Social Emotional Learning

Mind-Fall-ness: The Best Calming Activities for Autumn

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 […]

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AMAZING Ideas – Teaching Flexible Thinking with Mazes

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

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These Classic Games are Fun and Good for Your Brain!

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

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Parenting in the Age of Screens: Finding a Healthy Balance

Have you ever heard the quote, “You can’t put an old head on young shoulders”? It’s a proverb that emphasizes the value of experience in making wise decisions. My Irish Nana, like many grandparents of her generation, often used this saying to remind us that maturity and life experience are essential for navigating complex situations.

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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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It May Look Like Fun, But Play is Actually a Child’s “Work”

Have you ever wondered why children seem so immersed in play, as if it’s the most important thing in the world? What if I told you that for children, play is their most important work? Through play, children develop critical skills that shape their social and emotional development, and it’s much more than just fun

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10 Great Games for Boosting Executive FUNctioning!

Did you know that in addition to being fun to play, board games provide great exercise for your child’s brain? Board games can be an enjoyable way for all kids, including those with learning and attention challenges, to build their brain’s executive function skills.  Executive functions are the mental processes that are required to pay

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Teaching Students How to Take Responsibility for their Actions

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

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How to use a Mind Jar as a Teaching Tool for Calming Strong Emotions

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

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