Grades K-5
Cole and Vinal Elementary Schools Social Health Programming
The Cole and Vinal Schools offer comprehensive guidance and support programming which includes numerous social and emotional programs, curriculum and services. The implementation of lessons, assemblies, facilitated discussions, small group instruction, and programs are collectively known as our "Social Health Curriculum." Themes such as bullying, social skills, health and wellness, internet safety, stress management, friendship building and empathy are presented each year at the developmentally appropriate grade level.
Counselors at the elementary school also oversee the Norwell Tiered Systems of Support (NTSS) Socia/lEmotional Teacher Screening to identify students who may benefit from additional support structures and learning opportunities. This screening is done for all students each November. Counseling staff and administrators review the results of the teacher screening and communicate with parents of students who have been identified by teachers. Students are invited to participate in six to eight week groups which focus on a variety of topics including anxiety, whole body listening, conflict resolution, stress management, friendship building, assertiveness, and self regulation.
PROGRAMMATIC OVERVIEW
The Cole and Vinal Schools offer a variety of school wide programs which are aimed at addressing developmentally appropriate social and emotional skill development. The Great Body Shop, Second Step, Coping Cat, and Calm Classroom are schoolwide curriculum resources that are spiraling in nature, meaning, each grade level builds upon skills and lessons taught in previous years. There are many ways the counselors stay connected to the students at the Cole and Vinal Schools. They are visible in the hallways, classrooms, lunchroom, and at recess on a regular basis. Counselors schedule Tier 1 social/emotional skills lessons, weekly lunch/recess groups, and small group instruction in the guidance office. Periodic magic circle/class meetings are presented at each grade level addressing various topics of skills development (listed below). Counselors often facilitate peer mediations for students in conflict and provide opportunities for students who would like to meet in private to discuss a feeling or concern.
GRADE LEVEL TOPICS
Kindergarten:
Bus Expectations
Feelings: Sad, Mad, Happy, Angry, Excited, Frustrated, Disappointed, etc.
Personal Space
Impulse Control
Introduction to Bullying Prevention
Sexual Abuse Prevention Program
How to be a friend -Empathy
Stress Management- Flexible Thinking
First Grade:
Telling vs.Tattling - Knowing the Difference
Whole Body Listening
Let Me Choose/Decision Making
Bullying Prevention
Differences - Empathy
Stress Management
Second Grade:
Self Regulation (Impulse Control)
Stress Management
Assertiveness
Sexual Abuse Prevention Program
Bullying Prevention
Making friends - Empathy
Third Grade:
Empathy
Perspective Taking
Conflict Resolution
Bullying Prevention
Stress Management
Self-Esteem - Intrinsic Motivation
Fourth Grade:
Sexual Abuse Prevention Program
Fairness
Girls/Boys Group - Dos' and Don'ts about Friendship
Problem Solving
Bullying Prevention
Empathy
Fifth Grade:
Bullying Prevention
Celebrating Differences
Responsibility
Conflict Resolution
Puberty
Stress Management
Empathy