Summer Kindness - Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Hi McKelvie,

We are nearing the end of the school year. It certainly isn't how we imagined ending the 2019-2020 school year, but we are making the best out of a difficult situation. Throughout the school year, we continue to be impressed with the kindness that we see from all of our McKelvie students. While we head into the summer with lots of uncertainties, one thing I am certain of is that you all will continue to be kind!! I urge you to take on this kindness challenge this summer. When you complete an act of kindness for someone, it not only makes the other person feel better, but it improves your mood as well! I can't think of a better way to fill your summer days!

Are you up for the challenge? I hope so!

To those of you heading off to Lurgio, we will miss you. Please keep in touch! For our 5th graders, we cannot wait to see you again in the fall. 

Enjoy your summer! Remember to always BE KIND!

Sincerely,

Ms. Galluzzo

Mindful Monday - Monday, June 1, 2020

Happy Monday!

We made it to June -- can you believe it?!

In honor of being one step closer to summer, today's mindfulness activity involves getting outside. Today, we challenge you to head outside, sit, and listen. That's it. Bring all of your attention to the sounds around you - those that are loud, and those that we can barely hear. Take a moment to appreciate all of the sounds of the nature around you.

Here's how to do an outdoor listening meditation:

• Find somewhere outside to sit where you won't be interrupted - sit on your back porch, lay in your lawn - whatever feels comfortable.
• Close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths like we have practiced together in the past. Bring all of your attention to what you can hear.
• Notice the sounds that are loud and obvious. Notice the sounds that are quiet and in the background. Pay attention to how some sounds come and go, while others are constant. Some may grow in intensity as you sit and pay attention, while others may slowly face away. 
• When your mind wanders from the sounds around you to other thoughts, simply notice that you are becoming distracted and gently return your attention to listening.
• Continue this listening for at least 5 minutes. Notice how you feel once it is complete.

I hope that by slowing down and paying attention to the noises around you outside has helped to calm your mind and body. You deserve to have this peace and quiet in your day.

Sincerely,

Ms. Galluzzo

Making Summer Plans - Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Hi McKelvie!

We are officially EIGHT days away from summer. Can you believe it? Summer is going to look very different this year. Packed beaches, pool parties, concerts, and barbecues are some of the many things we typically look forward to in the summer, but they might not be happening in the same way this year. That can feel really hard and upsetting. It is okay to feel sad about the summer traditions you are missing out on this year. In fact, is is healthy to let yourself feel that sadness and frustration. Remember, we are all in this together. We will find ways to get through this.

We can't control the spread of coronavirus, the CDC guidelines, or the cancelation of our favorite summertime activities. When something is outside of our control, it is important to take a deep breath and let it go. Worrying about it is not going to make the outcome any different. During these uncertain times, we need to focus on what we can control. So, what can we do about summer plans? How can we still enjoy all that summer has to offer, while still staying safe and socially distant?

Think about your favorite thing to do over the summer. How can you change or adapt that activity to make it socially distant and safe? Here are a few examples:

• Going to the beach --> Take a drive to the coast. If it is allowed, park your car and walk along the beach while maintaining distance. If it isn't, drive along the beach and enjoy the views!
• Going camping --> Take your tent and set it up in your backyard for a stay-at-home camping adventure.
• Outdoor concerts --> Bring your laptop outside, livestream your favorite band, and create your own concert in your backyard!

For even more summer fun ideas, check out our list below!

• Plant a garden
• Have a backyard bonfire
• Backyard camping
• Have a backyard concert or movie viewing
• Try out a new takeout restaurant
• Learn to cook, grill, or bake
• Write positive messages with chalk on your driveway
• Complete random acts of kindness for your neighbors
• Water balloon toss
• Corn hole
• Nature walks
• Fishing (in a secluded area)
• FaceTime/Zoom game nights with friends
• Try a new craft
• Do an at home science experiment
• Visit a museum or art gallery online
• Read a new book (Mrs. Cote has so many awesome resources to help you find a "just right" book!)
• Movie night
• Try a new exercise or sport
• Take a drive to a new place

Summer can still be fun and full of new adventures! We hope you enjoy your summer and cannot WAIT to have you back at McKelvie with us soon!

Sincerely,

Ms. Galluzzo

Mindful Monday - Monday, May 25, 2020

Hi Mindful Students!

Today's mindfulness activity is a Body Scan. The purpose of a Body Scan is to slow down and notice how your physical body is feeling. It helps to not only relax our physical body, but our mind as well.

As you practice each step in this Body Scan, take your time. There is no need to rush. Once you finish, notice how your body might feel differently than when you started.

If this was an activity that you liked, let me know! I would love to hear how it went for you!

Sincerely,

Ms. Galluzzo

Having Self-Compassion - Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Hi McKelvie,

Today's topic is all about self-compassion, or being kind to yourself. Things are stressful right now. As a world, we are going through unprecedented times without an end date. It is easy to get caught up in negative self-talk.  It's easy to be unkind to ourselves. The more that we are unkind to ourselves, the more frustrated, stressed, and emotional we become.

The next time you notice yourself talking negatively to yourself (I'm not good at this, I hate myself, I just want this to stop, etc.), try to practice these three steps:

Admit to yourself that you are struggling. Remind yourself that we are all going through this stressful time together. Remind yourself that you are worthy of kindness and acceptance. You are doing the best you can.

If you have a hard time with this, reach out for help! Your school counselors, teachers, and parents are all here for you. 

Hang in there. We WILL get through this together.

Sincerely,

Ms. Galluzzo

Mindful Monday - Monday, May 18, 2020

Happy Mindful Monday!

Today's mindful activity is called, "Dissolve a Thought."

As you visualize your thoughts forming as clouds above your head, I want you to just notice the thought. Recognize it for what it is. Do not judge it. If you are thinking, "I am so sick of remote learning," that is okay. Try not to tell yourself that the thought is good or bad. It just is. After you breathe in and visualize the thought, watch it dissolve and float away.

These activities might feel unnatural at first, but that's because you have never practiced it before! Keep practicing, visualizing, and breathing. 

I hope your Monday is a wonderful one.

Sincerely,

Ms. Galluzzo

Mindful Monday - Monday, May 11, 2020

Happy Mindful Monday!

Today's mindful activities are two simple things you can do when you need to take a moment to slow down. When you feel your mind starting to race or you start to feel a little anxiety, stop and take a moment to try one of these activities to help slow yourself down and mindfully come back to the present moment.

It is also so important to practice mindfulness activities even when you aren't feeling anxious or stressed! By taking time each day to sloooowwww down, your mind and body will be more at ease.

You can either practice these activities on the computer or print them out to try.

Have a peaceful Monday,

- Ms. Galluzzo