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Thursday, November 19th
HOW TO MANAGE STRESS
We will all experience stress in our lives. It is important for us to identify helpful and healthy coping tools when we are feeling stress. Focus on these stress management tools next time you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed:
We will all experience stress in our lives. It is important for us to identify helpful and healthy coping tools when we are feeling stress. Focus on these stress management tools next time you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed:
- Get enough sleep each night (National Sleep Foundation recommends 9-11 hours of sleep each night)
- Exercise regularly
- Take calming deep belly breaths
- Listen to music (check out the music in the virtual calming room!)
- Eat a healthy diet
- Get organized
- Use positive self-talk
Thursday, November 12th
GOOD VS. BAD STRESS
Having some stress in our lives is not always bad. In the short term, stress can help us overcome a challenge or dangerous situation. Our bodies response to stress can give you bursts of energy, help you stay focused, and can protect you from harm. If we did not experience any stress we might not be motivated to do things that we need to do like studying for that big test! However, when our stress levels become too much for us to handle, it can leave us more vulnerable to anxiety. It is important for us to use our coping tools (especially deep breathing!) to help us get out of the stress overload zone and back to the optimal stress level.
Having some stress in our lives is not always bad. In the short term, stress can help us overcome a challenge or dangerous situation. Our bodies response to stress can give you bursts of energy, help you stay focused, and can protect you from harm. If we did not experience any stress we might not be motivated to do things that we need to do like studying for that big test! However, when our stress levels become too much for us to handle, it can leave us more vulnerable to anxiety. It is important for us to use our coping tools (especially deep breathing!) to help us get out of the stress overload zone and back to the optimal stress level.
Thursday, November 5th
COPING TOOLS WHEN YOU FEEL STRESSED OR ANXIOUS
What are coping tools? Coping tools are things we can do to help us feel calm when we have strong feelings (mad, sad, frustrated, anxious, etc.). It is important to find some coping tools that work best for YOU! It may be helpful to try out different coping tools and see which ones work best for you. Try some of these coping tools below next time you are feeling stressed or anxious.
What are coping tools? Coping tools are things we can do to help us feel calm when we have strong feelings (mad, sad, frustrated, anxious, etc.). It is important to find some coping tools that work best for YOU! It may be helpful to try out different coping tools and see which ones work best for you. Try some of these coping tools below next time you are feeling stressed or anxious.
Thursday, October 29th
HOW EXERCISE CAN HELP YOU FEEL BETTER
Exercising can help us feel better and get into the "Green Zone". When we exercise, our body releases 'feel good' chemicals in our bodies. There are many different fun ways to get exercise such as running around with your dog, skateboarding, riding a bike, jumping on a trampoline, and dancing. Try the Zumba Kids dance video below and see how you feel afterwards. If it helped you get into the "Green Zone", then add this to your list of helpful coping skills to use again in the future!
Exercising can help us feel better and get into the "Green Zone". When we exercise, our body releases 'feel good' chemicals in our bodies. There are many different fun ways to get exercise such as running around with your dog, skateboarding, riding a bike, jumping on a trampoline, and dancing. Try the Zumba Kids dance video below and see how you feel afterwards. If it helped you get into the "Green Zone", then add this to your list of helpful coping skills to use again in the future!
Thursday, October 22nd
SETTING GOALS
Setting goals for yourself is one of the keys to success at school (and beyond)! Think of one goal that you would like to create for yourself using the steps in the picture below.
Setting goals for yourself is one of the keys to success at school (and beyond)! Think of one goal that you would like to create for yourself using the steps in the picture below.
Thursday, October 15th
JUST BREATHE
Breathing is an amazing coping tool that we can use to help us get back to the Green Zone and feel more calm and relaxed. Try these breathing with the shapes below and find out which one is your favorite. Check out additional breathing with the shapes in the Virtual Calming Room.
Breathing is an amazing coping tool that we can use to help us get back to the Green Zone and feel more calm and relaxed. Try these breathing with the shapes below and find out which one is your favorite. Check out additional breathing with the shapes in the Virtual Calming Room.
