October is here!

October is National Anti-Bullying and Disabilities Awareness Month
October Observances…
Oct. 1- 2: Simchat Torah (Jewish Holiday)
Oct. 8: Indigenous People’s Day (USA), Dia de la Raza (Latin America, Mexican)
Oct. 10: Navratri (Hindu)
Oct. 11: National Coming Out Day (LGBTQ & Allies)
Oct 19. Dashain (Nepalese)
Oct 31. Halloween (USA)  
Anti-Bullying Books:
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig  
This book sensitively addresses the needs of quieter children and reminds readers how small acts of kindness can help other children to feel included.
 
Other anti-bullying books by Trudy Ludwig include:
Better Than You
Confessions of a Former Bully
Gifts from the Enemy
Just Kidding
My Secret Bully
Oregon Reads Aloud
Quiet Please
Owen McPhee! NEW
Sorry!
Too Perfect
Trouble Talk  

The WEIRD series by Erin Frankel (from the perspective of 3 girls: the girl being bullied, the bystander who didn’t stick up for her friend, and the one bullying). There is also a 4th part to the series that was just released called “Nobody!” from the perspective of a boy in the original trilogy.  

*Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes  
A popular picture book, Chrysanthemum is a story about teasing, self-esteem and acceptance. It has sold more than a million copies and was named a Notable Book for Children by the American Library Association.
 
*The Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill.  
Mean Jean is the recess queen, and it isn’t until a new girl becomes her friend that recess dynamics change for the better. This book is ideal for addressing bullying that can be resolved without adult intervention.
 
*Wonder by R.J. Palacio  
This uplifting novel follows August Pullman to fifth grade, which is his first time entering a mainstream school. August was born with a facial deformity so he’ll have to convince his classmates that he is normal, just like them, despite his appearances.
 
*The Juice Box Bully by Bob Sornson and Maria Dismondy  
One of the best things kids can do to combat bullying is to stand up for one another, which is exactly what The Juice Box Bully is about. Students will learn how to have each other’s backs instead of doing nothing when they witness bully confrontation.
 
Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell This wonderful tale shows us the importance of believing in ourselves and having pride in our own unique traits and quirks as positive shield to deflect any negative criticism (or bullying) we may face in our everyday lives. Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon is an ode to the inner strength that comes from a deep source of joy and self-love.
*review from https://www.weareteachers.com/14-must-read-anti-bullying-books-for-kids/
 
Disabilities Videos:
- A.D.H.D. Thought Simulator: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVwxb6gcpqo
- A.D.D. at School: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQ71vgRzCA4&t=67s
- Autism at a Café: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmDGvquzn2k
 
Many classes at Newcastle are learning about the “Zones of Regulation”:
​there are 4 feeling colors that everyone experiences (Blue = Sad/Tired/Bored/Sick, Green = Calm/Focused, Yellow = Worried/Frustrated/Too Wiggly, Red = Angry/Scared/Very Anxious).
This program encourages children to increase their self-awareness skills and offers them emotional regulation strategies to help empower students to use their own skills to calm down so that they are better able to learn.  This would be a great way to discuss stresses and joys that your student(s) felt throughout the day.