IMAGINE the possibilities...

I found this great article discussing a link between imaginative play and improved social/emotional and self-regulation skills.  See the link below :).

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=19212514

Empathy vs. Sympathy

http://failblog.cheezburger.com/share/56915969

Holiday YO's or Holiday WOE's?

The holidays can be a time of celebration, but it can also be a time of stress.  Children thrive on routine and structure so although the holidays can be fun, the time off of school or changes at home can prove difficult for some.

See the link below for some helpful holiday tips:

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/parenting_tips_for_the_holidays

Be a friend with a "Buddy Bench"

I read this heartwarming article about a 2nd grade student who wanted to help his peers at school who seemed lonely at recess time.  The idea was to build friendships and empathy for others by creating a place for students to go to called a "Buddy Bench."

Click the link below for more details :)

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/4378248

I am thankful for..

As the holiday season approaches, I think about the things I am thankful for such as my family and friends.  As a school social worker, I reflect on my role and continue to search for different ways to support the social/emotional health of my students.

The link below is a resource I like that provides parents and children with information on topics about health, emotions, behavior, and school.  Staying connected to your children is a great way to understand and support them.  Check it out :)!

Happy Thanksgiving!

http://www.kidshealth.org

Community Resources for Children and Families

Click the link below to check out community resources.  Check back for updates throughout the year.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/bz7q2djea7qvqiz/Community%20Resources%20for%20Families%20and%20Children.docx

Got Feelings? The Importance of Social/Emotional Learning

 http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/15/magazine/can-emotional-intelligence-be-taught.html?src=me&ref=general&_r=1&

Summer Break to School Ache: How to ease the transition

The beginning of a new school year can be anxiety-provoking for both parents and children.  To help ease this transition I have provided a link with some helpful tips to start the year smoothly.

http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/back-to-school/10-teachers-tips-kick-starting-new-school-year

Welcome Back Parents and Students!

Welcome back parents and students to the 2013-2014 school year!  Greenbrier's theme this year is Lights!  Camera!  Action!  All of our students are "stars" and we want to help them shine :).

This year, I am the social worker for the K-5 and Transitional Kindergarten programs at Greenbrier Tuesday through Friday and the Communications program social worker on Mondays at Windsor School.

At Greenbrier, I will be continuing to work with students individually and in groups, facilitating classroom education, as well continuing the SOLVE IT conflict resolution program and peer mediator program.  At Windsor, I will continue to work with students individually and in groups, as well as facilitating the structured recess with the buddy classes.

I am looking forward to a great school year.  Lights!  Camera!  Action!

Do we "Clique?"

Children go through many friendship "ups" and "downs" in their lives.  It is helpful for parents and children to understand what is a quality friendship and what is not.  

The link below is a handout I created about the difference between "Cliques" and "Groups of Friends" as well as how to help your child navigate through the "ups" and "downs."

https://www.dropbox.com/s/6bpu5ucu9mj4c70/Cliques%20%26%20Friendship%20HO.doc

Teaching Social Skills through Video Modeling

On Friday, March 8th, Barb Donahue and I held our third parent group at Windsor School.  We discussed how video modeling can be beneficial to teach social skills.  During the session we showed videos that we have used with students including topics on conversations, sharing, and taking turns.  The DVD's we reviewed were from "Model Me Kids" and "Teach 2 Talk."

Check out the following website to understand the purpose and value of video modeling:

http://tdsocialskills.com/using-video_to_teach_social_skil.htm

Play dates! Play dates! Play dates!

Barb, Maggie, and I held our second parent group for the Foundations, Communications, and Transitional Kindergarten program on Friday, February 1st from 9am to 10am at Windsor School.  This month's topic was play dates.  We discussed how to structure play dates and what types of activities can be successful.  

Please click the link below for some play date activities.  This was one of the handouts passed out at our meeting.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/1l9v57ih1xwlv3r/Let’s%20Play.docx

Welcome Back!

Happy New Year Gators and Wildcats!  I hope that everyone had a wonderful winter break and are excited for 2013!  I am looking forward to continuing my social work programs at both Windsor and Greenbrier.  Programs include individual and group therapies, peer mediators, peer helpers, structured recesses, parent groups, etc.  Enjoy the school year and keep in touch!