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Thursday, October 8th
MY FAVORITE COPING SKILLS
This month, we have been learning all about coping skills in my classroom lessons. Look at the picture below and try out a new coping skill each day that will help you get back to the Green Zone. If the coping skill helped, circle it so you know which ones you can use next time you need to get back to the Green Zone.
This month, we have been learning all about coping skills in my classroom lessons. Look at the picture below and try out a new coping skill each day that will help you get back to the Green Zone. If the coping skill helped, circle it so you know which ones you can use next time you need to get back to the Green Zone.
Thursday, October 1st
CIRCLE OF CONTROL
Sometimes we worry about things that are out of our control such as: How long will Covid last?, Will I get Covid? Will I be in the same hybrid group as my friend? These thoughts are out of our control and can make us feel stressed and worried. It is important for us to focus on what is "in our control" which makes us feel more empowered, confident, and less stressed. Next time you have a worry thought that is "out of your control", think about what you can focus on that is "in your control" instead. Here are some examples:
We cannot control how hard a test will be..............................................We can control how much effort we put into studying for the test
We cannot control our sibling that is annoying us..................................We can control how we respond to our sibling
Sometimes we worry about things that are out of our control such as: How long will Covid last?, Will I get Covid? Will I be in the same hybrid group as my friend? These thoughts are out of our control and can make us feel stressed and worried. It is important for us to focus on what is "in our control" which makes us feel more empowered, confident, and less stressed. Next time you have a worry thought that is "out of your control", think about what you can focus on that is "in your control" instead. Here are some examples:
We cannot control how hard a test will be..............................................We can control how much effort we put into studying for the test
We cannot control our sibling that is annoying us..................................We can control how we respond to our sibling
September 21-25th
ADVOCATING FOR YOURSELF
Self-advocacy is a skill that helps us understand what our needs are and communicating these needs with other people. Asking for help is a great way to advocate for yourself when you are struggling and need extra support. This is a skill that is important to learn, especially during distance learning which can sometimes be difficult. Self-advocacy isn't always easy and sometimes we may feel uncomfortable or nervous speaking up and asking for help. Remind yourself that it is okay to feel this way and that the more you practice advocating for yourself, the easier it will get!
Self-advocacy is a skill that helps us understand what our needs are and communicating these needs with other people. Asking for help is a great way to advocate for yourself when you are struggling and need extra support. This is a skill that is important to learn, especially during distance learning which can sometimes be difficult. Self-advocacy isn't always easy and sometimes we may feel uncomfortable or nervous speaking up and asking for help. Remind yourself that it is okay to feel this way and that the more you practice advocating for yourself, the easier it will get!
September 14-18th
MISTAKES MAKE YOU SMARTER?
Did you know that your brain is constantly growing and that it grows the most when you struggle with something? There is science that supports this and it shows that your brain actually grows more when you get an answer wrong, not when you get an answer right! Next time you are struggling in school, I want you to remember this and remind yourself that it is okay to make mistakes because.....this is when our brain grows! Watch this video below to see the science behind how our brain grows from making mistakes.
Did you know that your brain is constantly growing and that it grows the most when you struggle with something? There is science that supports this and it shows that your brain actually grows more when you get an answer wrong, not when you get an answer right! Next time you are struggling in school, I want you to remember this and remind yourself that it is okay to make mistakes because.....this is when our brain grows! Watch this video below to see the science behind how our brain grows from making mistakes.
September 7-11th
GROWING FROM OUR CHALLENGES
Did you know it is okay to make mistakes? Sometimes we view mistakes as a bad thing and something we try to avoid. But it is through mistakes that we can learn, persevere (that means we don't give up and keep trying), and grow in so many ways! Next time when you make a mistake, be kind to yourself and read one of these quotes below:
Did you know it is okay to make mistakes? Sometimes we view mistakes as a bad thing and something we try to avoid. But it is through mistakes that we can learn, persevere (that means we don't give up and keep trying), and grow in so many ways! Next time when you make a mistake, be kind to yourself and read one of these quotes below:
August 31 - September 4
KINDNESS BOOMERANG
Showing kindness to others is an important ingredient to happiness. When we do or say something kind, we make that person feel good and happy. We also feel good ourselves though when we show acts of kindness. Did you know that kindness can be contagious? Watch the Kindness Boomerang video below to see how far our acts of kindness can go! Think of some ways that you can show kindness to others and notice how you feel after an act of kindness.
