What children are afraid of.. As children grow up, they develop diferrent fears and worries. Some of these feelings are common in all stages of child development.
Building resilience in kids helps them to navigate through the difficulties. These resilience strategies will help them to cope with challenges & loss.
Looking for an introductory First Grade Self Control Activity? Your students will love this fun story and craft for practice!
Running a self control group counseling program? Your students will love these 10 games to teach kids self control skills!
Transform children's thoughts and beliefs with cogntive behavioral therapy. Discover effective and fun strategies for positive change with CBT for kids.
Here’s a little comic I made to explain consent to children (and their grown-ups). Some kids like hugs and kisses; others don’t, and it’s perfectly fine. Teachers and parents, feel free to print it for personal or school use (no commercial use, please). […]
Behavior Problems in Children: Every Single Reason Why your Child May Be Misbehaving + 7 Useful Tips to Improve Children's Behavior.
Coaching parents and educators on disarming communication and social-emotional regulation to support the brain and growing children.
Read more about 15-Minute Counseling Techniques that Work!
Body sensations Interoception Activity for helping pupils to identify the sensations they get in their bodies when they are feeling different emotions
Strategies for defiant behavior that support positive behavior, develop teacher-student relationships, and minimize escalating situations.
Do you feel like children seem to have more difficulties with self-regulation? Here are a few suggestions to help with emotional dysregulation in children.
Today I'm excited to have Corrina from From Mrs. Allen's Teaching Files here to share a really fun and exciting activity to use when talking about self control. Self control is such a hard
It can be difficult to think of effective consequences that actually teach BETTER BEHAVIOR than simply punish a child for a discipline prob...
Behavior Problems in Children: Every Single Reason Why your Child May Be Misbehaving + 7 Useful Tips to Improve Children's Behavior.
Guess what? It's the weekend! Two glorious days of sleeping in and lazing about (I wish!). And boy, do I deserve them after the week I have had with my precious treasures. :) The first few weeks of Prep (or Kindergarten if you're not from 'round these parts!) are always tough as the kidlets get used to the routines and rules of school. Throw in a handful of boys with 'tricky' behaviour and you've got yourself a recipe for days that feel like they go on forever... during which you use your 'cranky voice' more than once. This week I found myself using a few behaviour management ideas that are truly 'magic' in a slightly desperate attempt to get things in my classroom back on track. Day-to-day I use the famous 'clip chart', known in my room as the 'peg chart', for kidlets to monitor their behaviours. I use the Monster Manners pack from Growing Kinders as a springboard for moving up (to the pink card - Super Kid!) or down the chart. Seriously, you need this pack! So cute and so effective (also helps that it's free)! I refer to my display daily and the kids get it. Within a day, one of my precious treasures said "You sit criss cross, and that's the bottom of the line!" (If you use this pack, you'll understand!) This year, the clip chart was working for about 90% of the kidlets... and those remaining 10% sure were giving me the run around. Bring in the magic tricks! Trick number 1 is a life lesson, as well as a magic cure for some tricky classroom behaviours. All you need are some dollar store bubbles, and you have some 'Self Control Bubbles'! Take your class outside and sit them in a circle. Explain that you are going to blow some bubbles in their direction, and the first time you do they can pop away as much as they want. Go ahead and let them go wild (within reason... I always tell my kidlets their bottoms must stay on the ground). Make sure everyone gets a heap of bubbles to pop. The second time, explain that you are going to blow more bubbles, but this time they MUST NOT pop a single one... even if it lands right on their nose! Explain that the feeling of really, really wanting to do something, but holding back, is called self control. Ask for a volunteer to go first and choose someone you know will resist the bubbles. Praise them for using self control. Then go around the circle and blow more bubbles at each kidlet (I make sure to get right 'up in their face' so they really, really have to control themselves!) - making sure to encourage all of them to think about how it feels to have self control. As the weeks go on refer back to this activity any time one of your kidlets is struggling with those behaviours that require them to practice more self control. They will be able to recall the feeling, trust me! You might like to repeat the bubble activity a few times during the year - my kidlets LOVE knowing that they are pros at something... and self control ain't a bad thing to be pro at! :) Grab this free pack from my TpT store that will help you use this activity in your classroom. It contains an explanation of how to complete the Self