Counselor's Corner

My Mouth is a Volcano

 
Self control is Baker's character word this week and first and second graders are learning about using self control to avoid interruption eruptions by reading My Mouth is a Volcano.  This fun book takes an empathetic approach to the habit of interrupting and teaches children a witty technique to capture their rambunctious thoughts and words for expression at an appropriate time. The next time first and second graders feel an interruption eruption building they should do the following steps: 

1. Bite down or close lips tight to keep the interrupting word from coming out.
2. Take a deep breath and breathe the words out through your nose.
3. When it is OK to speak, take another deep breath and suck the words back in so you can use them to share your ideas.

Each class is making a "mini volcano" during classroom guidance this week.  Many of the students were excited by the results of the volcanic eruption and want to try it at home!  Here are the instructions for this fun easy project:

Ingredients

warm water
plastic soda bottle
dishwashing detergent
food coloring
vinegar
baking dish or other pan
2 T baking soda

Fill the bottle most of the way full with warm water and a bit of red food color.
Add 6 drops of detergent to the bottle contents.
Add 2 tablespoons baking soda to the liquid.
Slowly pour vinegar into the bottle.

Watch out - eruption time!

 

 Character Blossoms at Baker

This year Baker is continuing our comprehensive character education program focusing on the weekly Cobb County Character words.  These words are the foundation of the classroom guidance curriculum here at Baker.  

The entire staff participates in the program.  We will positively enforce the character words by distributing Bear Tickets.  Every Baker staff member has Bear Tickets to give students showing excellent character.  These tickets can be turned in to the Media Center to be entered in a weekly, grade-level drawing for a prize and also entered in a contest to earn special monthly treats for their entire class.  The weekly winners get the opportunity to choose a treat of their liking from the ‘treasure chest’.  Often the special monthly treats involve a mystery reader. Last year’s guest readers included NCHS student athletes and Kennesaw police officers.  If you or someone you know could be an exciting class guest, please contact Della Jones – della.jones@cobbk12.org or Althea Allison – althea.allison@cobbk12.org.

The character education program is a school-wide initiative.  Teachers also get in on the fun with the ‘Pass the Bear Award’.  The counseling department started the "Pass the Bear Award" in which a teacher is recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty.  This teacher is given a bear stuffed animal -which gets passed around from teacher to teacher - and a gift certificate donated by his/her favorite restaurant.  The current ‘Pass the Bear’ winner then chooses the next award recipient.  This part of the program has been a fun way to boost morale, show appreciation for a stellar job, and encourage collegiality.

Ask your child about the ‘Character Word’ for the week and who won the Bear Ticket drawings on Fridays and encourage him/her to get in on the action by showing their fabulous character!