Mindfulness

An Ocean of Emotions: How to Navigate the Waves of Feelings

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 […]

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Unwrapping Joy: How to Find and Create Joy

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

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Mindfulness: How to Improve Everything by Doing Nothing

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

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The Distraction Dilemma: How to Outsmart the Squirrels

Dear Ordinary Extraordinary Humans –  Welcome to an exciting exploration of the fascinating world of distractions! In our children’s picture book, “Cranium Critters: Einstein Acts When Squirrels Distract,” we explore the mischievous realm of squirrels—the kind that cause all kinds of nutty nonsense and distract us from our goals. Join us on a journey to

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Pause. Breathe. Think! A Simple Strategy for Impulse Control

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.

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Pick Up Sticks: An Essential Skill Builder!

As an elementary school counselor, I am always on the lookout for innovative and effective ways to teach social-emotional skills to the students I work with. Amidst the myriad of resources available, I have found that classic table and floor games offer a delightful and engaging approach to developing essential life skills.  One classic game

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Ned’s Head: An Engaging Game and Powerful Teaching Tool

As an elementary school counselor, I’m always on the lookout for engaging tools to teach social-emotional skills. Enter What’s in Ned’s Head, a whimsical game that has become a favorite game in my counseling sessions. This quirky and delightful game not only captivates young minds but also provides practical ways to illustrate inside-the-head and outside-the-head

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Help Kids See Into the Future: A Tool for ADHD

Does your child frequently show up unprepared for events or activities, resulting in negative consequences?  Do you find yourself feeling frustrated by their inability to plan ahead or make thoughtful decisions? Are your well-intentioned warnings ignored by your child, despite their feelings of regret later?  If these challenges resonate with you, you are not alone.

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Exploring the Great Outdoors: 5 Benefits for Children

Recently, I took a leisurely walk with some friends. One friend brought along her preschool-aged children, and watching them explore and interact with nature was a joyous sight. It was a breath of fresh air, both literally and metaphorically. The experience made me reflect on the incredible importance of outdoor adventures for young children, particularly

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