Mrs. Heilman's Counselor Corner

It's that time of year when we tend to see some separation anxiety. Sometimes, students just show some first day jitters when everything is new. Sometimes, separation anxiety appears when there is a big change in a kid's life. Either way, it's often difficult, even heart breaking, for parents and loved ones to watch their "littles" cry out for them at drop off. Parents, rest assured that usually this is a short-lived phase. In the meantime, here are some tips with easing your student's separation anxiety. Make good-bye routines quick. I recommend parents do the “Hug and Go” – give your student a big hug, say goodbye, and leave. Lingering usually makes the pleas for Mommy or Daddy to stay become more intense. Be consistent. As much as you can, make the drop off to school at the same time every day. Keep your routine the same every day. This predictability will help your child feel safe.    Don’t go back. Returning to the classroom/school to check o...

Listening is a very important social skill for children to learn. It's a tool they will use in school for learning, and a tool they will use the rest of their lives. We never stop listening to others! Good listening skills not only help us learn in school, but they also help us keep and make friends and work well with others. For our SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) lessons this month, we will focus on one particular component of listening per grade level. Here is a summary of what we're doing in our lessons: Third Grade Learning goal: Active listening. Active listening shows that you are listening to understand someone else. Activities: Interactive modeling of active listening and in-class practice for students. Second Grade Learning goal: Strengthening listening skills by watching and decoding body language Activities: PowerPoint presentation on how we show body language through our eyes and eyebrows, mouths, hands and arms, legs and feet, and posture; Interpreting...