Meeting the Needs of Students
In meeting the social, emotional, and spiritual needs of students, the elementary school offers students personal counseling to ensure that their concerns are heard and that appropriate intervention strategies are implemented. Every child should feel safe and respected.
(MPI Elementary School Handbook 2006-2007)
Feelings...
Sometimes, not having someone to talk to or someone to listen to you can be upsetting... maybe even cause worries and stomach aches. Many children, as well as adults, are not able to make friends or adjust to new situations easily. For some, these interpersonal skills need to be learned and practiced. Interpersonal skills are part of the eight multiple intelligences. Some of us are stronger in one or more of these areas. In fact, that is the beauty of having different learning styles. For those children having trouble adjusting, develop routines and PRACTICE with them. Feeling safe on the outside as well as the “inside” is important. Imagine what YOU need to feel safe inside you. Then imagine and provide this for a child who may be having difficulty adjusting or settling in.
VALIDATING their smallest accomplishments in remembering routines or completing a task that they had difficulty with, does wonders for a child’s spirit. Examples of phrases to use are, “Look what you did today all by yourself!” “That was difficult but you did it!” “I noticed you were having a hard time with this but you kept trying.” “Tell me how you did it!” This technique is called “witnessing.” The key is to witness without judgment in words, feelings, and actions. Be on the lookout for the quiet ones. Remember to acknowledge and validate their smallest accomplishments as well.
Children have many feelings and, generally express them openly. Feelings are a part of us. Sometimes when a child experiences an uncomfortable feeling and is unable to express this, the energy caused from this can block learning. Our counseling program can help with releasing this energy through play, puppets, sand stories, art, music, or gardening.
For more information about our “Heart-to-Heart” counseling program please see our elementary school handbook or feel free to contact me.
Shirley Rivera (Counseling PS- Gr. 5 / CE, gr. 3-5)
*Phone: 441-3839 *Email: srivera@midpac.edu
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