MANAGING EMOTIONS/COPING SKILLS CLUB:
Emotions are a part of life.  Whether it's excitement, sorrow, shock, worry, or anger, everyone feels a range of emotions throughout each day.  Some emotions can be overwhelming and uncomfortable, especially for children.  I dealt constantly with anxiety when I was a child.  I didn't know there were things I could do to manage my overwhelming feelings, and it was a very difficult time for me.  Learning how to cope with and manage my emotions changed my life.  I want to pass this knowledge onto my students.  

MISS LORI'S TEACHING STYLE:
I am a high energy teacher and I like to use creativity and a variety of fun activities to connect with my students, and to keep learners engaged.  

CURRICULUM:
I create colorful and creative slides to teach coping skills in an interactive way. 

CLASS CONTENT:
I teach a variety of simple coping skills that fall under 3 main categories:  Mindfulness, Emotional Regulation, and Distress Tolerance.  Students learn how to apply these in every day life situations.

CLASS GOAL:
Students will learn and practice a variety of hands-on coping skills to help calm themselves down when their emotions are running high, so they can enjoy life even when uncomfortable feelings are present.

As children learn to manage their emotions, they will also practice skills to increase their self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-esteem, ultimately increasing their self-empowerment which will help them to grow into strong individuals who can positively navigate the world. 

CLASS TYPE:
This is an ongoing class that meets for 30 minutes 1x per week.  Each lesson is independent, therefore, new students can join the class at any time, and students who leave for a period of time can always rejoin the group without being disadvantaged.  

CLASS SIZE:
I usually allow up to 7 students in a class section.  Occasionally, I may make an exception.  

CLASS MATERIALS:
At this time, students need no materials or "tools" for class.  Students will be engaged in activities through the use of slides and teacher interactions.

CLASS HANDOUTS:
Coming soon!

HOW I RUN MY CLASSROOM:
I adhere to the classroom guidelines, policies, and procedures Outschool recommends/requires, to provide my learners with a safe learning environment.   

All learners of all types and of all learning styles, (with various physical, emotional, mental, educational) needs and capabilities are welcome into my classroom.  Please feel free to send me a message with any questions, concerns, or helpful information regarding your child's specific needs.

MY CLASSROOM RULES:
Students are asked to raise their hands to ask or answer questions.  Students are expected to listen to others when speaking, and to be kind in actions and words.

Students are NOT required to engage in any activity.  I encourage students to join in, but if a student chooses to watch rather than participate in an activity or discussion, I allow that freedom of choice.  

Students are encouraged to but NOT required to leave their cameras on during the lesson.  Some students prefer NOT to be seen on camera.  As per Outschool policies, I do require students to identify themselves via camera when they enter the classroom, but once identified, if they choose to turn their cameras off, I allow that freedom of choice.

Parents are welcome to watch the lessons with your child, as a quiet "guest" at any time.

IMPORTANT:  Please make sure your child knows how to use the "mute" and "unmute" button before class starts.  For most classes, I "mute" the students once the lesson starts to keep distractions to a minimum so the activities can flow freely, but students will need to know how to "unmute" themselves when called on to answer or ask questions.  

PARENTAL GUIDANCE NOTE:  This is a skills oriented club, NOT counseling, therefore students are not asked to discuss their feelings or problems. Instead, we focus on skills to help us manage our feelings and problems.  

NOTE FROM MISS LORI:
I am passionate about teaching coping skills and I look forward to helping your child discover the power that comes with emotional management.