Mindfulness encourages one to be present in the moment with thoughts and feelings, but without making judgments. It allows people to give their brain a break, something kids and adults so often need. In this, you will get 3 mindfulness coloring worksheets. Coloring is a great mindfulness technique to teach kids.
Practicing mindfulness on a regular basis encourages a number of positive health effects, including more positive emotions, stress reduction, stronger immune system, increased focus and attention, greater empathy and compassion for others, decreased levels of anxiety/depression, and greater emotional control. These techniques and strategies can be helpful for kids struggling with depression, anxiety, anger, lack of attention, or other behavioral concerns. Click picture below to start coloring! CALMING GLITTER JARS FOR MINDFULNESS AND RELAXATIONCalming Glitter Jars are a game changer for children and even adults! These calm down glitter jars help children self-regulate and just melt away the troubles that are causing big emotions. It can be very difficult for some children to calm down and decompress on their own. Here are some of the many reasons that glitter jars will help:
They are hands-down some of my favorite tools to help keep a calm and relaxed atmosphere as well as to prevent meltdowns. But we also love to use them in places like dramatic play, house area, or quiet areas.
I do recommend using plastic containers if there is a risk of it falling on tile or any other really hard surface. Some people find glass to be a great fit, but only you can make that determination. Remember to hot glue or super glue it at the end so that you don’t end up with glitter all over. What is a brain break?A brain break is just what it sounds like—a break from whatever you are focusing on. Short brain breaks during school work time have been shown to be very helpful. Brain breaks reduce stress and frustration and increase attention and focus. What Successful Brain Breaks Look LikeTo make a brain break work for you, there are a few things to think about. First, you will want to make sure it’s an actual break. Moving from school work to an activity that feels like more work won’t help you stay focused.
For kids who need quiet and relaxation, a brain break can be as simple as actively sitting still. While they do that, kids can also take a minute to feel their heartbeat. For kids who need activity, taking a “dance break” is a fun way to refocus and refresh. Anytime you begin to feel restless and struggling to pay attention, try one of these Brain Breaks. Most only take a few minutes and help to take your mind off of the lesson for a moment – allowing you to get up, stretch and have some fun in an activity that uses a different part of your brain. When the activity is done you can get back to the lesson feeling recharged and ready to focus. Here are some examples of brain breaks: This exercise teaches how to gain control of your stressful energy when it becomes to hard to handle. Be kind to each other and yourself; a little kindness and patience will make all the difference as we go through this journey together. Which coping strategies work best for you?Coping strategies are things that we do that help us calm down and deal with difficult situations. They can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths or going for a walk. Everyone is different and that means that each person has to find a coping strategy that works best for them. Some other examples of common coping strategies include:
Try making a list of the ones that work best for you! You can even create a bag or basket of items that help you calm down so you can have it ready the next time you need to use your coping strategies. During the school suspension period, it can be challenging for families to balance online learning with their busy lives. Here are some helpful tips to support your child with online learning! My 2020 COVID-19 Time CapsuleIf you’re looking for an activity to do, journal your experience during the COVID-19 pandemic for a time capsule.
Click picture below to use the templates below to start! Affirmations are helpful, positive statements that help us challenge negative or unhelpful thoughts. Using affirmations is a great way for kids to start the day or to deal with challenging situations that come up during the day. Repetition of affirmations can help kids to interrupt negative or anxious thinking patterns that come with worry in order to refocus attention and change outlooks. After all, changing the way we think can change the way we act and feel! Look below to find 8 affirmations for kids who worry. 8 Affirmations for Kids Who WorryThe power of affirmations lies in their uplifting nature, but we want the affirmations to also be believable! Rather than just “wishful thinking,” kids can use affirmations to remind them of their inner strength and abilities that worry sometimes preys on. 1 – I am safe. When kids truly are in a safe situation, this is a powerful affirmation to remind them of the reality of the situation. Pair it with grounding techniques to help them clue in to their immediate environment. 2 – I can control my breathing. Sometimes things feel out of control. Help kids remember they can control their own breathing to calm their bodies with this affirmation. 3 – I can tell my worry to leave. Help kids tune in to their abilities to personify worry and be the boss of their worry! Kids can tell their worry it’s wrong, tell it to leave, and tell it they’re done listening. 4 – It’s okay if I make mistakes. A lot of kids worry about making mistakes. Help them remember that mistakes are okay and part of the learning process with this affirmation! 5 - I Can Try. This is a great affirmation for kids who don’t start tasks or try new things for fear of failing or making mistakes. 6 – This might be hard, but I can handle it. Encourage kids to harness this inner strength with this affirmation! 7 – I am capable of solving problems. Help kids remember their past successes to approach new problems with this affirmation. 8 – I can release these worries.
Finally, help kids remember that they don’t have to hold on to their worries. They can let them go. Write them on paper and tear them up. Give them to a worry helper. Or write them on a paper airplane and toss them in the trash! How to Explain the Coronavirus to ChildrenExplaining the Coronavirus to children can be challenging. Please view these videos with your children to help your children understand what is happening around us. For Grades 2-5 For Grades K-2
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