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Big Hugs and Happy Thoughts: Pre-Teen Girls

This class develops Emotional Intelligence & Self-Confidence. Teaches the skills to thrive emotionally, socially, & academically to create a fulfilling & successful life.
Ms. Tara - MS, LAC, NCC
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(273)
Class

What's included

6 live meetings
9 in-class hours

Class Experience

US Grade 6 - 8
Beginner - Intermediate Level
Why This Class?
It's really hard being a kid. ...and who knows that better than other kids? This interactive, virtual youth group provides an environment where pre-teen girls, facing many of the same life challenges, can come together and learn techniques on how to handle day-to-day stress and anxiety.

This group is specifically geared towards pre-teen girls, an age bracket that bridges the gap between being a "kid" in grade school and a "young adult" entering high school. Adolescence is a crucial time for self-discovery, where questions like "Who am I?" and "What do I believe?" often arise. Many young girls are dealing with new issues like transitioning to junior high (middle school), menstruation, changing bodies, fat-shaming, social media influences, bullying, peer pressure, and more.

What Will Be Taught?
This class provides a safe space for pre-teens (ages 11-13) to learn and grow. Learning skills that help when facing issues like school and relationship struggles, making friends, bullying, body changes, body image, gender identity, peer pressure, parent pressures/divorce, fears, depression, self-harm, and more. Our focus is on teaching valuable life skills that can help navigate these challenges through these challenges.

Class Structure:
Each week, we will cover a different topic through a mix of interactive activities, discussions, and practical exercises. 

*Important Note:
Your comfort is my top priority. You will never be put on the spot or expected to ask or answer a question if you do not wish to. This is your space to learn and grow without additional stressors.

Interactive Lectures: 
Short, engaging talks on the weekly topic to provide foundational knowledge.

Group Discussions: 
Safe and open discussions where students can ask questions and share their thoughts on the weekly topic.

Activities and Exercises: 
Practical exercises such as journaling, role-playing, and guided meditations to reinforce learning.

Games and Fun Challenges: 
Interactive games and challenges to make learning fun and engaging.

Support and Validation: 
A focus on listening. Developing the skills to understand and validate other’s, even if they have a different opinion. 

Teaching Style:
My teaching style is compassionate, supportive, and interactive. I believe in creating a warm and welcoming environment where every student feels like they can learn, be heard, and valued. I use a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles, including:
Interactive Lectures: To provide foundational knowledge.
Hands-On Activities: To reinforce learning through practice.
Group Discussions: To foster a sense of community and shared understanding.
Personal Reflection: To encourage self-awareness and personal growth.

Interaction with Learners:
Students will have ample opportunities to interact with me and each other through:

Weekly Group Discussions: 
A time for students to ask questions, learn new strategies, and have a basic understanding of mental health.

Interactive Activities: 
Engaging exercises that encourage participation and collaboration.

Q&A Sessions: 
I have messaging time set aside each week for students to ask questions.

Additional Details:
Confidentiality: All discussions are confidential to ensure a safe and open environment for learners to ask questions without fear or judgment.
Parent Updates: Parents can contact me for basic updates on their child's progress in the class at any time.
No Video Files: Recordings will not be released to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of all learners.

Join us for "Big Hugs and Happy Thoughts" and provide your pre-teen with the tools and support they need to thrive during these pivotal years.

Syllabus

6 Lessons
over 6 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Week 1: Introduction to Emotions and Coping Skills
 Objective: Understand the basics of emotions and introduce coping skills.
Topics:
Introduction and icebreakers.
The science behind emotions.
Identifying and naming emotions.
Basic coping strategies.
Group discussion: Exploration of the things in or control and not in our control.
Activities: Emotion wheel exercise, breathing exercises. 
90 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Week 2: Self-Discovery and Self-Worth
 Objective: Explore self-identity and build self-worth.
Topics:
Who am I? Understanding self-identity.
The importance of self-worth.
Recognizing strengths and talents.
Group discussion: Questions and problem-solving.
Activities: Self-discovery worksheets, and positive affirmation exercises. 
90 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Week 3: Emotional Regulation and Vulnerability
 Objective: Learn techniques for emotional regulation and the value of vulnerability.
Topics:
Emotional regulation strategies.
Understanding vulnerability as a strength.
Managing difficult emotions.
Group discussion: What is vulnerability, and why is it scary?
Activities: Journaling, guided meditation. 
90 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Week 4: Kindness and Compassion
 Objective: Foster kindness and compassion towards self and others.
Topics:
The power of kindness.
Practicing self-compassion.
Showing compassion to others.
Group discussion: Acts of kindness and their impact.
Activities: Kindness challenge, compassion role-playing. 
90 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Learning Needs
This class is not intended for learners in need of learning support, neurodivergent, or needing a higher level of care (such as SMI, or Suicidal). All learners will be referred to the neurodivergent class or emergency services.
Parental Guidance
I ask all parents to be patient as their child learns the new skills and strategies to help them find their way. This is a crucial time to offer support and be a listening ear. If at anytime you lack the time for your child’s questions regarding mental health, please encourage them to write them down and bring them to class.
Supply List
To fully participate in the "Big Hugs and Happy Thoughts: Pre-Teen Girls" course, students will need the following materials:

Journal or Notebook:
A personal journal or notebook for writing exercises, reflections, and notes.

Pen/Pencil:
Pens or pencils for writing in the journal and completing worksheets.

Colored Markers or Crayons:
For creative exercises and activities that involve drawing or decorating.

Self-Discovery Worksheets:
Provided by the instructor for printing during the course.

Positive Affirmation Cards:
Provided by the instructor for printing during the course.
Optional: Students can purchase or create their own set of positive affirmation cards to use throughout the course.

One large posterboard, and items for vision board (needed for last class)

Comfortable, Private Space:
A quiet, comfortable, and private space where the student can participate in virtual sessions without distractions.
Joined October, 2020
4.9
273reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in Psychology from Grand Canyon University
I am a licensed therapist in the state of Arizona with over a decade of experience in the field of psychology and mental health. I own and operate Park Place Recovery and Wellness Center, where my mission is to expand services to address the mental health needs of diverse populations. Currently, I am pursuing a PhD in Clinical Mental Health to further enhance my expertise and the services I provide.

Through the Outschool platform, I use my skills to coach and encourage. I aim to reach learners that need a safe space to talk. My goal is to make coaching and mental health support more accessible and affordable for all.

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Live Group Class
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$50

weekly or $300 for 6 classes
1x per week, 6 weeks
90 min

Live video meetings
Ages: 11-13
5-10 learners per class

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