Dear Second and Third Grade Parents and Guardians,
This week, we are continuing our unit on problem solving. Last time we met, we discussed the importance of being a calm problem solver. When we are calm, we are able to do our best thinking to brainstorm and choose strategies to solve challenging problems. During our last lesson, we practiced slow counting to ten and taking three deep breaths, both of which can be helpful calming techniques. For this lesson, I introduced mindfulness as another strategy that can help make someone feel calm.
As part of this lesson, students spent time considering what it means to be present. They learned that being present means taking time in the moment to think about, be thankful for, and enjoy the things we get to do every day. This appreciative mode of thinking can be a helpful way to maintain a sense of context, even when things are hard. Students also took time to imagine a special place in their mind that might help them to feel calm. While being present is important, taking a mental break from things that are stressful can also be a helpful technique to calm the body. Like deep breathing and slow counting, it is another strategy everyone can use as part of their problem solving toolkit.
If you have a moment, ask your child to share with you what they think it means to be present. They can even share their thoughts in the comments section of this blog post.
Thank you for your help supporting this important lesson.
Sincerely,
David Starr
School Counselor, Armstrong Elementary School
PH: (508) 836-7760 Email: starrd@westboroughk12.org
This week, we are continuing our unit on problem solving. Last time we met, we discussed the importance of being a calm problem solver. When we are calm, we are able to do our best thinking to brainstorm and choose strategies to solve challenging problems. During our last lesson, we practiced slow counting to ten and taking three deep breaths, both of which can be helpful calming techniques. For this lesson, I introduced mindfulness as another strategy that can help make someone feel calm.
As part of this lesson, students spent time considering what it means to be present. They learned that being present means taking time in the moment to think about, be thankful for, and enjoy the things we get to do every day. This appreciative mode of thinking can be a helpful way to maintain a sense of context, even when things are hard. Students also took time to imagine a special place in their mind that might help them to feel calm. While being present is important, taking a mental break from things that are stressful can also be a helpful technique to calm the body. Like deep breathing and slow counting, it is another strategy everyone can use as part of their problem solving toolkit.
If you have a moment, ask your child to share with you what they think it means to be present. They can even share their thoughts in the comments section of this blog post.
Thank you for your help supporting this important lesson.
Sincerely,
David Starr
School Counselor, Armstrong Elementary School
PH: (508) 836-7760 Email: starrd@westboroughk12.org
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