Teaching children at an early age to understand and celebrate differences

                  

Children are never too young to learn about diversity, acceptance and the importance of exploring our biases and fears towards others who don't resemble us. Now, especially with what is happening in our own country, is the time to have that talk. Here are some articles and booklists to get that conversation started!


https://www.nationalgeographic.com/family/in-the-news/talking-about-race/

https://www.familyeducation.com/life/empathy/6-tips-talk-your-kids-about-disabilities?slide=2#fen-gallery

https://www.poehealth.org/celebrating-differences/

https://theeverymom.com/diverse-childrens-books/

Your Kids Aren't Too Young to Talk About Race: Resource Roundup from Pretty Good

31 Children's books to support conversations on race, racism and resistance

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/05/31/how-talk-kids-racism-racial-violence-police-brutality/5288065002/

https://360.coradvantage.com/equity 

Social-emotional learning through books!!

                                   Storyline on line!

Connecting with nature during the pandemic

                                          Children and Nature Network

Deer Isle, Maine

Practicing mindfulness can help during difficult times

              

                   https://childmind.org/article/how-mindfulness-can-help-during-covid-19/

Gratitude Is Good For You

Community Resources

Puppy says, "We care a lot about our families!!  You are not alone!  Check out the resources below that offer help in so many ways....and don't forget that Mrs. Ferguson is always available to support CES families. You can email her at kferguson@cesvt.net."

If you are experiencing financial distress, homelessness, hunger, job loss, health-care related issues and other hardships that arise, please reach out to Vermont 2-1-1 by dialing 211, or visit www.unitedwaynwvt.org/vermont-211.

We're all in this together......reach out and help!

Kindness matters!

                        

       Puppets in Education Anxiety Program        

The Puppet Team has made a "home-edition" (thanks to the Vogelsang-Card family) of the PK-Grade 4 Anxiety Puppet program that you can watch here. It provides some tips and tools for you and your child to use when worry is feeling big. Watch the clip together, talk about worry, and what tools you can use when it feels big.  For additional resources, visit Vermont Family Network's website vermontfamilynetwork.org.     

Don't forget to have fun!

                   Fletcher knows how to have fun anywhere he goes!!

 

Being stuck indoors, even if winter looks to be subsiding, can make all of us moody - especially children who are use to a more active routine filled with playdates, extra-curricular activities, sleep-overs and family get-togethers.  Here are some great ideas below to help the whole family have fun together!  Remember to get outside as often as possible....fresh air and sun are the best ways to lift our spirits!

                https://whatmomslove.com/kids/active-indoor-games-activities-for-kids-to-burn-energy/

Social skill activities to practice at home

                            

               Snail says, "Don't forget Kelso's Wheel to help solve small problems peacefully!"

It's hard for children to be separated from friends and classmates where they have endless opportunities to practice and learn important social skills with each other. I really miss the fun role playing that we use to practice social skills that will follow them throughout life. Here is a helpful article below that gives ideas of what you can do to keep those skills going!  Please email or call me whenever you need support - or just to check-in and let me know how things are going with you and your family.  Call (521-5624) or email (kferguson@cesvt.net) any time!  I'd love to hear from you!

                                                         Social Skill activities to practice at home

Two friends checking in to say hello!

Just breathe!

Hello to all CES families and students from Mrs. Ferguson

Hello CES Families!

The school just isn't the same without you!  It is a very different time for all of us right now, but my goal is to stay in touch with you and for you to know that I am available to talk if you need me. I am always available to communicate with parents by email (kferguson@cesvt.net) and phone (521-5624), and will return all calls that I receive. Check this blog cesqueenoffeelings.blogspot.com for guidance posts, videos and ideas to stay busy during our time away from each other.  I miss you!

Fondly,
Mrs. Ferguson

Talking to Children About the Corona Virus

The  corona virus is proving to be anxiety-provoking for many of us - especially for children who are trying to make sense of their world right now.  Hopefully these tips from the American School Counselor Association will help.

https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/