ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

In this series of videos, MTSS Facilitator Kristin Walker and Garfield Elementary Social Worker Barb Dubin discuss how parents can support the social and emotional health of their elementary-age children.

• Video 1 - What is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)? 
  • Social-Emotional Learning is complex and includes learning self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and more. Social-Emotional Learning is a lifelong process of acquiring skills and tools to manage stressors in life. Learn about the SEL curriculum in our schools and how you can help your child by practicing and modeling healthy social and emotional skills at home.

• Video 2 - Mood Check-Ins
  • We use several tools to help students become focused, calm and ready to learn. During mood check-ins, students communicate what they are feeling, and how intense their feelings are. Giving kids a chance to let you know how they feel can open up conversations to learn more about a child's inside world. It also helps them expand their vocabulary and understanding so they can talk about their emotions.
• Video 3 - Mindfulness Check-Ins
  • Mindfulness is a new term being integrated into social-emotional learning for children. Mindfulness techniques can help children when they are under stress. Becoming aware of the present moment and drawing attention to the way your body feels is a way to relax and calm your emotions. 
• Video 4 - Growth Mindset
  • Growth mindset is the belief that our abilities are always changing, not fixed and that we are able to improve with hard work and patience. Students with this mindset are more successful in school because they are able to bounce back from failure and not get stuck in negative thinking patterns and self-defeat. Families encouraging growth mindset is super important - especially when you model it for yourself. Mistakes are an opportunity to learn!
• Video 5 - Kindness Check-Ins
  • When kids have the opportunity to reflect on doing kind things for other people, they feel better. Things they do that are appreciated by other people is a very powerful mechanism for self-esteem. 
• Video 6 - Gratitude Check-Ins
  • Gratitude is being able to name and recognize things in your life that you are thankful for. When we feel down, looking at what is right or what we are thankful for can improve your mood, relationships and build resilience. An attitude of gratitude is a very simple way to improve the satisfaction of your life.
• Video 7 - Wellness
  • Wellness is a key component to feeling well emotionally and having a balanced life. Eating well, getting enough rest, exercise and playtime, spending time with friends and working on hobbies are all key to developing a healthy, well-rounded and balanced life.
• Video 8 - When We Need More
  • You are not alone. Many families are experiencing hardships as we make our way through the COVID pandemic. Kids may feel loneliness, anxiety and worry and may be experiencing sleep problems and irritability. We share ways of supporting student stress and reaching out for more help from professionals when needed. Learn the signs to be aware of and please do not hesitate to reach out to your school counselor. 

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL

Maintaining Healthy Social Connections - for Teens and Pre-Teens

In this series of videos, MTSS Facilitator Kristin Walker and North Middle School Counselor Susie Smothers discuss how parents can support healthy and safe social time for teens and pre-teens. 

• Video 1 - Maintaining Social Connections
  • Adolescence is a stage in life when social connections and experiences are a healthy and critical part of development. Not being able to see friends, go to school events, and play sports can cause sadness and major disappointment for teens and pre-teens and many parents are struggling with the best way to help them cope. Learn about healthy ways kids can maintain social connections while following health and safety guidelines
• Video 2 - Supporting Healthy Online Boundaries
  • With so many healthy and creative ways for kids to socialize online during the pandemic, our counselors share ways to set and balance responsible online boundaries for your teen.
• Video 3 - Social Connections at School
  
  • As was the case before the pandemic, students can still participate in a variety of extracurricular activities after school. Encourage your child to get involved. Reach out to your school to find out what is available. Many schools are still offering a variety of clubs and organizations your child can join to stay connected with peers.
• Video 4 - Family Social Opportunities
  • Looking for ways you can connect as a family? Watch this “Connecting with Counselors” video for suggested ways the whole family can engage in social activities together. 
• Video 5 - Supporting Your Child's Struggle
  • Pandemic fatigue is a real thing. Coronavirus has put a strain on our everyday functioning and teens may display a range of emotions including sadness, anger, frustration, depression, and more. Learn strategies to listen empathetically to your teen to acknowledge their experiences without trying to "minimize" or "fix" the situation. 

Helping your Child Respond to Stress

In this series of videos, MTSS Facilitator Kristin Walker and Evergreen Middle School Counselor Dr. Kaley Mitchell help us understand and define stress and offer action-oriented strategies for parents to help their children as they exhibit emotional and behavioral signs of stress.

• Video 1 - Understanding Stress
  • Many parents are asking "Why is my child so stressed out?" Stress is dominating our world and society and both adults and children are stressed at more intense levels than ever before. In this video, Evergreen Middle School Counselor Dr. Kaley Mitchell helps parents understand the history, biology, and experiences that lead to feelings of stress.
• Video 2 - Opposite Action Strategy
  • In this video, learn about the “Opposite Action” strategy to help your teen or pre-teen respond to stress. Opposite Action is doing the opposite of your urge when your urge is not helpful or healthy and is a skill that can help children (and adults too!) to respond to stress in a healthier, more effective way.
• Video 3 - Cold Water Strategy
  • Is your child exhibiting heightened signs of anxiety or intense emotions? The Cold Water strategy can help! The Cold Water strategy is the act of using cold water on the face or body to bring anxiety down immediately. Learn more in this informative video.
• Video 4 - What if we need help?
  • If coping mechanisms just aren’t working, learn when you should seek immediate help for your child. Also learn more about school, local, and national resources of support such as mental health counseling, crisis lines, and more.

Social-Emotional Learning

This video gives an overview of social-emotional learning in Everett Public Schools.

Available with subtitles in Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese and Arabic.