Showing kindness to others is an important ingredient to happiness. When we do or say something kind, we make that person feel good and happy. We also feel good ourselves though when we show acts of kindness. Did you know that kindness can be contagious? Watch the Kindness Boomerang video below to see how far our acts of kindness can go! Think of some ways that you can show kindness to others and notice how you feel after an act of kindness.
August 24-28th
WELCOME BACK STUDENTS!
Wow, what a unique way that we are starting school this year! I'm looking forward to seeing you all in my classroom lessons again whether it is virtual or in person. Watch the video below to learn some tips on how to set yourself up for success while we are learning virtually.
Wow, what a unique way that we are starting school this year! I'm looking forward to seeing you all in my classroom lessons again whether it is virtual or in person. Watch the video below to learn some tips on how to set yourself up for success while we are learning virtually.
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Monday, June 8, 2020
SUMMER FUN IDEAS
Here is a fun list of different things you can do over the summer to have fun!
Here is a fun list of different things you can do over the summer to have fun!
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
SUMMER IS ALMOST HERE!
Wow! I can't believe that the last day of school is almost here. Over this next week, I am going to be providing lessons and ideas that promote gratitude, positivity, and fun activities for you to try as we finish this school year and look forward to summer. Today I am going to share a fun time capsule activity for you to complete that was created by another school counselor, Ms. Romasanta. This time capsule is a great way to capture your memories, feelings, and what life was like during this pandemic. You will also be able to write about your strengths and how you were able to get through all of the changes this year.
Wow! I can't believe that the last day of school is almost here. Over this next week, I am going to be providing lessons and ideas that promote gratitude, positivity, and fun activities for you to try as we finish this school year and look forward to summer. Today I am going to share a fun time capsule activity for you to complete that was created by another school counselor, Ms. Romasanta. This time capsule is a great way to capture your memories, feelings, and what life was like during this pandemic. You will also be able to write about your strengths and how you were able to get through all of the changes this year.
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
THE POWER OF POSITIVITY
Self-talk is what we think and say to ourselves throughout the day. What we say to ourselves when something happens that makes us feel sad, hurt, or nervous can hurt us even more, or it can make us feel better. For example, imagine you did not get as high of a score on your math test as you wanted, what do you usually say to yourself in these moments? We have the power to help ourselves by using positive self-talk. In this example above, some things you can tell yourself is:
Self-talk is what we think and say to ourselves throughout the day. What we say to ourselves when something happens that makes us feel sad, hurt, or nervous can hurt us even more, or it can make us feel better. For example, imagine you did not get as high of a score on your math test as you wanted, what do you usually say to yourself in these moments? We have the power to help ourselves by using positive self-talk. In this example above, some things you can tell yourself is:
- "I get better each day"
- "I'm going to keep practicing"
- "I'm proud of how hard I tried"
Monday, May 25, 2020
HOW TO MANAGE STRESS
We are all going to experience stress throughout our lives. Stress helps alert us to danger and pay attention so we can protect ourselves. But when stress makes us feel overwhelmed, we need to remember to use our coping tools to help deal with our stress in a healthy way. Some tips that you can use to help manage stress is:
We are all going to experience stress throughout our lives. Stress helps alert us to danger and pay attention so we can protect ourselves. But when stress makes us feel overwhelmed, we need to remember to use our coping tools to help deal with our stress in a healthy way. Some tips that you can use to help manage stress is:
- Positive self-talk
- Reframe stress and remind yourself that not all stress is bad
- Talk to someone about how you are feeling
- Use stress management tools
Thursday, May 21, 2020
WHAT IS MINDFULNESS AND HOW CAN IT HELP ME?
Do you find yourself worrying about what has happened in the past or what may happen in the future? Practicing mindfulness helps ground us and allows us focus on the present moment. When we practice mindfulness, we may feel less stressed, worried, and more focused. Watch the read aloud video below to learn different ways to practice mindfulness. After listening to the read aloud, head over to the "Mindful Mondays" section in this website and learn new ways to practice mindfulness.
