By this time, students should be getting settled into a routine for school. Having a consistent morning routine, bedtime and homework schedule will help a lot, in this area. With that being said, I know that consistent routines can be very difficult at times and even seem impossible at times. Sometimes you have to "shoot for the moon and hope you land among the stars"-just do your best, that's all any of us can do.
The beginning of the school year can be so difficult, on many levels. For some (and this would be me!), it can be difficult because we are saying good bye to the lazy days of summer. For some, it is the dread of school work and homework. And for some, it is the "letting go" process, which can be very difficult. I noticed on my Facebook feed that there were lots of parents struggling with watching their little one go off to school. If you are reading this, then chances are, you have been through this stage, to some degree. Some parents cannot wait for their child to start school, while some cry more than the student does. There is no right or wrong, regarding feelings, in this situation. But I can assure you that each of the students are walking into a classroom where there is an adult ready to take on several roles, first and foremost being an educator. There is an adult who can not wait to watch their students' minds grow. There is an adult who is excited to watch them mature throughout the year. There is an adult who will guide each student to where they need to go. There is an adult to help them if there is a problem and rejoice with them when they succeed. There is an adult who will be a shoulder to cry on and who will be a cheerleader for motivation. That adult is called a teacher. Having experienced seven beginnings of school years here at OCS, I can tell you that the teachers pray for the students, their families and the upcoming year, before the year even begins. So whether your child laughed and skipped as they got out of the car or onto the bus that first morning or resisted letting go of your hand, your child is surrounded by adults who love them and have made it their mission to educate them, through Christ, in which all things are possible!
So on with the guidance lessons! The kindergarten lessons come from the "Dino-mite Students" curriculum. All of these lessons have a dinosaur theme. In this month's lesson, the class will be introduced to the guidance program and the various ways that I may work with students. We will also talk about making friends and what a good friend looks like. Each lesson usually begins with a short power point presentation that introduces our theme. After the power point, there will be some type of activity. This month the students will be working on a coloring sheet. In later lessons, we also will have some cool games to play, as well!
First grade lessons also focus on making and keeping friends. The first grade lessons come from the "Counseling Safari" curriculum. There are safari friends that introduce and talk about the monthly topic. After watching the power point, the students will play a few games of musical chairs. One game has people "get out" while the second game does not let anyone "get out."
Second grade lessons come from the "Pineapple Posse" curriculum. All of these lessons have a pineapple theme. "Pineapple Posse" frequently uses acronyms to help student remember the topic of focus. After watching the power point, students will make a flip book about how to be a great "pal."
Third grade lessons come from the "Hocus Pocus" curriculum. These are magic themed lessons. After watching the power point presentation, students will participate in an interactive google slide activity that will help them with friendship skills.
There is going to be lots of learning going on in the month of September! Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help your student(s) and/or family. I can be reached through email: kim.bennett@owensborocatholic.org or by calling the school at (270)-684-7583.
I hope you have a blessed September!
