guidance classes this month...
We will be using a personal safety curriculum for K -5th grade students. The program gives children thetools they need to avoid dangerous situations by teaching personal boundaries and assertiveness skills. It is a curriculum of age-appropriate interactive games, role-playing skits, videos, and more – all designed to teach and train children how to act and react in difficult situations.
This elementary school program also tackles the tough issues of bullying, peer pressure, Internet safety, in addition to teaching sexual abuse prevention
Independent research has shown that 70% of all students tested mastered the following milestones after four lessons:
•Students identify at least 3 safe adults
•Students learn about secrets, safe touches versus unsafe touches as well as how to identify safe or unsafe situations
•Students learn how to be more assertive (not aggressive) and to say “NO”
•Students build respect for themselves and for their peers
Kindergarten is learning about perseverance and life skills such as....
* Respect
* Kindness
* Responsibility
* Fairness
* Being a good Citizen
* Showing Trustworthiness
Each class visits my classroom twice a week for "Guidance" class. We learn about being Trustworthy, Respectful, Responsible, Caring, Fair and Citizenship. Students have a grade level appropriate lesson relating to academic achievement, careers, and social/ personal skills. In particular this month, we will be practicing kindness, discussing perseverance, and talking about positive ways to handle angry feelings.
1st grade 
In first grade classes this month, we will review ways to be a good citizen in the community. Also, some of our lessons will focus on the best way to stay positive and keep trying even when you feel like giving up.
2nd grade
In second grade classes, we will be discussing perseverance with an emphasis on a positive attitude and supporting others.
3rd grade
In third grade we will talk about what to do when something is hard and we feel like our best isn't good enough. This will offer an opportunity to discuss Helen Keller. Helen was a very inspirational person who overcame many obstacles in her lifetime with the help of her teacher Annie Sullivan.
4th grade
Fourth graders will be learning about ways to handle losing and disappointment without acting like a poor sport. One way we will approach this is through the example of Mia Hamm whose brother inspired her to keep a positive attitude and be a team player long before she played soccer in the olympics as an adult.
5th grade
Fifth grade will explore ways to persevere and be a positive influence in their community. We will explore ideas for staying positive, not giving up, and helping others.
Considering what to do when you encounter obstacles and feel like giving up is an important part of becoming a positive and successful member of society. By exploring ways to persevere and keep their thoughts positive, kids are preparing to effectively handle difficulties they may have to deal with as adults.
Counselor's Pearl of Wisdom.......
A positive attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.
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