Control Bubbles activity, a label for your bubble bottle, and 3 simple recording sheets. And for my second trick... Quiet Spray! All you need for this is an empty spray bottle. I bought mine from Kmart for less than $2. Fill it with water. My spray bottle wasn't clear, but if it was I would have added a drop of food colouring or some glitter to make it look more 'magic'. I also would have taken time to make sure my label was size-appropriate for my bottle... but you live and learn! :) I added a few drops of rosewater to my Quiet Spray... mostly because I wanted lavender, couldn't find it at the grocery store, but wanted my Quiet Spray to smell calming. Here's how it works: Any time you want your kidlets to work quietly (I used mine today before group work), explain that you will use the Quiet Spray to help them work the best that they can. I ask my class to take a deep breath in through their noses and out through their mouths as I mist Quiet Spray over their heads. MAGIC! You could even use Quiet Spray at the beginning of each day along with some relaxation techniques, or for individual students who need some extra magic in their day. :) There you have it folks, some new magic tricks for you to try with your tricky kidlets. :) Please let me know if they work for you! Hope you're having a wonderful weekend! :) Lauren
10 FUN self control games to practice self regulation skills in children - the games require no equipment or preparation. They make great brain breaks too!
I had 30 minutes with each class to do an intro lesson to school counseling. Here's what I did with each level: K-1: Object Lesson Materials Needed: Rainbow Fish book Finding Nemo ("just keep swimming") Dumbo (great listener) puzzle pieces (help put the pieces together) heart (care about all of the students) Frozen characters ("Let it go!") Star (reach for the stars and achieve goals) angry birds (anger management) happy face (help you be happy to be at school) tissue (dry up tears when you're sad) Bandaid (help when you're hurting) Funny glasses (think about things from a different perspective) eraser (cant change your past mistakes, but I can help you make better decisions next time) lock (I keep your secret, unless the secret will hurt you or someone else) Intro: After going over rules and expectations, I told students I was going to read them one of my favorite books of all time, Rainbow Fish. I asked that when I was reading, think about who in the story helps rainbow fish learn how to be happy (The Wise Octopus). After reading the story, I explained that I am like the Octopus at this school because I help kids when they have problems. Activity: I explained ways in which I can help students by letting each student pull one object from my bag. As a student pulled an object from the bag, I let them explain to the class what the object is, and take a guess about what it could represent about my job as the school counselor. (Originally I was just going to explain to the students what each object meant, but I LOVED to hear their ideas!) After each object was pulled from the bag, I placed the item on the board for the class to see. Conclusion: Once all of the objects were discussed, I gave the students a coloring worksheet that had a summary of the symbols that we talked about around an octopus. We talked about how to get help if they need to talk to me. Before I left, I gave each student a "shiny scale" (a.k.a. metallic star sticker) for them to remember Rainbow Fish. 2-3 Grade: Object Lesson In second and third grade, I adapted the same lesson as K-1 to be slightly more advanced. We did not read Rainbow Fish, but instead spent longer discussing what each of the symbols meant. I let more students guess what the symbols could mean, and for the most part, everything that they said was even more profound than what I had planned to say! As the conclusion to the lesson, I gave the students a matching worksheet where they line up the symbol to what it means. This was a great assessment and review to make sure the students had learned the information that I gave them! Before I left, I gave each student a heart sticky note that said "Your School Counselor cares about you!" and a shiny star sticker to remind them to "reach for the stars". 4-6: Rocks and String Activity Materials: Small and large rocks student volunteer 3-4 foot string for each student Rocks: At the beginning of the class, I asked for one volunteer to be my helper. I had the class brainstorm things that would be considered "small problems" (small rocks) and things that would be considered "big problems" (big rocks). I explained that with many of the small problems, I can teach them ways to handle their own problems responsibly. If it was a BIG problem, I could help them figure out what to do. When discussing the "big problems", I made sure to mention confidentiality, and that I can not keep their secret if it means that someone might get hurt. For each of the problems, big or small, I would place a stone into the hands of the volunteer student. Once the volunteer's hands are completely full, I told the volunteer that I needed him to take a quick test for me, and immediately handed him a test and a pencil. Of course, he could not take the test because he was holding on to so many problems! I