We know that anxiety can be tough to deal with, especially when it seems like the “worry monster” is always lurking around the corner. But here’s the thing: that worry monster is a big fat liar. It loves to play the “What if?” mind game, focusing on the worst case scenario, which leaves us feeling […]
The “What If?” Game: Tips for Taming the Worry Monster Read More »
As the fall season rolls in, it brings cooler air, vibrant colors, and new opportunities for children to connect with nature and their inner selves. Fall is the perfect time to slow down, notice the changes around us, and practice mindfulness. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or counselor, these seasonal mindfulness activities can help kids
Mind-Fall-ness: The Best Calming Activities for Autumn Read More »
Have you ever planned your day, only to have things go completely off track? Maybe a traffic jam caused you to miss an important meeting. Perhaps you were all set to enjoy a sunny day at the park, only to be caught in a sudden downpour. For kids, these situations might look different, but the
AMAZING Ideas – Teaching Flexible Thinking with Mazes Read More »
Have you ever noticed how children’s emotions can take over in a flash? Maybe you’ve seen a student’s frustration boil over during a tricky math problem or their anxiety spike when the unexpected happens. When this happens, unproductive words and actions can follow and even spiral out of control. As adults, we know that emotions
Shake Up Your SEL with a Mind Jar Read More »
Remember those classic activities we used to do as kids, like word searches, crossword puzzles, and “Seek & Find” games? They were often assigned as busy work or something to pass the time, but did you know they also offer numerous benefits for brain development? It’s time to bring these classic activities back into the
These Classic Games are Fun and Good for Your Brain! Read More »
Imagine a beautiful beach, bathed in sunlight. The ocean stretches out before you, its waves rising and falling rhythmically. As you watch, you can’t help but notice how each wave is different—some gentle and peaceful, others powerful and intense. Just like those waves, our emotions ebb and flow within us. In a child’s world, emotions
An Ocean of Emotions: How to Navigate the Waves of Feelings Read More »
Breathing beads are simple yet effective tools designed to harness the power of the brain in promoting mindfulness and self-regulation.
Little Beads, Big Impact: Using Breathing Beads with Kids Read More »
Have you ever felt like your thoughts are swirling around like glitter in a snow globe after a vigorous shake? Well, that’s exactly what can happen to our minds when we experience strong emotions. But just like the calming descent of those shimmering flecks, we can learn to quiet the storm within and regain our
How to use a Mind Jar as a Teaching Tool for Calming Strong Emotions Read More »
We live in a society that often tells us that happiness can be found in material possessions and external circumstances. We’re bombarded with advertisements telling us that if we just buy the latest gadget or designer handbag, we’ll find joy and fulfillment. Around the holidays, the word “joy” echoes in the songs we sing, the
Unwrapping Joy: How to Find and Create Joy Read More »
As teachers and parents, we know that children can often become overwhelmed, frustrated, or anxious in the classroom or at home. In these moments, it is important to have a designated calming space where children can go to reset their minds and calm their bodies. One way to create a calming space is to set
From Chaos to Calm: Unlock the Power of the Pause Place Read More »
Hey Teachers! What if we told you that by doing nothing, your students could benefit greatly in the classroom? Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it’s not. We’re talking about mindfulness, and it’s a practice that has proven to reduce problematic behaviors in the classroom while providing a host of other benefits for
Mindfulness: How to Improve Everything by Doing Nothing Read More »
Have you ever thought about the start of a new school year as similar to the process of adjusting to a change in the family? Just as families experience shifts in dynamics when changes occur, students and their families often undergo a period of adjustment once the novelty of the school year wears off. This
Adjusting to a New (Classroom) Family: Back-to-School Emotions Read More »
Do you remember the first time you encountered anxiety? Perhaps it was a fluttering in your stomach before a big test or a sudden rush of unease in a new situation. Anxiety can be a complex and elusive emotion, especially for children. In my work with elementary students, I’ve seen how anxiety can manifest in
Anxiety: Secrets to Unmasking the Many Faces it Wears Read More »
Has this ever happened to you? You’re in your kitchen when, without thinking, you grab the lid off a hot pot with your bare hands. What happens next? If your first instinct is to yank your hand away, congratulations! You’ve just demonstrated a classic example of an impulse – an automatic reaction without much thought.
