Guidance lessons from school counselors are an important part of the Oasis curriculum that focus on the social and emotional health and education of students.
Counselors Shelley Kelly and Gabi Madraso’s most recent lessons have focused on kindness and gratitude.
In Mrs. Kelly’s lessons on kindness to fourth through seventh grade students she has asked them to think about something they’ve wanted to do that is kind around the school. The students then put that thought into immediate action and do the kind deeds. It has included leaving uplifting notes around the school, writing thank you notes to staff, cleaning restrooms, picking up trash in the halls, and much more.
“By encouraging students to perform acts of kindness and reflect on the experience, we're helping them develop their capacity for empathy and compassion. And not only does that make them and others happier, but it also strengthens their brains and fosters a more harmonious school. This leads to students that are better equipped to connect with others and happier, more productive classrooms. As we teach our children to be kind, we empower them to positively impact themselves and the world around them,” said Counselor Shelley Kelly.
The gratitude lessons from Ms. Madraso have included students thinking and writing about what they are thankful for, from the tangible to the intangible. The lessons have helped students think about what gratitude means to them.
“Gratitude is vital for students to comprehend and understand because it helps them to focus on what they do have instead of what they do not. When we look at the glass as half full we are practicing optimism and the ability to be thankful and appreciative for what we have,” said Counselor Gabi Madraso.
“Students had the opportunity to work on creating their own thankful lists for the people, memories/experiences, and things that they have that they appreciate and what to express gratitude for. The best part of listening to their unique lists has been that they organically filled each other’s buckets by expressing their gratitude to each other thus helping to build our school HERD and foster inclusiveness, which also helps to strengthen students Amygdawhatta–Amygdala, which helps control emotions and work to keep us safe,” she said.