Can Emotional Intelligence Be Taught?

Check out this recent article from New York Times Magazine on social emotional learning.

Lee Elementary ranked #4

We were recently ranked #4 (out of 251) in the Greater Austin Elementary School Rankings and ranked #39 (out of 4,059) in the state of Texas by the organization, Children At Risk!  Children at Risk serves as a catalyst for change to improve the quality of life for children through strategic research, public policy analysis, education, collaboration and advocacy.

Children at Risk is proud to release the 8th annual School Rankings across the state of Texas.  Their School Rankings strivesto serve as an accessible guide for parents, educators, and community members on the performance of local schools and to spark important community dialogue on the quality of public education in Texas.  Check out the complete list here.

 

 

GenAustin Conference for Girls & Parents

Group Therapy at Austin Child Guidance Center

Here is information about upcoming groups at ACGC,

you can find more information on their website:

 

Group therapy is conducted both at our Center and offsite. The purpose of group therapy is to help children develop skills for positive peer interaction. This is accomplished by providing insight on reaching consensus and handling conflict, as well as encouraging young people to talk about their feelings through appropriate means of expression instead of screaming, fighting, or withdrawing. The group also provides feedback for the children about how other children perceive them.

The following groups are being offered for the fall of 2012. Each group lasts 8 weeks and meets once a week. ACGC has a low cost sliding fee scale for the groups. Call 512-451-2242 to inquire about and sign up for any of these groups.

Mondays, starting 9/30/2013 - Social Skills Group (6-9 year olds)
The group is based on the program Children’s Friendship Training by Fred Frankel and Robert Myatt. The program has been found to be effective in helping kids make and keep friends. Topics include how to carry on a two-way conversation, approach others to play, be a good host, and show good sportsmanship. The group is appropriate for kids with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder or any who struggle with understanding and using positive friendship skills.

Thursdays, starting 10/3/2013, 6-7:30 PM – Conflict Resolution Skills / Anger Management (9-12 year olds)
The children in the anger management group will participate in activities that correspond to that week’s topic. The issues presented will cover: identifying triggers to anger, taking responsibility for mistakes, learning positive coping skills, exploring feelings that may be underneath anger, and making good choices through problem solving steps. Our activities will focus on establishing trust within the group, developing solutions to common problems, exploring consequences, and practicing how to diffuse a heated situation. Kids who anger easily, have difficulty with peer relationships because of anger, or struggle with impulsiveness would benefit from this group.

Tuesdays, starting 9/3/2013, 6-7:30 PM, ADHD Parenting Group (for parents of children 5-12 year olds)
This group has multiple objectives. Members will work to improve parenting skills for children’s behavioral problems. It will raise parents’ knowledge about causes of defiant behavior. The group will work to increase children’s compliance with commands and rules. Lastly, concepts will help improve family life through positive attention, consequences, rule-setting, and appropriate discipline.

New Student Picnics

At the beginning of each school year I like to host New Student Picnics for are our Lee Newbies.  This year we had 29 new friends that joined our community!  I typically do these the second week of school to allow new students to get settled before I start pulling them from their lunchtime.

I sent out invitations to each new student at the end of the first week of school.  Each day I hosted picnics for two grade levels to allow me enough time to meet with two groups.  For example, I met with 1st grade & 4th grade on the same day because their lunches were 45 minutes apart.  This gave me enough time to tidy up before the next group came.

I used colorful bulletin board paper as a table cloth and cut up a large bowl of oranges each day for them to enjoy.  The purpose of the picnics is to help new students identify a support network in their new setting.  We practiced friendship skills, identified things they had in common with other new students, and became familiar with the rules and expectations of Lee Elementary.  After 3 days of picnics I had made many new friends!


We also discussed the following questions to open up and get to know each other a little better:

• How many schools have you gone to before coming to Lee?
• What do you miss about your old school?
• What is one thing that has helped you feel welcome at Lee?
• What is the hardest part about moving?
• What is something you are excited about for this year?

Check out last years post about our new student picnics here.

My Counseling Corner

I am extremely lucky to have such a snazzy space at my school!  I really did luck out, it's spacious and bright! :)  I created unique spaces to facilitate group counseling, individual counseling, talk therapy, play therapy, art therapy, conferences with parents and a cool down area...

Lee Counseling Bulletin Board

I chose to split my tall bulletin board into 2 separate spaces this year.  It's located in the main hallway when you enter the school and I chose bright colors to grab parent's attention.  The top of the bulletin board has a welcome message and information for finding my helpful blog.  I also posted two flyers on the topics of cybersafety and local free counseling services.  In the green pouches I put additional resources parents can grab such as the Christi Center, SEL Brochure, Counseling Brochure and Community Resources available to families in the community.  I targeted the bottom half of the bulletin board toward our Lee students.  Inspired by Marissa's, Dear Tim, I created "Dear Kelso."  Each month Kelso will have a new problem for students to help him solve.  Students can submit their helpful advice to my counseling box and a winning solution will be chosen each month.