We've had a busy year at Round Top with our social-emotional learning! As you've probably seen/heard in the news and media outlets, social-emotional support is needed now more than ever! Numerous sources can be cited that demonstrate the impact the global Covid pandemic has had on our children (and adults for that matter). We see the effects here at Round Top on a daily basis. This can look like school/work avoidance, anxiety, inability to self-regulate, grief, and even health complaints like headaches and tummy aches. Our teachers and paraprofessionals work tirelessly to address these needs in tandem with delivering the needed educational core curriculum. On my end support comes from individual counseling, small groups and classroom lessons. Speaking of classroom lessons, so far this year we've covered self-efficacy (how, when, where and why to ask for help), bullying (what it is and isn't/coping skills), career interests/individual strengths, grief, and {currently} the Zones of Regulation. The Zones of Regulation is a framework developed by Leah Keypurs that uses colors/categories to help students become more self-aware of their feelings and states of alertness. It is an extremely useful tool for guiding students with self-expression, regulation and social awareness. You can learn more about the program by visiting the website here (the 'bitmojis' you see in the image for this blogpost were created by some of our amazing teachers who are also learning about the Zones of Regulation so they can use it in their classrooms). This lesson is a series with the first part simply introducing what the "Zones" mean. Next week I will begin exploring recognition of the "size of problem/response" (does your reaction match the impact of the problem?), recognition of triggers (being aware of what sets us and others 'off') and re-visiting social cues of others and ourselves (facial expressions, body language, boundaries, etc.). The following lesson will relate to building a personal tool box of coping skills. As a parent/guardian, you should have received some information about how you can also use this program at home either via an information flyer given to students or in the homeroom teacher's digital newsletters. This information is also available using the link provided above. I will be finishing out the year as I always do by providing lessons on personal/body safety. This lesson is a mandatory lesson required by the state of South Carolina. You can learn more about Erin's Law here. Finally, I am working with Round Top's SIC (school improvement council) to develop some summer resources for families like camps and educational enrichment programs, as well as a possible back-to-school fair in the fall.
This year has been a learning experience for all of us so far. We've had some fun experiences, and some very challenging ones to include the tragic loss of one of our precious students prior to the winter break. I've met with so many students dealing with personal losses both related to and unrelated to the Covid pandemic. Grief is an extraordinarily complex issue for children. Camp Hands of Hope is a valuable resource available to families who are moving through the grief process. Registration is now open for the March 18-19 virtual camp. More information can be found here. As always, I am here at the school to offer support as well.
All the best!
Mrs. Tanner, Round Top Elementary School Counselor