Mental Matters
May 12, 2023
Thank you for those who have completed the end of the year survey for me. I appreciate your time and feedback.
If you have not had a chance to do so yet, you still have time.
Pretty Please, with a Cherry on Top!
I am always on a quest to better myself. In order to do so I am always looking for constructive criticism from other perspectives. In order to help me with this task, I am asking parents to complete a brief survey in order for me to find what has been working and what needs some adjustments in the coming years. I would be so grateful to know your honest opinions. If you are willing to help me out please click on the link below.
Reach the Finish Line
Like athletes running a long race, students may lose steam toward the end of the school year. Try these ideas to motivate your child to dig deep and keep working hard so they can overcome any hurdles and sprint across the finish line!
Hurdle: Self Doubt
How to Overcome: If your child isn’t sure they can do well on an end of the year test or finish a big project, remind them of times they stuck with something even though it was tough. “Remember when you thought you couldn’t play guitar? You kept practicing and now you can!”
Hurdle: Lack of Motivation
How to Overcome: Knowing what they are working toward can make putting in the effort easier. Encourage your child to list goals for the rest of the school year (participate more in class, improve on test scores). Then have them think about the extra benefits of reaching those goals.
Hurdle: Difficult Material
How to Overcome: When you child runs into a challenge, like learning a touch math concept, suggest that they ask themselves: “How can I get this done?” Answering the “three Ws” can guide them to a solution: Who can help? (a teacher or peer) What do I need to do? (complete iXL task cards) When will I do it? (twice a week for 15 minutes).
This week and all next week the students will be involved in our Move Up Day activities. The students get an opportunity to share some of their questions about the upcoming school year. Each grade level have ambassadors, who are currently in that grade, provide answers. This is designed to help ease students into their next school year with hopefully less anxiety and apprehension. The ambassadors do such a great job representing their classrooms when they provide insight to the younger students. This week we had move up days for kindergarten, first and second grade. Next week we have third and fourth grades on the books.
Fifth Grade
When I surveyed the fifth graders about their concerns for middle school there were quite an array of answers. They worried about everything from getting lost because the building is so big to having an overwhelming amount of homework. Another big concern is the combination locks that come on the lockers at LMS. So, next week each class will have their final lesson with me where they get to work hands on with combination locks to practice. This skill takes patience and practice. However, I will reiterate that they will become experts soon. Until then, there will be plenty of adults or friends who can help them until they get the hang of it!
Mental Health Hotlines
Life can be unpredictable, mental health conditions can be too. While no one wants to think about crisis situations, they happen. Below is a list of support lines that you can add to your contact list. When you need help, please call. We all need help sometimes, and it’s okay to reach out. In fact, it’s brave!
What made you think hard today?
What new thing have you tried recently?
What new thing do you want to try soon?
Share a time you recently learned from a mistake.
Try some bonding time tonight. Use this activity to connect with your child.
Alphabet Scavenger Hunt
Each person uses a family device to take a photo of an item beginning with each letter of the alphabet. Set the timer for 5 minutes and see how many letters you can find.