Skip to main content
Richard Percifield » Counselor Update

Counselor Update

Welcome to Truman! Each year at the beginning of the year I teach the whole school about a variety of topics including school wide expectations, how to handle bullying and bothering, how to solve a peer conflict, and the difference between tattling and telling. I also am available to help students learn social skills, peer interaction skills, and deal with emotional issues. Please feel free to call or stop by anytime!
 

Posts

Anxiety Student Helps

Anxiety Helps

Belly breathing: This breathing technique helps quickly reduce anxiety. The key to this type of breathing is to do it slowly. Start by slowing breathing in through your nose, letting the air fill your belly (not your chest). Next hold the breath in for 4-5 seconds. Finish by slowly exhaling the breath out your mouth. Repeat, if needed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiMb2Bw4Ae8

 

On & Off: Anxiety is often carried in your body. This technique helps relax your body and naturally decrease stress levels.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZP-TMr984s

 

5 Minutes Bodyscan Meditation: Though this exercise takes 5 minutes, once you learn the concepts used in this video, you can use these techniques throughout the day without having to spend the entire 5 minutes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9A0S54yAgEg

 

Making Worry & Feeling Stones: These stones are great for students who are hands-on learners.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxU3tKvkyp8

 

Monkey Tap: This simple technique is based on EMDR counseling methods. This calming technique can be done in almost any setting. (Note: This video is not a kid's video, but kids can benefit from watching this video and using this simple technique.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NNjeiSF-gc&t=135s

 

5-Step Grounding Technique: This technique uses a variety of senses to naturally reduce stress.

https://copingskillsforkids.com/blog/2016/4/27/coping-skill-spotlight-5-4-3-2-1-grounding-technique

 

How to Make Good Choice Using Mindfulness: This video gives good ideas for students whose anxiety leads to behavior struggles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cxt_Ki4GSo

 

I do use a lot of these in my work with students at Truman. Feel free to call or email me if you have specific questions related to how to help your child with anxiety.

 

Anxiety Tips

Following is a good article on helping children better manage anxiety.

https://childmind.org/article/what-to-do-and-not-do-when-children-are-anxious/

 

Online/Phone Support During School Closure

Dear Truman parents,
 
While our school is closed due to the coronavirus, I will be offering several ways to get online/phone support:
1. Starting March 31st, I will be available by phone (307-872-1920) from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. weekdays. During this time I will also be available to video chat with students and/or parents via Google Meets.
2. If a parent or student needs support outside of my daily office hour, please call and leave a message or drop me an email: percifr@swcsd2.org.
3. Please have your student sign up for my Google Classroom. The join code is tgtlrug. Or call or email me and I can send out a class invitation. On my Google Classroom, I will have weekly lessons along with other support ideas and video messages.
 
Sincerely,
 
Rich Percifield
Truman Elementary counselor

Collaborative and Proactive Solutions Video Playlist

This is an informative series of videos describing an approach that is helpful when working with challenging kids.
 
The video links can be found on my webpage.

Plan B (part 6a of series)

This is part 6a of a series of video clips by Dr. Ross Greene. He has a unique approach to helping challenging students.

Three Options for Solving Problems (part 5 of series)

This is part 5 of a series of video clips by Dr. Ross Greene. He has a unique approach to helping challenging students.

Check Your Lenses (part 4 of series)

This is part 4 of a series of video clips by Dr. Ross Greene. He has a unique approach to helping challenging students.

Being Responsive (part 3 of series)

This is part 3 of a series of video clips by Dr. Ross Greene. He has a unique approach to helping challenging students.

What's Your Explanation (part 2b of series)

This is part 2b of a series of video clips by Dr. Ross Greene. He has a unique approach to helping challenging students.

What's Your Explanation (part 2a of series)

This is part 2a of a series of video clips by Dr. Ross Greene. He has a unique approach to helping challenging students.

Kids Do Well If They Can (part 1 of series)

This is part 1 of a series of video clips by Dr. Ross Greene. He has a unique approach to helping challenging students.

Welcome to 2019-20 School Year

Welcome to the new school year! As always we will begin the school year with all-school trainings on expectations in different areas of the school such as the hallway, the cafeteria, and the playground. I also will be doing my annual lessons to all students on topics such as bullying vs. bothering and conflict resolution. This year I will also be adding some new lessons to help students with managing stress and their emotions.
 
I am available to help students who are struggling with behavior, emotional issues, family problems, and other issues. Feel free to call or stop in anytime, and I can explain how I can possibly help.

The Bridge Conflict Resolution Tool

Each year we teach students the conflict resolution tool called, The Bridge. We have the colors painted on the playground. I also use this tool when I help students with conflicts. Feel free to use this at home--it is a simple yet effective approach to working out conflicts!