Good Monday Morning!!!

Hi Everyone!

Well, it's Monday again!  This will be our third week of distance learning.  I think predictability and knowing what to expect is super important to my middle schoolers, so that is why I have developed and am using my Week At Glance document with the same types of activities featured each day of the week.  I thrive on routine and I think they do too!!!  Feel free to check it out there!

On Mondays, I offer two activities to the kids.  Mindful Morning videos are one of my favorite things to do.  Not only does it help the kids relax and take a breath from time to time, but it also helps me!  We could all use a chance to practice the skills that will help us cope through this difficult time.  This video's activity focuses on positive thoughts for difficult people.  Something everyone can benefit from!

I also love to do a an art therapy lesson for Maker Monday.  This is one of my "silver linings" for this tough time.  I have always wanted to find a way to incorporate art therapy in my tier 1 interventions, so Maker Mondays help me do just that!  I am looking forward to completing my "homework" and making my own Gratitude Mandala.

I hope everyone has a great Monday!!!

Take care,
Heather

 

Field Trip Friday!!

Hi Everyone!!

We don't officially have school today, but I thought this cold rainy day would be the perfect day for a Field Trip!!!  Virtually of course  . . .

So, check out the three places I picked for my students. 

First we will be visiting my alamatar, Boston University.  Go Terriers!!

Next, we will explore what a career in broadcasting my look like!! My son would love to be the next Jack Edwards!


Last, we went over to Yellowstone National Park to do some exploring!!!  It is good to get some exercise you know :-)

Feel free to check out my virtual Field Trip Fridays right here on this document!

If you have any suggestions for places to visit, just let me know.

Take care,
Heather

Tier 1 Interventions Continued!

Good Morning Everyone!

So, yesterday I decided to set up my first Google Meet with the kids.  I have been hesitant to do any individual or even group counseling virtually so far in our distance learning days.  I decided to try to do something a bit lighter, where I could still connect with my 7th graders. 

        Lunch bunch is one of my favorite activities that I do on a weekly basis, so I chose that as my first way to "Meet" with them!   I sent the notice and had the students email if they wanted to participate.  Then, 5 minutes before the time, I emailed the link to the "room".  We had about 6 people there and you know what, I REALLY ENJOYED IT!!!  It was great to see and hear from the kids.  We even got to play a game, I chose scattergories and we all had fun!!! I even had a brand new student (just started "at" our school last week).  He said he was excited to get to know people "in person" LOL. I will definitely be doing this every Tuesday!

This morning, I recorded another edition of Mindful Mornings.  We talked about rest, and that in this time of their lives, taking a few minutes and just resting is so important!!! Hopefully the kids are finding these helpful, and even are continuing to think about the practices during their day. 

I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings in our Distance Learning Time!!!

Take care,
Heather

Happy Monday!

Hi Everyone,

We are on week two of our distance learning experience with out students!  I am sure a lot of you are in the same boat. 

As a school counselor, I am embracing my chance to really work on my tier 1 interventions, and try to reach as many students as I can with a variety of activities.  I also am striving to offer a routine for my students, especially for those who are missing a structured school day right now!!

So, to be organized and structured, I have used my sister's (she is an AWESOME ELA teacher at our school) "Week at a Glance" document and have added in some great ideas for my own kiddos.  Feel free to check it out here!

Today, being Monday, I created my first Maker Monday experience (using this great site!).  My students will be able to work on a stress relief drawing activity.  I am going to complete one later today and my 9 year old will be joining me! 

I also wanted to continue my fun with Mindful Mornings and I made this video featuring a count your breath activity that students can experience. 

Trying to make the best of this unique situation!!!

Have a great day!!!
:-) Heather

Mindful Mornings

Hi Everyone,

I have also started making Mindful Morning videos for my students.  Feel free to jump in and take a moment to relax, breathe, and soak of the peace!!  Being able to take care of yourself will most certainly help your students!!!

Here are is the first video I made to introduce it and then the second one that I made.

Take care,
:-) Heather

Field Trip Fridays!!!

Hi Everyone!

Feel free to join me and my students on Field Trip Fridays!

I have "arranged" a virtual tour of Providence College, a "close up" look at what being an Art Therapist might look like and "bought" tickets so we can visit the Great Wall of China!!!  All from the comfort of you living room :-)

Every Friday, I will post a new addition.

Enjoy!!
Heather