MEM Wellness Team

    Memorial Wellness Weekly Newsletter   Parents, Teachers & Community September 26, 2021 Bravery Are extroverts more brave? Teaching self awareness is a powerful tool for managing ourselves and our relationships with others. We focus on student progress in academic areas such as reading, math or science. Our children also need a deeper social understanding in order to thrive. We refer to personality types, labels and patterns of behavior to drive our way. But there can be a deeper reason for being shy, outgoing, sweet or brave. Personality styles, such as introvert, extrovert and echoist take an interesting look at how children and adults prefer to socialize and build relationships. Recognizing the setting, time of day or activities student choose provides us with valuable information. For all students, it really comes down to bravery. When we provide more opportunities, children have extra chances to understand how they feel in social situations. They can be reflec...

  Memorial Wellness Weekly Newsletter   Parent/Teacher/Community September 19, 2021 We Are Role Models A role model is a person whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others. This month we are talking about being safe students. Parents, teachers, community leaders and other kids are all role models. All of us can influence how we interact with the world around us and how we manage emotions. Being a safe student and knowing how to interact with others in a safe and kind manner starts with self regulation. We can all lose our cool. Being mindful of our emotions and how we behave is often imitated. This will challenge us to be present and act in a way that is calm. Expressing concern, worry and even frustration is ok, as long as we are showing our children that we can regulate and that we have strategies to manage the emotions. Book of the Week: We Don't Eat Our Classmates By: Ryan Higgins Read: Rethinking Timeouts Listen: Ted Talk: Kids Can Be Role Models Watch: Keep...

Memorial Wellness Weekly Newsletter   Parent/Teacher/Community September 12, 2021 Ways of Thinking and Interacting: Our students have identity kits that activate internally. Their mindset differs depending on who is giving the message and how something is being said. Choice words will shape the way we communicate effectively as parents and educators, while shaping the identify of our students. Using terms that empower and feed student's curiosity for knowledge will lead to more effective learning, literacy, behavior and confidence. Try using terms such as "tell me more", "what else" or "what if". Reframing often evokes the possibility of choice, flexibility and agency. Agency builds belonging and belonging fosters safety. Book of the Week: Today I Feel Silly By: Jamie Lee Curtis Read: These 3 Simple Words are Key to Unlocking Meaningful Conversations Affirmations for Kids and Adults Listen: How to Help Every Child Fulfill Their Potential Watch: I'm...

  Memorial Wellness Weekly Newsletter   Parent/Teacher/Community September 6, 2021 Back to Routines: Back to school means more than new notebooks and sharpened pencils. Routines build a sense of safety and instill confidence. How each of us starts our day paves a path for success. Think about taking a few steps to prep for school the night before, it's important to involve your child as much as possible in getting ready for school. Start the morning with a small, light conversation. Whatever works best for your back to school routine, do your best to keep it consistent and attainable. Book of the Week: The Magical Yet Read: Empower Your Children with Affirmations Listen: Every Child Needs a Champion Watch: Dear Alice September Theme:  Message of the Month: Safe Student Month - Safe Body - Safe Words - Safe Behavior Visit: Ms. Hodgdon's Interactive Office Our Safety Net. Who are the Helpers? Upcoming opportunities: Self Care September Meeting Our Needs: You can only be the...

  Memorial Wellness Weekly Newsletter   Parent/Teacher/Community June 6, 2021 Teaching Ourselves & Our Children to Celebrate Ourselves/Themselves Big or small, celebrations matter because they offer opportunities to recognize ourselves and others. We all need validation, it's also fun. Birthdays, graduations, weddings, family celebrations - we don't need much of a reason to be with the ones that we love. There are so many reasons to recognize the moments that are worthy of recognition. These moments can turn into habits of happiness and gratitude that in-turn hardwire virtues and values.  It's affirming to be acknowledged. When we celebrate each other (and ourselves) often, it builds esteem and social awareness. Celebrate!! It will make everyone smile.  Book of the Week: I AM ONE By: Susan Verde Read: 101 Things to Do in New England: The Ultimate New England Bucket List Empower Your Children with Affirmations Other interesting info:  Fine Motor Skills ...