Do you find yourself worrying about what has happened in the past or what may happen in the future? Practicing mindfulness helps ground us and allows us focus on the present moment. When we practice mindfulness, we may feel less stressed, worried, and more focused. Watch the read aloud video below to learn different ways to practice mindfulness. After listening to the read aloud, head over to the "Mindful Mondays" section in this website and learn new ways to practice mindfulness.
Monday, May 18, 2020
POSITIVE SELF-TALK
Positive self-talk encourages us to not give up and try new things that may be difficult or scary. Negative self-talk are things we tell ourselves that are defeating and negative which keeps us from trying new things. Here are some ways to turn negative self-talk into positive self-talk:
Positive self-talk encourages us to not give up and try new things that may be difficult or scary. Negative self-talk are things we tell ourselves that are defeating and negative which keeps us from trying new things. Here are some ways to turn negative self-talk into positive self-talk:
- I will never understand math...........I'm going to keep trying and give it my best effort
- I made a mistake.............Mistakes help me learn
- This is too hard, I give up........This is tough, but so am I
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
STAYING SOCIALLY CONNECTED
Right now we are being told to social distance from people outside our home to help stop the spread of COVID-19. However, social distancing (which should really be called physical distancing) does not mean social isolation. It is important now more than ever to talk to your friends, relatives, and anyone else you usually talk to, it just looks a little different right now. Staying socially connected is healthy for you! Have fun with the Social Connection Bingo game below and find different and fun ways to connect with someone.
Right now we are being told to social distance from people outside our home to help stop the spread of COVID-19. However, social distancing (which should really be called physical distancing) does not mean social isolation. It is important now more than ever to talk to your friends, relatives, and anyone else you usually talk to, it just looks a little different right now. Staying socially connected is healthy for you! Have fun with the Social Connection Bingo game below and find different and fun ways to connect with someone.
Thursday, May 7, 2020
MENTAL HEALTH WEEK: THINKING CAP THURSDAY
Today Is Thinking Cap Thursday. Wear your favorite hat, a funny hat, or your own creative headpiece today.
Coping Strategy: Starting a journal to write down your thoughts and feelings can be a helpful tool to help you discover what makes you happy, help you problem-solve, and may reduce your stress by writing down these thoughts and feelings. Click on the link below to print and create your own journal.
Today Is Thinking Cap Thursday. Wear your favorite hat, a funny hat, or your own creative headpiece today.
Coping Strategy: Starting a journal to write down your thoughts and feelings can be a helpful tool to help you discover what makes you happy, help you problem-solve, and may reduce your stress by writing down these thoughts and feelings. Click on the link below to print and create your own journal.
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
MENTAL HEALTH WEEK: WORKOUT WEDNESDAY
Today is Workout Wednesday. Dress up in your favorite workout gear today. Bonus points for dressing up in 80's themed workout clothes!
Coping Strategy: Exercising releases a chemical in your body called endorphins. Endorphins make you feel happy and may even decrease stress. Click on the link below to try out a fun new exercise idea. Notice how you feel before and after you exercise.
Today is Workout Wednesday. Dress up in your favorite workout gear today. Bonus points for dressing up in 80's themed workout clothes!
Coping Strategy: Exercising releases a chemical in your body called endorphins. Endorphins make you feel happy and may even decrease stress. Click on the link below to try out a fun new exercise idea. Notice how you feel before and after you exercise.
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Tuesday, May 5, 2020
MENTAL HEALTH WEEK: CRUISE DAY TUESDAY
Today is Cruise Day Tuesday. Dress up like you are going on a relaxing beach vacation! Close your eyes and imagine that you are on your favorite vacation. Maybe you are on the beach building sand castles or listening to the crashing waves of the ocean?
Coping Strategy: Visualizations are a great tool for relaxation. Try this guided visualization video below or click on the link to choose your own.
Today is Cruise Day Tuesday. Dress up like you are going on a relaxing beach vacation! Close your eyes and imagine that you are on your favorite vacation. Maybe you are on the beach building sand castles or listening to the crashing waves of the ocean?
