Quick and Easy Calm-Down Strategies for Kids

This class will begin by having students practice a short breathing technique to prepare their bodies and minds for class. As a class, we will then work to identify the various emotions that each of us feel over the course of a day or week. We will discuss the idea that sometimes emotions can feel overwhelming and impact our ability to think or act in a way that we would like. Next, we will watch a short teacher-created video addressing "big, tough, emotions." 
Finally, we will learn five quick-and-easy calm down strategies that the students can use when they are feeling overwhelmed by a particular emotion. We will discuss the importance of practicing these strategies when they are calm so that they will be able to access them when they are experiencing tougher emotions such as frustration, anger, anxiety, sadness, or stress. Students will leave feeling empowered knowing that they have a plan in place to navigate these tough times! As well, upon completion of this class, all students will receive downloadable PDF documents explaining each strategy. Students will be encouraged to print these out and hang them where they will see them often as it will encourage practice.