Pause. Breathe. Think! A Simple Strategy for Impulse Control Read More »
Are you an elementary school counselor searching for innovative methods to make social emotional learning (SEL) lessons more engaging and enjoyable for your students? Do you often find it challenging to encourage active participation in SEL activities? If you’re seeking a fun and interactive way to foster essential social emotional skills such as teamwork, communication,
How to Twist Your Approach to Social Emotional Learning Read More »
Chutes and Ladders is a classic board game that can serve as an excellent springboard for discussing the ups and downs of life with children. The game’s simple mechanics of climbing ladders and sliding down chutes symbolize the highs and lows we all experience in life. Here are some ways school counselors (or other adults)
Chutes & Ladders: A Great Game for Teaching and Learning Read More »
As the summer season approaches, parents face a familiar challenge: how to encourage their children to step away from screens and engage in meaningful activities. While it may seem that children can pay attention to screens for hours without any apparent issues, it is crucial to recognize the long-term consequences of excessive screen time on
Structured Screen Time: Disconnecting from Screens & Connecting With Real Life Read More »
As the school year comes to a close, it’s natural for students, parents, and educators to reflect on the journey they’ve taken together. This reflection often brings about thoughts of change, and the potential challenges and excitement that lie ahead. Change can sometimes be intimidating, but today, we’ll explore how change is simply a different
End-of-Year Transition: The Kaleidoscope of Change Read More »
As parents and teachers, we often find ourselves struggling to navigate the emotional ups and downs of our children. One moment they are overjoyed with excitement, and the next, they are reduced to tears. It can be challenging to know how to help our children manage their emotions effectively. However, by understanding the science of
Unlocking The Secrets Of Emotion: A Guide For Parents And Teachers Read More »
Oh, spring. The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and the students are…stressed out of their minds? Ah, yes, it must be state testing season! As elementary teachers, we know that testing can be a source of anxiety for our students. But fear not! There are strategies that we can use to help our
Overcoming Test Anxiety: 6 Helpful Strategies for Students Read More »
Parenting is no easy feat. It’s a job that requires patience, perseverance, and a lot of love. But one thing that often gets overlooked is the importance of allowing children to experience a range of emotions, even the uncomfortable ones. As much as we want to protect our kids from pain and discomfort, it’s important
Sad Isn’t Bad: How to Cope While Letting Kids Grow Read More »
Hi everyone! Have you ever heard of affirmations? Affirmations are simple, positive statements that we repeat to ourselves to provide encouragement and motivation. And did you know that they are based on science? Our brain’s language is repetition. Whatever we say or think or do repeatedly sticks in our brain. When we practice doing something
Affirmations: Powerful Little Pep Talks for Your Brain Read More »
Have you ever had a disagreement with a friend and felt like your emotions were blowing up like a balloon? It can be tough to stay calm and find a solution when we’re feeling strong emotions like anger or frustration. But there’s a fun and educational way to practice managing our emotions and solving problems
Stop Before You POP! An Innovative Lesson on Emotion Regulation Read More »
You’re at the grocery store with your child, who is begging and pleading for a box of “Frosted Fudge Flakes.” You’ve told them no, but they’re having none of it. Suddenly, they throw themselves onto the floor, kicking and screaming at the top of their lungs. You’re embarrassed, frustrated, and feeling like the worst parent
From Chaos to Peace: Proven Strategies for Managing Temper Tantrums Read More »
When your child complains about another child being “mean”, it might not mean what you think it means! As your child grows and begins to navigate their social relationships, it’s natural for them to encounter moments where they feel like someone is being mean or treating them unfairly. It can be tough for kids to
Mean Doesn’t Always Mean MEAN: How to Avoid An Awkward Social Situation Read More »
Festivus, the holiday made popular on the TV show Seinfeld, is celebrated on December 23rd. This parody of traditional holiday celebrations includes the annual Festivus tradition known as “airing of grievances,” where participants tell others how they have disappointed or frustrated them over the past year. While it is true that an increase in negative
Airing of the Grievances: Healthy Communication or Recipe for Conflict? Read More »
Sensations are the clues that our body gives us about our feelings. They can range from physical sensations, such as a racing heart or butterflies in the stomach, to mental sensations, such as a racing mind or difficulty concentrating. It is important for children to learn how to listen to these sensations and understand what
The Power of Sensations: Understanding the Body’s Amazing Clues Read More »
Gratitude is the feeling of being thankful and appreciative for something or someone. It’s a powerful emotion that can have a huge impact on our mental and physical well-being. Research has shown that practicing gratitude can have a number of benefits for the brain. For example, it can help to reduce stress and anxiety, improve
An Attitude of Gratitude Can Change Your Life Read More »
It’s natural to want to protect children from danger and help them to feel safe. But sometimes, our brains can react to potentially dangerous situations in ways that are not always helpful. This is known as the fight, flight, or freeze response, and it’s a natural part of the way our brains are wired. When
The 3 F’s of Survival: Understanding the Fight, Flight, or Freeze Response Read More »
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment, without judgment. It helps us become more aware of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, and can help us find more peace and calm in the midst of busyness and chaos. There are many benefits to practicing mindfulness with children, including: If you are interested
Merry Mindfulness: 5 Simple Activities that turn Chaos into Calm Read More »
Do you ever wonder what’s happening in your brain when you experience strong emotions? How can understanding the inner workings of the brain empower children (and adults) to better manage their thoughts, feelings, and actions? Let’s explore the fascinating world of the brain and how teaching children about its functions can give them the tools
How to Teach Emotion Regulation with Cranium Critters Read More »
Cranium Critters™ help children to understand how different parts of the brain play different roles in keeping us safe and helping us think and make decisions. One important part of the brain is the amygdala, which acts like a safety pup. The amygdala’s job is to protect us from danger by quickly detecting potential threats
Calm the Brain’s Safety Pup and Keep the Wise Owl Thinking Read More »