Coping Strategy: Visualizations are a great tool for relaxation. Try this guided visualization video below or click on the link to choose your own.
Monday, May 4, 2020
MENTAL HEALTH WEEK
This week is California Student Mental Health Week! Our schools will be participating in a Mental Health Virtual Spirit Week. Each day includes a theme for dressing up, which represents a coping strategy. Today's theme is Music Monday - wear your favorite band t-shirt or dress up like your favorite musician.
Coping Strategy: Listening to music helps relax our brains and bodies. Spend 5 minutes listening to your favorite music or song today.
This week is California Student Mental Health Week! Our schools will be participating in a Mental Health Virtual Spirit Week. Each day includes a theme for dressing up, which represents a coping strategy. Today's theme is Music Monday - wear your favorite band t-shirt or dress up like your favorite musician.
Coping Strategy: Listening to music helps relax our brains and bodies. Spend 5 minutes listening to your favorite music or song today.
Friday, May 1, 2020
ACTION FOR HAPPINESS
Have you been having a hard time lately with everything that has been going on? Finding things that bring you happiness is a great way to help yourself feel better. Sometimes it is doing something that fills someone else's bucket, and sometimes we need to find ways to fill our own bucket. The calendar below has a lot of great ideas on how you can fill your own or someone else's bucket to help you feel better. See how many items you can complete off the calendar below!
Have you been having a hard time lately with everything that has been going on? Finding things that bring you happiness is a great way to help yourself feel better. Sometimes it is doing something that fills someone else's bucket, and sometimes we need to find ways to fill our own bucket. The calendar below has a lot of great ideas on how you can fill your own or someone else's bucket to help you feel better. See how many items you can complete off the calendar below!
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
MY WORRY CUP
We all have things that we worry about. In our lesson today, I want you to write down some of your worries in the worry cup worksheet below and then find some tools that you think would be helpful next time you have these worry thoughts. Try a new tool out each time and see which ones worked best for you.
We all have things that we worry about. In our lesson today, I want you to write down some of your worries in the worry cup worksheet below and then find some tools that you think would be helpful next time you have these worry thoughts. Try a new tool out each time and see which ones worked best for you.
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
COPING WITH CHANGE
We are going through A LOT of change right now. It is very normal to be feeling all different types of emotions during our current situation. You may be happy one minute because you get to wear your pajamas all day, but sad the next because you miss being able to see your friends at school every day. Learning how to cope with change in a healthy way is important right now more than ever. There are a lot of tools we can use when we are having a hard time with all of this change. Look at the poster and worksheet below and see which calming tools you can try next time when you are having strong feelings and write your favorite tools on the worksheet.
We are going through A LOT of change right now. It is very normal to be feeling all different types of emotions during our current situation. You may be happy one minute because you get to wear your pajamas all day, but sad the next because you miss being able to see your friends at school every day. Learning how to cope with change in a healthy way is important right now more than ever. There are a lot of tools we can use when we are having a hard time with all of this change. Look at the poster and worksheet below and see which calming tools you can try next time when you are having strong feelings and write your favorite tools on the worksheet.
Thursday, April 23, 2020
WHAT ARE YOU HAPPY ABOUT TODAY?
Every day, things happen that make us smile, make us feel good or even make us laugh. By stopping to think for a few moments about something that makes us happy, and either writing it down or saying it loud, that’s called showing gratitude. Gratitude means showing thanks, being thankful and showing your appreciation for something. Studies have shown that when people regularly engage in gratitude, it can help:
Every day, things happen that make us smile, make us feel good or even make us laugh. By stopping to think for a few moments about something that makes us happy, and either writing it down or saying it loud, that’s called showing gratitude. Gratitude means showing thanks, being thankful and showing your appreciation for something. Studies have shown that when people regularly engage in gratitude, it can help:
- reduce stress
- increase happiness and optimism
- improve relationships
- sleep better
- able to cope with stress better and recover more quickly from stressful situations
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
BENEFITS OF USING A STRESS BALL
Stress balls can be used as a coping tool when we are having strong feelings. Stress balls can help us release tension and reduce stress. They can also be used to help us shift our focus. By focusing on the stress ball, you will stop thinking about the source of your stress which will help your mind and body relax. Click on the button below to watch the video on how to make a stress ball at home.