explained that although I can't make most of their problems disappear, I can help them with their problems so that they can do their best at school. From here, I explained how to get in touch with me if they need to talk, and where to find me. I told them about small groups, classroom lessons, and other fun programs that I would be having this school year. String: I gave each person a piece of string. I told them that the object was to tie a knot in the middle of the string. The rules are that once they pick up the string, their fingers become "superglued" to the ends of the string- they can't switch fingers. There can NOT already be a knot in the string when picking it up, they can NOT cut the string, and the knot can NOT be on the outside of the string (tying the ends together). I then quickly added that "it's okay to ask for help, BUT it is possible to do. It CAN be done." I let the students struggle with it for a while, repeated the instructions several times, and waited for the first person to ask me for help. Once they asked for help, I motioned for them to follow me to a hidden area of the class, and explained the trick to them. (Cross your arms into a "knot" so that one hand pops up through the hole in your arms. Grab each end of the string while arms are crossed. Uncross arms, and you should have a knot.) Make sure you try this first before doing it with kids so you know how!! I explained to three of the students, before others started to catch on. From this point, I let those I had helped teach others in the class how to do it. 7-12: Advanced Rocks and String Activity Materials: index cards Small, medium, large rocks student volunteer (class nominated to be the strongest) 3-4 foot string for each student Introduction: I handed out index cards to each student, and had them write down their name, grade, what they think I do as their school counselor, and any questions that they might have about me or about school counseling. Rocks: I asked the class to nominate one person in the class who is the strongest, and that person came to the front to help me with the next activity. I asked what it means to be "strong" (Physically, emotionally, academically, and spiritually, etc) I explained that even the strongest people need help sometimes, as I dumped a pile of rocks on a desk in front of the class and smiled at my volunteer. The rocks represent the problems that teens deal with on a normal basis. Some are just small problems or annoyances; others are big problems that consume much of your daily thoughts. I asked everyone to brainstorm what types of problems teens might have to deal with. As they named things, I had each one come to the front, choose a rock to represent the problem, and hand it to the volunteer. I also added a few to keep it going and give them more ideas. Once the volunteer’s hands were at capacity, I gave him a SUPER easy test and a pencil. (I printed off a one digit addition test.), and said he had 10 seconds to finish. After a few seconds, I started “yelling” at him saying things like, ”This should be easy! Why have you not started? You should be done by now!” After the point was made, I asked the volunteer how he felt right then (frustrated/ agitated, etc). I asked the class why he was struggling to take such an easy test, and what would make it easier? I then explained that it’s nearly impossible to do well at school when you are holding onto so many rocks. The school counselor (me!) can help them handle all of their rocks. I told them again that even the strongest people will need help at times. From here, I transitioned to the specific services offered to students (Groups, classroom, individual, school programs, etc), and how to get in touch with me if they did need to talk about something. I also used this time to discuss any questions that we had not already covered from their index cards. String: I gave each person a piece of string. I told them that the object was to tie a knot in the middle of the string. The rules are that once they pick up the string, their fingers become "superglued" to the ends of the string- they can't switch fingers. There can NOT already be a knot in the string when picking it up, they can NOT cut the string, and the knot can NOT be on the outside of the string (tying the ends together). I then quickly added that "it's okay to ask for help, BUT it is possible to do. It CAN be done." I let the students struggle with it for a while, repeated the instructions several times, and waited for the first person to ask me for help. Once they asked for help, I motioned for them to follow me to a hidden area of the class, and explained the trick to them. (Cross your arms into a "knot" so that one hand pops up through the hole in your arms. Grab each end of the string while arms are crossed. Uncross arms, and you should have a knot.) Make sure you try this first before doing it with kids so you know how!! I explained to a handful of the students, before others started to catch on. From this point, I let those I had helped teach others in the class how to do it. I told the class that the point of the exercise is that it's okay to ask for help! Even the strongest people... (will need help at times!) (Purchase the lesson plan and worksheets from my TPT store!)
