Just like a winning team, the different parts of your child’s brain perform best when they communicate and cooperate. With the upcoming launch of Cranium Critters: Teaming Up with the Memory Keeper, now is a perfect time to explore how thoughts, emotions, and memories collaborate to help children navigate life’s ups and downs. The Brain’s
How The Cranium Critters Empower Your Child’s Amazing Brain Read More »
You may have heard the term coregulation, but what does it actually mean? At its heart, coregulation is the process of borrowing someone else’s calm when your own nervous system is overwhelmed. It’s not just something children need—it’s a lifelong human need. In our Cranium Critters books, we talk about Scout, the brain’s loyal Safety
Borrowing Calm: The Secret To Soothing Big Emotions In Kids & Adults Read More »
Have you ever heard a student blurt out something unkind without thinking? Just like a coffee filter catches the gritty grounds while letting the flavor through, our brain has a filter that helps us decide which thoughts to share and which to keep inside. This engaging lesson teaches children how to use their social filter.
Lesson Plan: “Say It or Save It?” – Your Social Filter Read More »
Engage students in a hands-on STEM challenge to learn the importance of prioritization and time management. This lesson uses a jar, golf balls, and beans to illustrate how completing HAVE TOs first creates space for WANT TOs. Includes troubleshooting tips, writing prompts, and an extension activity!
Lesson Plan: The Time Management Jar – A STEAM Challenge Read More »
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 heard a child say, “He made me do it!” after getting in trouble? This common phrase highlights a challenge young students face: taking responsibility for their words and actions. Shifting the blame to others might seem like an easy way out, but it prevents them from learning valuable life skills. In my
Teaching Students How to Take Responsibility for their Actions 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 »
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
The Distraction Dilemma: How to Outsmart the Squirrels 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 »
Friendship can be kinda tricky. When kids are excited about having new friends, sometimes without meaning to, they end up pushing their friends away by doing things that ANNOY them. Has anyone ever accused you of being annoying? Then you might need to figure out how and when to stop so that you can keep
Growing Friendships: 3 Common Friendship Mistakes and How to Avoid Them 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 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
Ned’s Head: An Engaging Game and Powerful Teaching Tool Read More »
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.
Help Kids See Into the Future: A Tool for ADHD Read More »
Have you ever seen a sea dragon? When encountering the awe-inspiring beauty and gracefulness of a sea dragon gliding through the water, it’s hard not to be captivated. These majestic creatures possess a remarkable ability to blend into their surroundings, ensuring their safety and survival in the vast ocean. As I stood in wonder, observing
Standing Out & Blending In – Lessons from a Sea Dragon Read More »
As the sun begins to set, you find yourself sitting behind the wheel of your car, ready to embark on a flurry of evening activities. As you navigate the familiar route home, your mind springs into action, engaging in a mental dress rehearsal of the tasks that lie ahead. You mentally choreograph the evening’s agenda—picking
A Mental Dress Rehearsal: Planning in Your Mind Read More »
We live in an age where technology has become an integral part of our lives, and children are being given cell phones at younger and younger ages. Inspired by the beloved children’s book “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” let’s discuss the topic of giving a kid a cell phone and the crucial responsibility
Kids & Phones: Making Wise Choices in the Digital Age 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 »
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 »
Today, we’re going to be talking about something that affects all of us – memories. Did you know that we have the power to shape the memories that others have of us? That’s right, everything we do and say gets stored in “memory files” in the minds of those around us, and it’s up to
The Art of Memory Making: How to Create Positive Thoughts in the Minds of Others 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 »
Magnets are interesting because they have the power to attract and stick to some things, but they also have the power to repel or push away other things. People are kinda like that. We can use our words and actions to attract others, but sometimes our words and actions can do the opposite – they
Be a Friendship Magnet: A Lesson on How to Attract Friends Read More »
Imagine this: your child is faced with a problem at school and instead of feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, they confidently come up with a creative solution. As a parent, you know that this kind of adaptability and flexibility is key to your child’s success in school and in life. But how can you help your
Using Flexible Thinking to Cope with the Unexpected Read More »
As the new year approaches, it’s a great opportunity for parents and teachers to help their elementary aged children develop a growth mindset. But what exactly is a growth mindset? It’s the belief that one’s abilities and intelligence can be developed and improved through effort and perseverance. This is in contrast to a fixed mindset,
New Year, New Mindset: Cultivating a Growth Mindset Read More »
“Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” This line from the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” really strikes a chord with me. I’ve seen the movie dozens of times. Yet once again this holiday season, Clarence, an angel-in-training, reminds me of just how
“It’s a Wonderful Life” – An Inspiring Reminder Read More »
Throughout the holiday season, many of us find ourselves caught up in the excitement of gift-giving and receiving. We rush to buy the perfect presents, wrap them up with care, and place them under the tree, eagerly awaiting the moment when we can finally see the looks of joy on our loved ones’ faces as
The Present of Presence: The Greatest Gift of All 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 »
As parents and teachers, it is our responsibility to nurture and teach our children about empathy. Empathy is a crucial skill that helps children understand and connect with others, leading to better relationships, improved social skills, and ultimately, a more compassionate society. One of the benefits of teaching children about empathy is that it helps
Empathy: How to Stand in Someone Else’s Shoes 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 »