Stress balls can be used as a coping tool when we are having strong feelings. Stress balls can help us release tension and reduce stress. They can also be used to help us shift our focus. By focusing on the stress ball, you will stop thinking about the source of your stress which will help your mind and body relax. Click on the button below to watch the video on how to make a stress ball at home.
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
COPING TOOLS CHALLENGE
What are coping tools? Coping tools are things we can do to help us feel calm when we have strong feelings (mad, sad, frustrated, anxious, etc.). It is important to find some coping tools that work best for YOU! It may be helpful to try out different coping tools and see which ones work best for you. Click on the button below to try the coping tools challenge. In this challenge you will try out one new coping tool on the list each day, and then rate them afterwards to decide how helpful they were for you. You can choose to try this for one week or up to a month if you want! At the end of the week (or month), you can look at your worksheet and decide which coping tools were the most helpful for you to start using each day.
What are coping tools? Coping tools are things we can do to help us feel calm when we have strong feelings (mad, sad, frustrated, anxious, etc.). It is important to find some coping tools that work best for YOU! It may be helpful to try out different coping tools and see which ones work best for you. Click on the button below to try the coping tools challenge. In this challenge you will try out one new coping tool on the list each day, and then rate them afterwards to decide how helpful they were for you. You can choose to try this for one week or up to a month if you want! At the end of the week (or month), you can look at your worksheet and decide which coping tools were the most helpful for you to start using each day.
Friday, April 17, 2020
SELF-CARE BINGO
Play this fun interactive bingo game to practice self-care and take care of yourself emotionally and physically. See how many items you can complete!
Play this fun interactive bingo game to practice self-care and take care of yourself emotionally and physically. See how many items you can complete!
Thursday, April 16, 2020
SELF-CARE ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS
Many of you may be having some strong emotions right now with all of the changes in our lives due to the Coronavirus. You may be feeling scared, stressed, sad, mad, nervous, or anxious. It is normal and OK to have any of these feelings right now. Let yourself feel your emotions and then find a way to balance those feelings out with some self-care. Try some of these ideas below to practice self-care.
Many of you may be having some strong emotions right now with all of the changes in our lives due to the Coronavirus. You may be feeling scared, stressed, sad, mad, nervous, or anxious. It is normal and OK to have any of these feelings right now. Let yourself feel your emotions and then find a way to balance those feelings out with some self-care. Try some of these ideas below to practice self-care.
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
USING ART AS A COPING TOOL
Any type of art (drawing, painting, sketching, coloring, etc.) can have many positive effects on our mental health. Here are a few examples of how art can be beneficial:
Any type of art (drawing, painting, sketching, coloring, etc.) can have many positive effects on our mental health. Here are a few examples of how art can be beneficial:
- Decreases stress
- Helps you feel mentally clear and calm
- Provides your brain a break from stressful thoughts
- Allows you to express your feelings
- Increases self-esteem
Monday, April 13, 2020
BENEFITS OF DEEP BREATHING
There are many reasons why deep breathing is good for us to practice each day. Deep breathing is one of the best ways to lower our stress. Learning how to deep breathe is a tool that you can use for your entire life to help you manage stress and create calmness within yourself. With everything going on around us right now, we all need to take a little time every day to help us feel calm and relaxed. I have created several breathing videos for you to follow along and use each day. Most of my videos are less than 3 minutes, so why not listen to a breathing video each morning to help you feel calm, focused, and in a good mindset for the day? I am going to include some links to some of my breathing videos below. You can find additional breathing videos for all ages under the student resource tab at the top of this website page.
There are many reasons why deep breathing is good for us to practice each day. Deep breathing is one of the best ways to lower our stress. Learning how to deep breathe is a tool that you can use for your entire life to help you manage stress and create calmness within yourself. With everything going on around us right now, we all need to take a little time every day to help us feel calm and relaxed. I have created several breathing videos for you to follow along and use each day. Most of my videos are less than 3 minutes, so why not listen to a breathing video each morning to help you feel calm, focused, and in a good mindset for the day? I am going to include some links to some of my breathing videos below. You can find additional breathing videos for all ages under the student resource tab at the top of this website page.