Learn how to teach children self-control the right way with this collection of fun yet powerful self-regulation strategies and activities for kids!
This character building object lesson about forgiveness takes a fun science experience and relates it to the risks of choosing not to forgive. This is one more activity in my character building series. Object lessons helps connect a hands-on and visual experience with the heart. A picture like the one presented today is more likely...Read More
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is effective in treating adults and adolescents, and now it is being adapted for younger children. DBT is also described as a transdiagnostic treatment, which means that it can be applied across various psychiatric disorders. Research shows that among the different skills taught, mindfulness and distress tolerance are highly valuable to adolescents. The What Is DBT PDF handout offers valuable information on the nature of DBT, how it helps clients, one of its primary goals, and the skills training modules taught. It uses clear and simple language that’s accessible to younger clients as well as illustrations to hold their interest. This handout helps kids and teens appreciate the relevance of DBT skills in their everyday lives, especially outside of therapy sessions. Parents may set aside time to practice coping skills together, such as immersing themselves in the present moment (under the mindfulness module) and radical acceptance (under the distress tolerance module). Our DBT Skills Introduction handout is a helpful add-on for a 1-page overview of each of the core DBT modules - Distress Tolerance, Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, Interpersonal Effectiveness, and Walking The Middle Path. *This item is an instant digital download. A link to download your files will be emailed to you once payment is confirmed. Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of DBT worksheets and handouts. References: Pardo, E. S., Rivas, A. F., Barnier, P. O., Mirabent, M. B., Lizeaga, I. K., Cosgaya, A. D., Alcántara, A. C., González, E. V., Aguirre, B., & Torres, M. A. G. (2020). A qualitative research of adolescents with behavioral problems about their experience in a dialectical behavior therapy skills training group. BMC Psychiatry, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-02649-2 Chapman, A. L. (2006). Dialectical behavior therapy: Current indications and unique elements. Psychiatry (Edgmont), 3(9), 62–68. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2963469/
Developing empathy in children has never been more fun than with this collection of 19 simple empathy activities for kids!
Friendship-building activities help children in K-3 develop strong social skills. When relationships are an important factor in education, kids succeed in school and life.
When a child has extreme behaviors, a lot of time, energy, and staff support goes towards intervening in crises, identifying needs, evaluating precipitating factors, considering the functions of the behaviors, and securing needed support for " that student." But what about the rest of t
This page contains free social emotional learning activities that can be used to help students in elementary and middle school.
Let’s face it, kids are used to having worksheets and templates and preprinted note pages, but sometimes I don't have time to gather those fancy materials. In my office, I always have plain copy paper and it is an integral part of my counseling program. Here are 5 school counseling activities where I turn
Put peacemaking skills at your students��� fingertips with Conflict Cubes they make themselves. This resource encourages collaborative efforts to develop creative and meaningful solutions to common conflicts. Includes directions and a reproducible.
12 interactive and fun games to teach self-control and build self-regulation skills for kids and teens. Strong skills for self-control are the foundation for success in and outside of the classroom.
Resilience is one of my favorite topics to teach and one of my favorite small groups to run. I always include goal setting, identifying problems, coping skills, healthy habits, and positive relationships as components to being resilient. Here are 6 tools for teaching resilience that help bring those components and your resiliency lessons to life.
Practicing conscious breathing helps when you feel anxious and overwhelmed. A mindful breathing stick can help guide young kids develop breathing techniques.
"These seemingly indescribable feelings might have been signs of dissociation — a mental process that causes a lack of connection in a person’s thoughts, memory, and sense of identity."
The reason why children are 800% worse when mom is around. A beautiful theory, which will make all moms feel a little different about those tears and tantrums.
Navigating the complex landscape of social situations requires not only understanding but also forethought. Often, the choices we make can lead to consequences we hadn’t anticipated. Teaching children early on about the potential consequences of their actions is essential in helping them develop sound judgment and good character. We’re thrilled to introduce our “Actions Have.
Ensuring students know the value and power of their courage is crucial for upper elementary students’ social-emotional learning and growth. Get easy-to-implement ideas, courage activities, suggested titles for books on bravery, and courage lesson plans to help you create a classroom community where
