Counseling & Support

Updated Counseling Site with COVID-19 Resources at:

Valley View Counseling Site 

Talking with kids about COVID-19

With our situation and routines seeming to change on an almost daily basis as a result of the pandemic, our students may feel more worried or scared about COVID-19. Their worries and fears about this may be worsened by some of the information they may be hearing from news, changes in daily life, and general gossip and rumors. Many students, particularly younger students, will hear some of this information and begin to assume that things are much worse than they actually are. To help reduce their anxiety, parents can have conversations with students to address their worries, fears, and misinformation. Here are some tips for having a conversation with students to help ease some of that worry.

• Take time to manage any feelings of anxiety you may have before having the conversation with kids

• Use age appropriate information

• Try to answer their questions honestly

• Ask your child what they have heard about the virus

  • Take time to address some of the misinformation they may have

  •  If you aren’t sure, try to find out more accurate information.

• Be reassuring

• Talk about the things your family is doing to remain safe

•  Keep the conversation going!

  •  Kids may have more questions as time goes on and as the situation changes. Be available to talk with them again if needed.

For a brief video and more information:

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

Developmental Needs of the Elementary School Student:

Elementary school is a time when students develop attitudes concerning school, self, peers, social groups, and family. It is a time when students develop decision-making, communication, and life training skills and character values. Comprehensive developmental counseling is based on prevention and providing goals which are integrated into all aspects of children’s lives. Early identification and intervention of children’s problems are essential to change some of the current statistics regarding self-destructive behaviors. If we wait until children are in middle or high school to address these problems, we lose the opportunity to help them achieve their potential, as well as helping them to feel dignity and self-worth. For many children, the school counselor may be the one person who provides an atmosphere of safety, trust and positive regard.

American School Counseling Association

Ages and Stages

Elementary School Counselors provide in both individual and small group settings

* self image & self esteem

*interpersonal concerns

*peer mediation

*peer relation & effective social skills

*coping strategies

*understanding of self and others

*multicultural awareness

Social/Emotional competence is a critical part of a child's social as well academic success in school. Similar to academics, children may need and benefit from instruction and guidance in it. This curriculum is utilized within the Valley View Guidance Department. Lessons are divided into 4 different age levels from Kindergarten through high school, and are filled with engaging, thought-provoking class activities which help students develop vital social skills which become life-long lessons and skills: understanding emotions, managing anger, relieving stress, solving interpersonal problems and much more. Strong Kids is evidence-based, contributes to boost academic skills, is targeted to age-appropriate skills and effective for all children in any setting.

Where the Whole Child Feels Supported

Alva Torres,

School Counselor

a.torres@westside.k12.ca.us

661-943-2451, Ext. 77137