Bonus Spring Break Activity
MAKE A CALMING JAR
Calming jars are a great tool for calming down and a fun craft project to do over spring break. Calming jars help children to:
Calming jars are a great tool for calming down and a fun craft project to do over spring break. Calming jars help children to:
- Learn focusing skills
- Calm down
- Help regulate strong emotions
Friday, April 3, 2020
SPRING BREAK BUCKET LIST
Next week is spring break and many of you may be wondering what you can do over spring break due to the Coronavirus. My good friend, Ms. Vergara, made a fun spring break bucket list filled with fun activities for you to do! Click on the button next to the picture to access the links for some of the activities and videos in the handout. Have a fun spring break and I can't wait to hear how many items you were able to complete off the spring break bucket list!
Next week is spring break and many of you may be wondering what you can do over spring break due to the Coronavirus. My good friend, Ms. Vergara, made a fun spring break bucket list filled with fun activities for you to do! Click on the button next to the picture to access the links for some of the activities and videos in the handout. Have a fun spring break and I can't wait to hear how many items you were able to complete off the spring break bucket list!
Thursday, April 2, 2020
INCREASING POSITIVITY IN YOUR LIFE
Did you know that our brain is hard-wired to focus on the negative? The good news is that we have the ability to change this pattern and re-wire our brain to start focusing on the positives. Try using the following strategy to shift your thinking from negative to positive:
Did you know that our brain is hard-wired to focus on the negative? The good news is that we have the ability to change this pattern and re-wire our brain to start focusing on the positives. Try using the following strategy to shift your thinking from negative to positive:
- Start becoming aware when you are having negative self-talk. Many of us have negative self-talk all the time, yet we don't even realize it!
- When you notice that you are using negative self-talk, tell yourself to "Stop" and think of something positive you can say to yourself instead.
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
EATING DINNER TOGETHER
Did you know that researchers found that eating dinner together with the people that live in your home can have many positive benefits? Some of the possible benefits of eating dinner together are:
Did you know that researchers found that eating dinner together with the people that live in your home can have many positive benefits? Some of the possible benefits of eating dinner together are:
- Better family relationships
- Better grades
- Increased happiness
- Decreased stress
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
BENEFITS OF GUIDED IMAGERY
Guided imagery is a tool that you can use to manage anxiety, stress, and depression. Research has shown that guided imagery can also help with sleep problems, test anxiety, improve coping skills, and improve self-esteem. Try one of the short guided imagery exercises in the link below. Make sure you find a calm, quiet place in your house before you begin so you can listen without interruption. Enjoy!!!!
Guided imagery is a tool that you can use to manage anxiety, stress, and depression. Research has shown that guided imagery can also help with sleep problems, test anxiety, improve coping skills, and improve self-esteem. Try one of the short guided imagery exercises in the link below. Make sure you find a calm, quiet place in your house before you begin so you can listen without interruption. Enjoy!!!!
Thursday, March 26, 2020
THE EFFECTS OF POSITIVE SELF-TALK ON YOUR SELF-ESTEEM
What you tell yourself has a huge effect on your self-esteem. During my previous classroom lesson, we discussed how positive self-talk is like feeding your self-esteem healthy food and makes you feel good about yourself. However, when we use negative self-talk, it is like feeding our self-esteem junk food which makes us not feel very good about ourselves. Start each day by telling yourself one positive thing about yourself. Maybe you are a kind friend, a hard worker, or a good listener? Watch the video below and see how using positive self-talk really can affect how we see ourselves. When you are done watching the video, click on the worksheet link below and write down all the reasons why YOU ARE AMAZING!
What you tell yourself has a huge effect on your self-esteem. During my previous classroom lesson, we discussed how positive self-talk is like feeding your self-esteem healthy food and makes you feel good about yourself. However, when we use negative self-talk, it is like feeding our self-esteem junk food which makes us not feel very good about ourselves. Start each day by telling yourself one positive thing about yourself. Maybe you are a kind friend, a hard worker, or a good listener? Watch the video below and see how using positive self-talk really can affect how we see ourselves. When you are done watching the video, click on the worksheet link below and write down all the reasons why YOU ARE AMAZING!
