I'm in Control of Me! Ongoing Focus Games and Relaxation Skills

***PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO INJURY, THIS CLASS WILL BE ENDING ON FEBRUARY 21ST. You are welcome to enroll your learner in either or both of the upcoming weeks. They will not be impacted by the injury.


In this ongoing class, we will alternate between activities that are more physically active that will challenge students’ focus and self-control, and activities that help children learn to relax their bodies and minds. This purposeful alternating will help students learn to slow back down after stimulating activities and grow their mental and emotional capabilities. After our introductions/icebreakers, there will be a total of four activities.  At times we also discuss who is in charge of the choices we make, and I empower them with the understanding that we are the only ones in control of ourselves, even though sometimes it can be challenging. We also talk about when our calming skills could be useful, and how taking a break to calm down can lead to making more positive choices. 

You will receive a detailed handout of all the calming skills your child learned after completion of the course to allow your learner to practice their skills at home. You are also welcome to play any of the games your student learned in class with them and your family for fun and to continue their self-control development.

You may be familiar with some of the games below and feel they're too simple for this age group, but please be aware that I have twists and differences in our games that will challenge your learner's impulsive and automatic responses, self-control, reinforce inhibition, working memory, and flexibility in shifting between rules. 

Relaxation techniques for children improve their overall well-being, ability to handle upsets, increase concentration, and their ability to fall asleep. Focus and self-control are also essential skills for a quality life. The ability to focus and control involves developing executive functioning skills, including the ability to pay attention, learn and remember rules, and the self-control to not act on initial impulses. I'm here to support your child in gaining these important skills!

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Please check the dates below for your specific classes to ensure what week your learner is on. 

**Classes cycle again and again, so you may enroll your child at ANY TIME and they will continue as long as there are enough learners. You do NOT need to start on Week 1. Ongoing classes do not build on each other the way multi-day courses do.**

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If there are two stars (**) before the activity, please check the supply list below so that your learner is ready to enjoy class. A safe area to stand and move is needed every week with the option to be cozy as well, potentially laying down. 
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FRIDAY 6:00 p.m. EST Class:

January 3rd:
Freeze Dance 
Clapping Rhythms 
Icicle/Puddle 
Count Yourself Down

January 10th:
Follow The Leader
Wait Five, Animal Version
Five Senses Mindfulness 
Calming Mantras 

January 17th:
Teacher, May I?
**To Infinity and Beyond!
All the Children are Sleeping
**Mindful Munching

January 24th:
**Garage Band 
No/Go Game 
**Belly Breathing
Guided Imagery 

January 31st:
Simon Says
Be My Mirror
Heartbeat Feels
Animal Yoga

February 7th:
Red Light, Green Light
**Pens up!
Favorite Place 
**Coloring Mandalas 

February 14th:
Active Animals
Relaxation by Distraction 
Do as I Say, Not What I Do
Butterfly Hugs

February 21st:
Color Moons
Blurt! 
Candle Breathing
Progressive Muscle Relaxation