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
EXPLORING THE WORLD AROUND US VIRTUALLY
Learning from home has forced all of us to grow and learn in new ways. It is important to make time in your day for creativity and having fun. What if I told you that you could explore the surface of Mars on the Curiosity Rover? Would you like to go on a field trip and see the Pandas live at the Atlanta Zoo? Maybe you would like to watch the sharks, jellyfish, penguins, or sea otters at the Monterey Bay Aquarium? Click on the link below and take over 30 virtual field trips to many different places around the world and learn something new today! Trust me, you don't want to miss out on this fun activity!
Learning from home has forced all of us to grow and learn in new ways. It is important to make time in your day for creativity and having fun. What if I told you that you could explore the surface of Mars on the Curiosity Rover? Would you like to go on a field trip and see the Pandas live at the Atlanta Zoo? Maybe you would like to watch the sharks, jellyfish, penguins, or sea otters at the Monterey Bay Aquarium? Click on the link below and take over 30 virtual field trips to many different places around the world and learn something new today! Trust me, you don't want to miss out on this fun activity!
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
MY CIRCLE OF CONTROL
Hello students! Today we are going to learn about our circle of control. Kids and grown-ups all have things that we worry about each day. Some of our worries we have some control over and can do something about it. However, some of our worries are out of our control. So what do we do when we have all of these worries? The video below explains some worries that are and are not in our control and discusses what we can do to make ourselves feel less worried. Please watch the video below and when you are finished, click on the circle of control worksheet below to identify your worries and list things that are related to your worry that you can control and focus on. An example of what is and what is not in your control is included in this worksheet.
Hello students! Today we are going to learn about our circle of control. Kids and grown-ups all have things that we worry about each day. Some of our worries we have some control over and can do something about it. However, some of our worries are out of our control. So what do we do when we have all of these worries? The video below explains some worries that are and are not in our control and discusses what we can do to make ourselves feel less worried. Please watch the video below and when you are finished, click on the circle of control worksheet below to identify your worries and list things that are related to your worry that you can control and focus on. An example of what is and what is not in your control is included in this worksheet.
Friday, March 20, 2020
WHAT WORRY FEELS LIKE IN MY BODY
What does your body feel like when you are worried and how can you help yourself when you are feeling worried about something? The video below has you think about what physical signs you may have when you feel worried. Does your stomach start to hurt? Does your heart start beating faster? Do your cheeks get hot? Is it hard for you to breathe? Watch the video below to learn more about what your body feels like when you feel worried. You will also learn how to use Progressive Muscle Relaxation to help yourself feel calm next time you are feeling worried. After you watch the video, complete the worksheet below to write down how your body feels when you are worried and something new you can try to help you feel calm again.
What does your body feel like when you are worried and how can you help yourself when you are feeling worried about something? The video below has you think about what physical signs you may have when you feel worried. Does your stomach start to hurt? Does your heart start beating faster? Do your cheeks get hot? Is it hard for you to breathe? Watch the video below to learn more about what your body feels like when you feel worried. You will also learn how to use Progressive Muscle Relaxation to help yourself feel calm next time you are feeling worried. After you watch the video, complete the worksheet below to write down how your body feels when you are worried and something new you can try to help you feel calm again.
Thursday, March 19, 2020
SCREEN FREE ACTIVITIES
Hello students! Have you been feeling restless at home? Keeping busy in a positive way is good for our mental health and a fantastic way to help with our self-care. I know it can be tempting to play video games or be on the computer, but too much screen time can affect your mental health in a negative way. Researchers found that increased screen time for kids also increases their chances for depression and anxiety. I am including a link below for a fun boredom buster activity for you to do while you are at home. You can even have other people in your family join in!
Hello students! Have you been feeling restless at home? Keeping busy in a positive way is good for our mental health and a fantastic way to help with our self-care. I know it can be tempting to play video games or be on the computer, but too much screen time can affect your mental health in a negative way. Researchers found that increased screen time for kids also increases their chances for depression and anxiety. I am including a link below for a fun boredom buster activity for you to do while you are at home. You can even have other people in your family join in!